What is MindBody Therapy (MBT)?

The Term "MindBody" in general denotes to the interconnectivity between the mind & body. There are hundreds of Mind Body Therapy practices and modalities with their own methods of accessing. But they all have the same objective. To come into alignment with our true nature, our essence and to recognize the interconnectivity within us. As well as uncover the existence of being able to remove any of our own obstructions. The MBT framework that I learned under, to become a MindBody Therapy Practitioner, recognizes how people are unique, multidimensional beings. And includes various practices for anyone to be able to build capacity for Presence, Awareness & Agency.

It supports someone to come into alignment with themselves. And honors openness for whatever may emerge, for natural healing to occur. It also views the body as containing valuable information, a helpful resource. But here, the practitioner is not the expert of someone’s wellbeing, only themselves. Its our philosophy. However, it is my greatest honor to walk alongside someone through their process. And to hold them with mindfulness and compassion.

Some of the Topics & Practices that I Learned from the mbt Program

From the Best In the Field, of Body-Centered Psychotherapy, such as...

-Dr. Christine Caldwell, Dr. Rae Johnson, Dr. Albert Wong, & Dr. Maureen Gallagher

Eugene Gendlin's Focusing
Neuroscience
Dr. Christine Caldwell's The Moving Cycle
Non-Violent Communication (NVC)
Buddhist Psychology & Contemplative Therapies
Trauma Therapy
Eastern Origins & Technologies for MBT
Internal Family Systems (IFS)- it’s actually an individual, inner child type of therapy
Attachment Theory

*Many more

Working w/ the Body

Overall, we like to put extra emphasis on connecting you with your body, its sensations and states. Because as we all know, the mind can sometimes play tricks on us. So, we like to hand the mic over to the body, most of the time. Back when I was in massage school, we always used to say a lot, "the issues are in the tissues." Our bodies, experience--> store--> and holds us in certain positions, or even locks us in certain states (ex. flight or fight). And so, engaging with the body in a mindful way is paramount, to help move some things out that are no longer serving, or are continuing to cripple us.

In the MBT program, Rae Johnson (PhD, RSW, RSMT, BCC) taught me many vital things of what a MBT session consists of. Such as, the collaborative assessment between the practitioner and client. Meaning, us working together as a team towards your goals and intentions. But also, me as the practitioner, setting the framework up for the session itself. Like, having side-rails up, so that you are not alone or unsupported during the session. Lastly, end of session application, how you’re going to apply what you learned in the session (out into your life.) Being out it and being held accountable.

A part that I absolutely loved though, which she stressed a lot, is the importance of expression, as a part of MBT. Whether that be through art, using the voice, or movement for liberation and expansion; as I mentioned, to get something out. But not until, you look at it, identify it, and decide to do something about it of course.

Down below is a document that she shared with us, it explains the gist of Mind Body Therapy, its purpose and intentions.

*Anything within bold brackets, in the document, are words that I added to help you remember, or better understand the concepts.

Components of a Somatic (Body) Approach

According to Thomas Hanna (1970), a somatic perspective is one that privileges the subjective felt experience of the body in understanding and working with human experience. In other words, when making meaning of an experience, what we feel in our bodies is always incorporated into what we (or others) think or believe about the experience. When working with the body, our interventions are primarily informed and guided by the impact those interventions have on our bodily sense of ourselves. But what comprises this embodied felt experience? Here are some frequently referenced, sometimes overlapping components:

Interoception

Perception of internal regulation responses, including pain, pressure, temperature, itch, visceral sensations, hunger, thirst, and 'air hunger'.
There is increasing research evidence that the neural substrates responsible for subjective awareness of emotions are based on the neural representation of physiological states.
Interoception seems to provide the basis for the subjective image of the material self as a feeling (sentient) entity.
Many, if not most, “somatic” practices focus on the exploration and cultivation of interoception as a key aspect of embodied experience.
The intentional, focused and impartial observation (“witnessing”) of these inner body sensations has been posited as the basis of many mindfulness practices.

[= I can feel into what is happening inside* my body]

Proprioception

Perception of the relative position of neighboring parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement. In humans, it is provided by proprioceptors in skeletal muscles, tendons, and joints. Along with the vestibular system (the sensory system that provides a sense of balance and spatial orientation) proprioception informs our overall sense of body position, movement, and acceleration and guides somatic motor activity.
Along with interoception, proprioception is a key component of embodied experience.

