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Embodied Psychotherapy is a unique therapeutic approach that integrates both the body and mind to facilitate healing from mental and emotional distress. This method goes beyond traditional talk therapy by focusing on how emotions, trauma, and stress manifest physically.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, experienced Lead Psychotherapist Gabriele McErlean leads this holistic treatment, helping individuals explore their physical sensations as an entry point to emotional healing.
What is embodied psychotherapy?
Embodied psychotherapy is grounded in the idea that emotional experiences are deeply connected to bodily sensations. It recognises that trauma, anxiety, and stress often manifest physically, whether as chronic tension, pain, or unexplained ailments. Body-centred therapy allows individuals to explore these physical symptoms in a therapeutic context, facilitating emotional release and healing.
Through somatic therapy and body-centred therapy, embodied psychotherapy helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, creating a deeper understanding of how trauma and stress affect their wellbeing.
This therapeutic approach uses techniques like somatic experiencing, movement therapy, and mindfulness to increase body awareness. As patients tune into their bodily sensations, they can process unresolved trauma, regulate their emotions, and experience a sense of relief.
Embodied psychotherapy is particularly effective for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues.
How does embodied psychotherapy work?
During embodied psychotherapy sessions, the focus shifts from traditional conversation to exploring bodily sensations. By engaging in practices such as breathwork, grounding exercises, and movement, individuals become more attuned to the physical manifestations of their emotional experiences.
Common techniques used in somatic therapy include:
Breathwork: Encouraging awareness of breathing patterns to regulate emotions.
Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness to observe bodily sensations and emotions.
Movement therapy: Releasing tension and emotional energy through movement.
Somatic experiencing: Exploring the body's responses to trauma to facilitate healing.
Get in touch with our caring team today if you'd like to join our embodied psychotherapy group in London.
If you're looking for specialist group therapy sessions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
Our mental health and wellbeing clinic, Schoen Clinic Chelsea offers private outpatient group therapy sessions with appointments in as little as 24 hours.
Email our caring team today, or complete our Online Registration Form & Screening Questionnaire to get started..
Who can benefit from embodied psychotherapy?
Embodied psychotherapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions. It is also an excellent therapy for those who feel disconnected from their bodies or experience physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, that may be linked to emotional distress.
This therapy is a powerful alternative for individuals who have found limited success with traditional talk therapy and are looking for a more integrated approach to healing.
Individuals experiencing the following conditions may benefit from embodied psychotherapy:
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Chronic anxiety and stress
Depression
Somatic symptoms such as chronic pain or tension
Emotional blockages and difficulties in processing emotions
What to expect in an embodied psychotherapy session
Our embodied psychotherapy group at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, led by Gabriele McErlean, a skilled practitioner in somatic therapy, is designed to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and explore their emotional and physical experiences.
A typical session may include:
Breathwork and relaxation techniques to increase bodily awareness.
Movement-based therapy to help release stored emotional energy.
Somatic experiencing, where individuals explore the body’s responses to emotional trauma in a safe and guided manner.
Grounding exercises to help individuals stay present in the moment and process emotions.
Over time, patients begin to understand the connection between their emotional health and physical experiences, leading to improvements in mental health.
Key benefits of embodied psychotherapy
Embodied psychotherapy offers several unique benefits for individuals seeking a holistic approach to mental health treatment:
Trauma healing: By addressing the way trauma is stored in the body, individuals can release long-held emotional pain and stress, leading to profound healing.
Anxiety reduction: Techniques such as breathwork and body-centred mindfulness help regulate the nervous system, reducing anxiety levels.
Improved emotional awareness: As patients become more attuned to their bodily sensations, they can better understand and process their emotions.
Enhanced self-awareness: Engaging with the body helps individuals cultivate a stronger connection to themselves, fostering self-esteem and personal growth.
Why choose Schoen Clinic Chelsea for embodied psychotherapy?
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, embodied psychotherapy is delivered in a supportive and compassionate environment. Our Lead Psychotherapist, Gabriele McErlean, specialises in somatic therapy, movement therapy, and body-centred therapeutic techniques, offering a personalised and holistic approach to each patient’s healing journey.
Patients receive expert therapy attention in an empathetic and confidential setting, ensuring that their physical and emotional needs are met throughout the therapeutic process. Somatic trauma therapy at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is rooted in evidence-based techniques and focuses on healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
How to access the embodied psychotherapy group at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Accessing mental health therapy at our London clinic is simple. Whether you are seeking structured, long-term mental health treatment or looking for a flexible pay-as-you-go option, we are committed to making mental health support accessible and effective for everyone.
If you'd like to join our embodied psychotherapy group there are two options available:
As part of our highly specialised mental health treatment programme for adults
On a pay-as-you-go basis.
If you'd like further details about any of our groups, or have any questions before getting started, please don't hesitate to contact us
