Starting from a strong theoretical foundation developed both from neuroscience and existential phenomenology, the Body and its real & perceived ‘spaces’ – will be considered as the primary organisers and integrators of traumatic experience.  Using a mixture of theory presentation, embodied reflection, group work, discussion and illustrated clinical examples, this workshop, with globally acclaimed trauma expert Miriam Taylor will:

• examine the neuroscience behind our embodied sense of connection and
• will propose that relational presence is predicated first and foremost on feelings of safety rooted in embodied experience – highlighting the importance of ‘space’
• Our most important consideration will be to account for the therapist’s own sense of embodied presence as one side of the relational dyad; and the relational ‘space’ on the other
• we will look at the processes by which the therapist attunes to the dissociative trauma and which support safe embodied relationship, including conveying compassion and the feeling of being ‘held’ – without crossing any ‘spaces’
• Build on looking at different styles of relating – the relational benefits of counter-intuitively distancing from the client will also be evaluated

We will rely on a foundational bedrock of Interpersonal neuroscience and borrow from polyvagal theory for our workshop and learn what we mean by the ‘felt sense’ and how it takes us beyond functional styles of relating – particularly in the presence of dissociative states. Experiential exercises will provide a means of accessing this aspect more clearly.

Specifically, the workshop will provide us, as psychotherapists and counsellors to explore:

• interpersonal neurobiology – specifically to consider how the relational process regulates energy flow
• the mirror neuron system and the intersubjective field – how this can guide us in sensorimotor work
• embodied experience of boundaries – allowing for an empathetically driven response that guides our therapeutic process
• the meaning of personal space – how we can be relational while allowing clients to own their personal space
• energetic communication of trauma – understanding the concept of trauma energetics
• embodied resonance – accounting for ‘the story the body tells us’ and the co-creation of the relational field

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