The importance of working with the mind/body system

Ai Chi is a moving meditation in warm water. It is a powerful way to reinforce the body as a positive resource, because it is a multimodal experience. Ai Chi involves being aware of the body in a warm, supportive, nurturing environment. As Bessel van der Kolk points out, “Our brains will continue to take in new information and construct new realities as long as our bodies feel safe.” (2003) Ai Chi reinforces feelings of safety, allowing clients to build upon positive memories and to release negative ones. Ai Chi can be integrated into various stages of the EMDR model. Given an increased awareness of the significance of somatic interventions, an introduction to a little-known modality is important. Utilizing concepts of interpersonal neurobiology developed by Daniel Siegel, levels of integration that constitute mental health will be explored. It will become clear that the characteristics that represent integration are paralleled and reinforced by the Ai Chi process. This puts both EMDR and Ai Chi within a broader context and demonstrates how Ai Chi can reinforce and expand the effects of EMDR. The experience of incorporating a sense of well-being becomes both literal and metaphorical. Participants will learn some of the movements on land and also watch a video of the process. Not only is Ai Chi suitable for most populations, it is particularly helpful for people with chronic pain issues as well as an older population. Learning Objectives: • Come to a basic understanding of mental health from an interpersonal neurobiological point of view • Learn about the practice of Ai Chi • Explore how combining EMDR and Ai Chi can promote the 9 levels of integration described by Daniel Siegel MD • Hear about specific cases and how combining EMDR and Ai Chi has contributed to the resolution of a variety of mental health issues • Experience Ai Chi and/or watch video demonstrating Ai Chi.

Conference

English

Henry-Schneider, P. (2013, May). The importance of working with the mind/body system. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference, Banff, AB