Posted by daisym on July 22, 2005, at 0:03:52
In reply to Re: Touch Issues - Massage, etc - - - - MT?? » jammerlich, posted by Shortelise on July 16, 2005, at 16:22:11
****I think the body memories we keep are sometimes ignored by T's. I truly believe that we also have to find those things in the body and therapize them too, on the physical level on which they exist.*****
I found that my body "speaks" about the memories I'm experiencing in subtle and not so subtle ways. I get squirming, especially when I feel sensations in very private areas, I bounce my feet when I'm anxious and/or I'll curl up tight in a ball on the couch to contain myself. My therapist sometimes refers to my bouncing as "mental pacing" but he typically will comment or ask about what are you feeling "in your body." I've found these sensations tough to describe because they are so old and yet so present in the here and now. It gets confusing. I try hard to relax and let go of the feelings because I sometimes end up with painfully sore muscles after sessions due to how tightly I'm holding on or squeezing tight.
It is odd and scary. I did read a book about somatic memories and holding therapy but don't remember the name (Releasing the Tiger? Something like that.) It was only so-so helpful. I wish I were braver to explore more about this. I suspect, for me, it would be helpful.
I've never had a massage, and when a nurse tried to rub my leg when I was in labor I almost kicked her in the head I jumped so high. I have this fantasy of relaxing completely and letting someone rub my neck and shoulders and brush my hair. Never gonna happen but it sounds nice, as long as it is someone else...
poster:daisym
thread:526822
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050716/msgs/531289.html