Embodiment and Neurobiology

As the name Embodied Mind suggests, we include aspects of the Embodiment research and Neuroscience in our work – the relationship between body and mind or in other words, intuition and cognition. Since this is not everyday knowledge, we want to offer some background information.

The Embodiment research is mainly concerned with the interdependencies between mind and body as well as the context, in which those are embedded. This is explained by Wolfgang Tschacher in the following (in Storch et al 2006, s. 15):

„The concept Embodiment: under Embodiment we understand, that the mind (meaning: ratio, thinking, the cognitive system, the psyche) with its organ, the brain, is always in relation to the whole body. Mind/brain and body are in turn embedded in the environment. The concept Embodiment claims, that without this double embedding, the brain cannot work intelligently.”

The research of these interdependencies in the Embodiment- and also Priming Research (see John A. Bargh) has proven repeatedly, that for example a change of body posture can lead to a different mental and emotional state. The occupation with certain themes can in turn create physical reactions. Body and Mind are therefore never separate and always interdependent.

The Embodiment Research stands in close relationship to the Hypno-systemic work (developed from Hypnotherapy after Milton Erickson in connection with systemic concepts – see also Gunther Schmidt, Milton Erickson Society Heidelberg). Hypnosis is in this context understood as focusing attention towards inner, spontaneous processes. Those determine mainly, how a person experiences the world and acts in it.

The developed frontal brain enables the human, to learn and develop problem-solving strategies. In situations, where a person is facing stress or danger, the brain will mainly activate the limbic system (the reptile brain). This is a development historically older area of the brain, which does not process logical thinking, but is responsible for quick, automated responses based on previous experiences. This means, that in situations, where we might need a clear mind, we switch to auto pilot. 

How can this knowledge be used in consulting work?

Your body can enhance the access to your personal themes. Inner patterns which may currently stop you from unfolding your potential, can be felt and changed more easily through body sensations (somatic markers) and the work with images. Here, we don’t need to analyse root causes, but gear towards the desired goals.
Embodiment and Hypno-systemic work enable a re-focusing of your attention on supporting aspects. In this way, clients can both access their frontal brain and body senses to make more differentiated decisions. Patterns can be broken and ideally new networks established which can produce a desired experience and behaviour.

We don’t work with general goals, skills or competencies, but seek for meaningful goals together with our clients, that can be powerful and supportive to them personally.