Embodying Emotions: A Method for Improving Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes in all Therapy Modalities from Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP)

Presented by:
Raja Selvam, PhD, Founder of Integral Somatic Psychology

CE and Course Access Information:
This course will not include CEs. Our upcoming recorded live events will be available here, free for members and non-members who register for them. Members and event registrants can use their discount code to watch this event free. For assistance email [email protected].

Abstract:
The practice of embodying emotions is a science-backed, and body-based approach developed for improving physical, energetic, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, relational, and even spiritual outcomes. Scientific advances have established that emotion determines cognition and behavior in every moment (affectivism). Cognition, emotion, and behavior are dependent not only on the brain but also on the body and the environment. When more of the body is involved in emotional experience, the better the brain's ability to process it cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally. From the very first session with clients we aim to broaden the definition of emotion to include sensorimotor emotions (such as just feeling bad), and expand the conscious experience of emotion to as much of the brain and body physiology as possible. Simple tools such as self-touch can be employed even in online sessions, and make the body more available and more connected to the brain and the environment, thereby ensuring optimal conditions for improving treatment times and diverse outcomes.

Bio:
Raja Selvam, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist (CA PSY30233), a senior trainer in Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing (SE) professional trauma training, and the developer of Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) with the practice of embodying emotions as its core clinical strategy. He is the author of the 2022 book The practice of embodying emotions: A guide for improving cognitive, emotional, and clinical outcomes. His work is informed by multiple body psychotherapy approaches (Reichian Therapy, Bioenergetic Analysis, Bodynamic Analysis and Somatic Experiencing), bodywork systems of Postural Integration and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Jungian and Archetypal psychologies, Kleinian and Intersubjective schools of psychoanalysis, cognitive and affective neurosciences, quantum physics, yoga, Polarity Therapy, and Advaita Vedanta (s spiritual psychology from India). Dr. Selvam has taught for twenty-five years in nearly as many countries on five continents.