The Embodied Therapist: The Ground Beneath the Surface – HPP 06

Susan Aposhyan


Imagine if your body could talk to you..well, it actually does. I’m sure you’ve heard a bunch of things about mindfulness, presence and embodiment. And you may have explored these concepts to varying degrees. In this episode, we are going into the depths of somatic psychology with a pioneer and expert looking specifically at the healing potential of an embodied therapist.

We’re going to explore some really interesting concepts in biology and cellular physiology that impact mental health and wellness. And of course, the role of embodiment in a therapeutic setting. It’s best to listen to this at normal speed because you’re going to get taken through some exercises that are really essential to understanding the concept of presence and connection to your body.

Our guest today, Susan Aposhyan, is a pioneer in the field of somatic psychology, training helping professionals internationally in the Body-Mind Psychotherapy approach that she developed. She also developed and directed one of the first graduate degree programs in somatic psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. 


Show Notes:

What is somatic psychology and how has it evolved [12:18]

Embodiment is not a goal it’s an aspiration [17:50]

The creative and protective modes of cells and how they impact your mind [19:00]

Case example: a top-down approach with a male suffering from shame [36:41]

Epigenetics and transgenerational trauma [43:14]

How to heal the trauma faced by our ancestors [46:26]

Susan Aposhyan

Susan Aposhyan is a pioneer in the field of somatic psychology, training helping professionals internationally in the Body-Mind Psychotherapy approach that she developed. She also developed and directed one of the first graduate degree programs in somatic psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She is the author of the book Body-Mind Psychotherapy (Norton, 2004) and also Natural Intelligence: Body-Mind Integration and Human Development, which is available on her website. She currently maintains a private practice in Boulder, Colorado. To learn more about Susan Aposhyan and Body-Mind Psychotherapy visit www.bodymindpsychotherapy.com