Clinically relevant guidelines for when practitioners need to act more directively
In this talk Steve will briefly trace the history of psychology and somatics to the current moment. We will look at major themes relevant to the decolonization of somatic psychology. In particular, the distinction will be clarified between the goals of symptom relief and liberation of mind and being. Methodologies—somatic or not—need to provide clinically relevant guidelines when practitioners are to behave more directively. Rogerian, reflective listening and attunement interventions are already powerful tools. A therapist who directs a client with a question like, “What do you feel in your body?” should have compelling guidelines, and well-articulated therapeutic reasons for this communication that usurps the client’s autonomy of attention.
