Background: Embodying therapeutic themes by processing from the experience of the material that emerges can provide clinical depth that words alone cannot reach. Participants will explore how to incorporate embodied "soundbites" into their own therapeutic work. Teaching methods will be didactic and experiential, and conducted in both large and small groups.
A focus on looking to the nonverbal aspect of the communication will be used.
1. Introduction
2. Identification of themes that will be used
3. Using an embodiment format to explore a theme though the Cognitive Markers(CMs)
A. Exploration
B. Discovery
C. Acknowledgement
D. Connection
E. Integration
5. Demonstratons and embodiment of identified themes using the CMs
6. Summary
Embodying therapeutic themes by processing from the experience of the material that emerges can provide clinical depth that words alone cannot reach. This didactic and experiential presentation explores an innovative method for addressing issues that underlie eating disorders. Participants will be introduced to clear and simple ways to explore difficult yet complex issues as they emerge. The experiential clarity inherent in physicalizing the metaphors will allow insights to spring to the surface, thereby increasing understanding of what is driving the disordered coping mechanisms.
Specifically, this session includes:
a. A description of the Cognitive Markers, an original format that provides the foundation from which the process is framed.
b. Meaningful quotes or “soundbites” that can serve as springboards for exploration of emerging thoughts and feelings.
c. Embodied experiences to heighten awareness of living in ones’ body.
d. Guided journaling on the Cognitive Markers Worksheet to allow participants to reflect on and share feelings and thoughts that can lead toward moving deeper into and ultimately resolving issues related to their recovery.
Participants will be encouraged to be “detectives”, viewing their embodied experiences and cognitive perceptions as clues to help them recognize how these clues connect to larger emotional issues. Teaching methods will be didactic and experiential, and focus on using this format to maximize positive change with their own patients.
Susan Kleinman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, CEDS, is creative arts supervisor and dance/movement therapist for The Renfrew Center of Florida. Ms Kleinman is a trustee of the Marian Chace Foundation, Past President of the American Dance Therapy Association, and a past Chair of The National Coalition for Creative Arts Therapies. She has published extensively, presented widely, and is the recipient of the American Dance Therapy Association’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award and The International Association of Eating Disorders Professional’s 2014 Spirit of iaedp Award. Her work is featured in the documentary entitled Expressing Disorder: Journey to Recovery