[= I am aware of how my body is positioned on this earth, and I move accordingly]

Exteroception

Perception of stimuli arising from outside the body
The classic five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch
Sight and hearing are often highly privileged
Sense of touch often associated with a somatic approach

[= I use all my senses and am present with the external* world around me]

Neuroception

A term coined by Stephen Porges to define the subcortical (unconscious) processes that determine whether a situation is safe or dangerous. Although we are not aware of this process, we can experience its effects somatically.

[= hey.. am I good here or not.. what does this situation actually call for?]

Felt Sense

Eugene Gendlin (1982) defined ‘felt sense’ as an embodied, nonverbal inner knowledge. This implicit form of knowing represents “a special kind of internal bodily awareness…a body-sense of meaning” which the conscious mind is initially unable to articulate. A felt sense is more than a sensation or an emotion, although it often has a sensory quality and an emotional tone.

[= I am picking up on "something" beyond my mind, and my body knows what's up]

Intercorporeality

Intercorporeality is a notion first proposed by Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1962) that is beginning to be elaborated through neuroscientific study, particularly by research into mirror neurons [neurons are nerve cells which receive sensory input and send out motor/action commands for you]. It highlights the role of social interaction in the experience and behaviors of the body as we ‘try on’ the experiences of others through our embodied imagination.

[= Mechanism for social learning - how we understand the actions, emotions, & intentions of others (intersubjectivity)

= Called mirror neurons because their visual properties replicate their motor properties

(like, we see someone else doing it and it triggers our own body to coordinate towards that movement, to start moving in that way too)

we are like mirrors for each other*

how we perceive emotions in others, and how we perceive the actions of others

“my body influences your body*”]

Seven Somatic Competencies*

Able to ‘witness’ one’s own embodied experience (in movement, in stillness, and in context)
Able to get ‘grounded’ and ‘centered’ in the body; somatic self-regulation
Able to take pleasure in embodied experience and appreciate its aesthetic qualities
Able to integrate thought, feeling, and action with environmental conditions
Able to ‘witness’ the embodied experience of others and to be ‘witnessed’ by them; able to co-create and maintain an attuned body-to-body relational frame
Able to engage in embodied ethical decision-making, informed by embodied empathy
Able to learn from (identify, reflect upon, making meaning of, transform and integrate) individual, relational, and collective experiences in and through the body

It is important to understand the development of these capacities as unique to each individual soma [body] in the context of their relational and sociocultural contexts, and to recognize the dangers of assuming universal norms of embodiment or Western standards of “competence”, “ethics” or “aesthetics”. For example, it is crucial that neurological and anatomical diversity is understood as a normal expression of human biology, rather than as necessarily a problem, limitation, or disability. Likewise, these competencies must incorporate an understanding of sociocultural diversity and an analysis of how power differentials affect embodiment.

[= we don't judge, assume, or put you in a box, come as you are.. you have a say in the MBT collaborative process]

= "I see you in your wholeness"]

Somatic Practices & Knowledge Areas that Support these Competencies

Sensory awareness practices
Experiential anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
Developmental embodiment and movement practices
Body observation, nonverbal communication, and movement analysis models
Embodied mindfulness practices (e.g., yoga, aikido, authentic movement)
Relational embodiment practices (e.g. contact improvisation)
Embodied group work models (e.g., group dance movement therapy)
Somatic processing models (e.g., Focusing, Moving Cycle)
Embodied peacemaking models
Embodied leadership models
Embodied expressive and performance arts
Sociocultural aspects of embodied experience
Somatic trauma models (e.g., Somatic Experiencing)
Neuroscientific foundations of embodied experience

All of these practices and knowledge areas are applicable to a wide range of professional applications, from psychotherapy to education, from business to the performing arts.*

Gendlin, E. T. (1982). Focusing. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Hanna, T. (1970). Bodies in revolt. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Merleau-Ponty, M. (1962). Phenomenology of perception. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

Rae Johnson, 2020

My Passion for MBT

After a rough start, filled with plot twist, confusion & rainy days, I eventually discovered my purpose and passion. I was redirected towards something more suited for me. Where I can allow my gifts and abilities to shine free, the world of Holistic Health. It was night and day to what I had known, and I was all in. First, it started with becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist years ago, which sparked my interest in the mind & body connection. Which then, led me to becoming a MindBody Therapy Practitioner. The MBT foundation, practices and philosophy were all so beautiful and empowering that now I want to shout them from the roof tops. To share the knowledge and wisdom with anybody, who crosses paths with me. As we are all walking each other home.

