Integrative Body Therapy (TCI) was developed at the end of the 90s by Antonio Pacheco Fuentes. As a base for his Integrative Body Therapy he goes back to the “Analysis of Character through the Body” of Wilhelm Reich and Bioenergetics by Alexander Lowen.
Body techniques such as movement and breathing and their experience are part of our holistic, psychosomatic understanding of therapy. TCI uses a number of techniques that combine energetic-physical, emotional, mental, and transpersonal dimensions. Many perceived “states” have their origins in preverbal phases and therefore cannot be expressed cognitively or verbally. The only key to these states can be a sensation in the body. Bodywork can thus support, initiate, and guide therapeutic processes of self-knowledge and transformation.
The focus of bodywork integrates techniques of bioenergetics, body awareness, breathing techniques and body expression. Integrative Body Therapy uses tools from other therapeutic models, especially form Gestalt and Mindfulness.
For a better understanding, we explain the dimensions of TCI body work sessions:
We use the respiration and bioenergetics techniques to dissolve physical blockages in the muscles and of the respiration. Blockages are understood as the chronic suppression of an emotional expression such as anger or even happiness. It costs us as much energy to suppress an emotion as there is an internal urge in human nature to release our emotion and express it freely. The game of expression against oppressioncan consume a large part of our energy and we can feel chronically tired and – or sad – or even develop a psychosomatic illness.
These bodywork techniques help us to better perceive our repressed feelings and impulses and to release tensions and blockages. The purpose is to release suppressed energy and make it available to our system and ultimately our lives.
Meditation and concentration techniques help to perceive emotions and body sensations in the present moment. ALL sensations are perceived without evaluating them and dividing them into wanted and “good” or unwanted and “bad”. Instead of fighting against certain uncomfortable sensations, we do accept them. All sensations have contributed to our development at a time, although we have learned along the way to suppress some of them.
In Body Work also our emotions are welcomed in all their spectrum.
The basis for this type of work is a safe and trusting framework conditions and unconditional respect for the person and the therapeutic process.
Reflecting on experiences, thoughts, roles, belief systems, and values that emerge in therapy, makes us come to a broader understanding of ourselves and our environment. All consideration refers to a specific awareness coming out of body work.
Breathing and movement, creative and spontaneous expression, are just a few ways in which we can expand our consciousness to gain a deeper understanding of our own wisdom. The goal is self-acceptance and of what is and of who we are, an affirmation of ourselves and our flow of life, without fighting it or interrupting flow of life with expectations.
An Integrative Body Therapy session always starts with an inventory of what is happening right in the very moment. These can be physical symptoms, thoughts, worries, a lived situation, an emotion, or a current condition.
Our first concern will be to get in touch with the physical sensations. We try to discover physical correspondences or spots in the body where an emotion or a problem becomes noticeable.
Especially with a conscious breathing but also with other described techniques we try to solve tensions in the different body segments. The dissolution of inner tensions leads to the expansion of our expressiveness and ultimately to live who we are.
The body is an unequivocal way of solving tension and discomfort, whether emotional or mental or physical. An enormous advantage of bodywork is that blockages can be solved without having to cognitively understand their origin or meaning. In the body all information is available. Belief systems and thought patterns complicate or even block access to the contact with our underlying needs and our expression. Bodywork allows a more direct contact with all dimensions of our existence and their transformation.
As therapists, we focus on your potential and accept your limitations and vulnerability. We treat everything that happens with respect and recognition. We believe that the process of change takes place through a deep acceptance. We respect your pace and accompany and support you on your therapeutic path.
Please read also our article about psychosomatics
