by Maggie Turp (Author)
Psychosomatic Health is an exploration of the relationship between physical and psychological wellbeing. It draws on postmodern and narrative theory to consider the psychosomatic processes which underpin and enhance health. The text adopts a psychoanalytic stance rooted in the work of D.W. Winnicott, and reviews the work of other major psychoanalytic figures on the question of body and mind, enabling students and practitioners to engage with a variety of perspectives.
Clearly written and well illustrated with examples throughout, the author makes extensive use of infant observation extracts and real-life case studies to explore the experiences of movement and touch and their meanings for the individual. As a basis for working effectively with psychosomatic disturbance, the author introduces her original concept of 'body storylines'. Case studies explain how this therapeutic approach can be used to encourage therapists to think about their relationship to their experiences, their use of physicality and their use of their bodies as 'barometers of psychological change'.
This broad ranging text pulls together contemporary developments from across a range of disciplines, including psychoanalytic theory, clinical psychology, medicine, complementary medicine and philosophy, to demonstrate a better understanding of clinical practice.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Edition: 2001
Publisher: Palgrave
Published: 04 Apr 2001
ISBN 10: 0333791940
ISBN 13: 9780333791943
Book Overview: '...the book is an excellent source for recent research and Winnicott's ideas. For every practitioner wishing to explore the fascinating interplay of body and word, Maggie Turp has provided a way of deepening one's understanding of what it means to be in one's body and to understand through one's body in a psychotherapy session in real life.' - John Andrew Miller, Psychodynamic Practice; Individuals, groups and organisations