Understanding the Mind through Bodily Experience

Reflecting upon the “drama of the body” and the interconnectedness of the body, mind and soul, this book proposes a unique, playful and transformative self-awareness framework that gives voice to the body's wisdom and creativity, while also positioning SomatoDrama within the context of innovative psychosomatic research.

This is the first book to introduce SomatoDrama to the international dramatherapy audience, supporting practitioners and their clients in understanding the messages that our bodies provide to us. The book presents the results of a groundbreaking impact study, which integrates classical and modern psychology and demonstrates the Model’s relevance for contemporary psychosomatics.

Rooted in transpersonal psychology and theories of non-duality, chapters explore:

• An introduction to the SomatoDrama Effect Model, including the author’s personal connection to the concept of the bodymind and somatization.

• The pioneering scientific backing behind Dr Buda’s SomatoDrama, including discussion of its efficacy, innovative research findings, and a guide to interpreting work with clients.

• An analysis of ten case studies of working with clients using the SomatoDrama Effect Model, illustrating how symptoms and illness can reflect unspoken life stories and early relational patterns.

• Acknowledging individuality through integration of subjective and objective approaches to the therapeutic healing process.

• Looking to the future and the potential applications of this approach to traditional medicine, trauma-informed care, and modern psychosomatic practice.

Acknowledging the unification of the body and mind, this is a compelling read for dramatherapists who are interested in integrating spirituality into their practice. It will also be of interest to doctors, to mental health practitioners more widely, such as therapists, counsellors and psychologists, and to anyone curious about the inner dialogue between the body, the mind and the soul.