Kathrin Stauffer—a biochemist and seasoned body psychotherapist—takes a look at organ systems of the human body to illuminate the connections between body and mind, exploring the body as both the ground of our physical experience and as a metaphor for our emotional life. Beginning with a discussion of the basic building blocks of the body, cells and molecules, Stauffer works through the body system by system, showing through clinical case examples that an understanding of each system can greatly enhance the art of psychotherapy: The Central Nervous System, The Skeletal Musculature, The Respiratory System, The Skin, The Digestive System, Fluids and Connective Tissue, The Endocrine System, The Reproductive System, and The Respiratory System. Throughout, Stauffer presents human anatomy and physiology in clear, simple terms, with facts selected for interest and relevance to psychotherapists. Many links are made between physical and psychological function to give readers a taste of how body psychotherapists work in clinical practice to integrate body and mind, and thus help their clients become more whole. Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotherapists invites psychotherapists, complementary therapists, and anyone else interested in the mind/body connection to engage with the physical body to bring more depth into their therapeutic work. From the Reviews: “My first reaction to this book is, ‘WOW!’ Scientist turned psychotherapist Kathrin Stauffer makes a major contribution towards a unifying theory of body and mind in this highly accessible volume. It is essential reading for all psychotherapists and bodypsychotherapists who desire to apply the wisdom of science for the purpose of gaining a deeper understanding of and greater compassion for their clients as well as themselves.” —Babette Rothschild, MSW, Author, The Body Remembers and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery “Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotherapists is a wonderfully readable overview of the main organ systems of the body, in language that a non-specialist can understand. Stauffer explains the functions of the body in ways that are relevant to our insights into the relation between psyche and soma. The book is rich with principles taken from body-psychotherapy (Reich, Boyesen, Boadella, Keleman and others), and clearly presents the functional identity of body and mind. Each chapter is enriched with clear case examples taken from actual practice.”—David Boadella, M.Ed., Dr.h.c., Founder of Biosynthesis, Author, Lifestreams About the Author: Kathrin A. Stauffer, PhD, was born and educated in Switzerland. Originally a biochemist, she retrained as a body psychotherapist at the Chiron Centre for Body Psychotherapy in London and Cambridge. She currently works in private practice in Cambridge and London as a body psychotherapist, biodynamic massage therapist, trainer and supervisor. |
