There is increasing interest in somatic interventions in the field of psychotherapy and in the role of the body in trauma (e.g., Porges, 2011; Schore, 2003; Siegel, 1999). Schema therapy (ST) focuses on affective, cognitive and behavioural aspects of experience with less attention to somatic components. This workshop, will draw on techniques from sensorimotor psychotherapy (Ogden et al 2006), as well as the work of Van der Kolk (1994), Rothschild (2000) and Levine (1997) in order to address this imbalance by introducing practical ways of integrating body methods into ST. 

• ·     Drawing awareness to somatic aspects of schemas and modes
• ·     Working within the ‘Window of Tolerance’ – guidelines for working with the body safely
• ·     Somatic resources to improve emotional regulation
• ·     Techniques for directly working with the body to alter somatic patterns
• ·     Methods of enhancing existing ST techniques (imagery, chair work and flashcards) via a somatic pathway

About the Presenter:

Janis Briedis, Principal Practitioner Psychologist, Director of Schema Therapy School, London, UK. Counselling Psychologist, Schema Therapy Supervisor and Trainer working in private practice in London and having worked in a complex case service in the NHS for over a decade. He has completed a two-year programme in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and is also a trained CBT, EMDR and compassion-focussed therapist working with complex cases. Janis has taught Schema Therapy, CBT, trauma-focussed approaches and mindfulness in the NHS as well as in the academic setting, and is a visiting lecturer at a number of universities in the UK.