Somatic Psychology

This book brings attention to the interface of psychotherapy and
psychological theory with the somatic practices of bodywork and
movement therapy. To offer a client only psychotherapy, or only
bodywork may subtly or directly reinforce the body-mind split from
which so many of us suffer; in some cases this will be a
reinforcement of a dilemma central to the client's problems.
Hartley views body psychotherapy and transpersonal psychotherapy as
building bridges between the once separated processes of psyche,
soma, and spirit. Today the emerging field of somatic psychology is
also contributing to the expanded field of psychology a subtle
differentiation of bodymind process, developed through almost a
century and a half of research and practice in somatic therapy and
education.

Originally trained as a dancer, movement therapist and bodywork
practitioner, Hartley continues to use movement and somatic process
as an important foundation for her own work. Training in Dance
Movement Therapy, the transpersonal psychotherapy of
Psychosynthesis, and Process-Oriented Psychology have further
deepened Hartley's awareness of the relationships between psyche,
soma and spirit, and the need to respond to all levels of
experience in therapeutic work.