The Body in Recovery: Somatic Psychotherapy and the Self

by John P. Conger

The Body in Recovery challenges the separation of verbal and bodywork therapies by integrating Reich's concepts of character armoring and bioenergetic exercises with psychodynamic theory. Addressed to therapists, this culminating work of twenty years of psychotherapy will also fascinate those embarking on the journey of therapy for themselves, and anyone seeking to understand the process of shaping an identity.

Genres: Psychology

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 1994

Reviews

[culley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fascinating and intriguing. In order to be inclusive and comprehensive, the study of psychology and psychotherapy needs to include the rich somatic traditions, as well as making use of the expressive arts. Conger’s somatic approach is in the lineage of Reich, Lowen and Bioenergetics, blended with the insights of Jung. This book contains 100 practical somatic exercises for therapists to integrate into their practice. I find the sexual notions of Reich to be dated and specific to western culture. I am taking a class with John Conger soon, and I look forward to learning more about these things.