The Importance of Integrating the Body into Therapy

As a psychotherapist specializing in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I’ve witnessed the power of integrating both the mind and body in therapy. Too often, we separate our physical and emotional experiences when, in reality, they are deeply connected. When you come to me for intensive therapy, an EMDR retreat, or Anxiety Therapy, we don’t just talk through your issues—we move them out of the body as well.

Through EMDR, we reprocess distressing memories and emotional experiences. But by adding body movement to the process, we allow for a deeper release of stuck energy and tension that’s held in the physical form. Movement resets your nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of calm and balance. It clears the way for new thought patterns and beliefs, fostering lasting change.

Why Movement Matters

When we engage in movement, especially paired with breathing and mindfulness, we stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. Western society tends to prioritize the left hemisphere, which governs logic, analysis, and strategy. This part of the brain is incredibly useful, but it can also leave us feeling disconnected from our body and emotions.

The right hemisphere, associated with intuition, connection, and holistic thinking, helps us feel connected to ourselves and the world around us. Activating both hemispheres, particularly when working through trauma or engaging in Anxiety Therapy, encourages the brain to function as a cohesive unit, rather than isolating different parts of the self.

Movement, whether it’s a simple joint exercise or a dance, activates both of these brain areas, promoting balance, integration, and healing.

A Simple Movement Practice to Align Your Mind and Body

To promote well-being and release any tension accumulated from the winter months, this practice is designed to help you clear your joints and move your body.

Activate Your Feet
Stand tall, and if possible, take off your shoes to connect with the ground beneath you. Shift your weight from side to side, balancing the functions of both the logical and intuitive sides of your brain.
Wrist Circles
Bring your palms together and circle your wrists. Shift your weight slightly to engage the knees and allow energy to move freely through your body. You may feel resistance or stiffness, but that’s simply the connective tissue loosening up.
Shoulder Rolls
Inhale deeply as you roll your shoulders forward in a circle. This releases tension from the shoulders, a common area for emotional and physical stress. After a few rounds, reverse the direction.
Neck and Head Movements
Move your head in a circular motion with your chin, like drawing a circle in the air. This releases tension in the neck and upper back, helping to create fluidity in the spine.
Foot Circles
For balance, hold onto a sturdy surface, and circle each foot, first in one direction, then the other. This simple practice promotes mobility and flexibility.
Knee Circles
With your hands on your knees, gently bend them and circle them in one direction. Reverse after a few rounds to keep your knees and legs fluid and free, which helps prevent feelings of depression associated with rigid joints.
Hip Circles
Place your hands on your hips and begin circling them. This movement releases stress in the pelvis, lower back, and abdomen, common areas for storing emotional tension.
Full-Spine Wave
Stand tall, arms raised, and create a wave-like motion with your spine, bending forward and then back up. This helps increase flexibility and release tension throughout the spine.
Finishing with Breath
Take a deep breath in and exhale slowly, feeling the energy move through your body. You’ve just engaged both hemispheres of your brain and awakened your body from its winter slumber.

The Power of Movement in Healing

Integrating movement into your daily routine or therapeutic practice can shift your emotional and physical well-being. Whether you’re managing trauma, working through Anxiety Therapy, or just seeking a greater sense of vitality, movement is key. It helps release pent-up energy, reduce stress, and improve your mood.

This is just one way to incorporate movement into your healing journey. If you're struggling with anxiety or emotional distress, don’t hesitate to reach out for an intensive therapy session. Together, we can move through life’s challenges and create lasting, transformative change.

As you continue to explore the power of movement in your mental health, feel free to share this practice with anyone who might benefit from it.

If you want to learn more about Anxiety Therapy, click here .

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