Bioenergetic analysis

Depersonalization and alienation of the individual are said to have resulted in diverting the body from its true role and exaggerating the role of the ego, thus putting body and ego in conflict. Bioenergetic analysis aims to redress the effect of repressing body feelings and provide an adequate body image. In this form of therapy the body is considered to have one fundamental energy, bioenergy, manifested by emotions and muscles alike. Every neurotic problem is held to have its counterpart in the structure and functioning of the body. Muscular tension is considered to be a basic factor in emotional disturbances and the latter may be dispelled by integrating analytical work aimed at intellectual understanding with physical exercises and postures.

The body is involved as follows: individuals wear tights or other minimal clothing so that bodily tensions may be visible in group sessions; its energy processes are mobilized through breathing and movement in order to facilitate expression of feeling; a setting is provided for the release of repressed feelings through bodily action (e.g. hitting, kicking, etc); direct physical contact occurs between the individual and the therapist.

The capacity for emotional expression is to the degree of muscular coordination. In the emotionally disturbed person, portions of the body may be too rigid and he cannot move gracefully. As individuals learn to relax or let go in postures or in such activities as striking a couch or kicking their legs, their general muscular coordination increases spontaneously. Feelings are expressed through movement, so every muscular tension is a barrier that blocks or limits the expression of that feeling. By eliminating the tension, the feeling can be released; conversely, by expressing the feeling the tension can be reduced.