For instance, some of those practices are so simple, yet out of the box. Anyone, from any culture or background can greatly benefit from them. It pulls from all across the world and from different time periods. There is the wisdom from the great ancients, as well as knowledge that has been gained more recently through science. Above all, when the two collide… an undeniable sense of direction and clarity emerges, which puts the patient first and inflated egos last.

But those who study the mind & body know that the learning is never done. I also have a background of countless Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology & Psychology college credits (top of my class), along with a 5yr (LMT) experience past and each day there is something new. Each day we gain more knowledge and insight into what we weren't aware of before. To what we didn't even think was possible. Therefore to me, those are the most exciting times. That is why I will always consider myself a lifelong learner, never a master. My mind naturally, has always (since I was a little girl) wanted to remain open & curious to all possibilities. I will never stop learning more. My mission is to empower, facilitate healing & be present with all those who are under my care. Additionally, provide a wisdom rich space where they can just be. For it is in my nature and one of my greatest passions.

I also firmly believe, that in order to be able to provide this high quality of space… one must first face and alchemize their own shadows and bias's. It’s necessary to be able to be fully present for another & to hold space which remains client-centered. Most “supposed leader's” claiming mastery in a subject or field haven’t even been in the trenches themselves. They haven’t alchemized a single thing, its all a show. Behind closed doors they don’t pray or practice what they preach. I however, take my work very seriously, I have since day 1. I’ve also been through a lot to become this version of me I am today.

To me, all this is not just “Alternative Therapy.” Its my life’s work so far & its personal! This MBT work has personally helped me heal & awaken parts within me that I desperately needed when I was going through a very tough patch (just a short 3 years ago). It doesn't just help the day to day or the achieving of ones goals. Its also useful for past trauma or when your life gets turned upside down. Its what actually snapped me back & made all the difference, when nothing else did.

So, I have personally inquired about & reflected upon many of my own shadows- alchemized them, in hopes to provide a proper and therapeutic space for all of my clients. Meaning, I used many of the MBT techniques and practices that I have learned, on my actual self. To not just have others practice them, but be about it as well. Resulting to be adept to meet others with even more compassion, acceptance and understanding. Because, I have gone through it myself and transformed some of those shadows within me first, before I met you. Hence, to be of better service.

Well, it’s an exciting time to be alive. And to have so many amazing yet supportive resources now easily accessible to all. Available to empower & awaken us… to our truth and unrealized potential. There are now new communities and places, where anyone is welcomed, and are seen. My hope is that you feel seen, heard and felt. That is, within the JML community or working (1 on 1) with me. I’m sure super excited! And don't worry, there is defiantly more knowledge coming to you. Really breaking down the different modalities under the MindBody Therapy umbrella. As well as, other not so common practices or ways of being that really supports the multi-dimensional being that you are. Stay on the lookout!

Last Fun Fact

In fact, I want to mention an interesting finding that I learned from the MBT program. Of the "Dodo Bird Verdict," which describes what actually makes therapy successful. Here's the breakdown:

15 % Actual Techniques
15 % Client Expectations/ Beliefs/ Self- Readiness
40 % Healing Aspect of Client (their capacities/current resources) | Environment
30 % Relationship between Therapist & Client*

Notice how I put in bold that last one. Meaning that the relationship between the therapist and client equates higher, than the techniques themselves for successful therapy. Now don't get me wrong. The wide array of MBT practices is amazing and are tailored to empower the unique individual. But no matter the approach, if the client doesn't feel well or comfortable with a therapist, then not much is going to occur. A psychologist named Margie Nichols, Ph.D., stated that:

"the best therapists have great intuition... [which is] ...far more important than the ‘theoretical approach’ of the counselor. Other qualities such as empathy and client-therapist match are more important, and indeed the research also confirms this."

Well, I am definitely not a "typical" type of therapist. I like to think outside of the box & make something tangible for you. But very simply put, “if it’s a match, then it is a match.”

Regardless, I'll show up as my bright, yet client-centered self & meet you where your at. Ill help you turn the page… no, start a whole new book. Let’s alchemize together! I can’t wait to sit with you w/ presence & cheerlead you back into your most authentic & empowered self!

w/ love, Jupiter

It is not in my scope of practice to diagnose you with anything,* nor do I want to!

But to fully listen to all of your parts & be a supportive companion in this wild ride we call “life.”

See you inside!

If you are wanting to release the baggage & embark on a new chapter in life where you are following the compass of your own heart, living true & empowered— then I am your coach. Limited space open, APPLY NOW!

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interested in the science & details behind my Coaching Method- Mind Body Therapy?