The speaking body:

Paul Solomom

doi:10.9791/ajpanz.2008.02

Paul Solomom

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2008.02

Abstract

Psychotherapists who practice Buddhist meditation can develop a heightened awareness of their own body sensations. Some psychotherapists develop the skill of using their body awareness inter-subjectively: their bodies can become sensitive instruments that resonate with the unconscious emotional and physical experiences of their patients and clients, in a form of body-based counter-transference. This article discusses two clinical vignettes from a study of the work of six psychotherapists who meditate, in Auckland, London, New York, and Boston (Solomon, 2008).

The author suggests that the practice of insight meditation (vipassana), and other forms of meditation, may enable therapists to achieve "evenly-suspended attention" (Freud, 1912), develop their sensitivity to body sensations and body counter-transferences, and temporarily suspend psychic boundaries between self and other.

Author Biography

Paul Solomom

As recorded in 2008.

Paul Solomon trained in psychiatric social work and group-work in London in the 1970s. He also trained with David Boadella in bioenergetic therapy. After arriving in New Zealand in 1984 Paul worked in the psychosomatic pain programme at Auckland hospital, and later in the adolescent psychiatric department. In the 1990's he trained in Psychoanalytic psychotherapy with AFCP modules and IPP. Since 1999 he has taught on the AUT psychotherapy programme, and sees patients in private practice and in a weekly group. He practices psychoanalytic psychotherapy, taiji, and vipassana meditation. Paul will be the editor of the journal from 2009. His email address is paulsolomon@xtra.co.nz.

The speaking body

Psychotherapists who meditate

Abstract

Author Biography