Body Talk Podcast

Holding Mothers, Holding Space: Dr. Leslie Ann Costello on Bioenergetics and Perinatal Healing

In this episode of Body Talk, we welcome Dr. Leslie Ann Costello, psychologist, bioenergetic therapist, and author of Helping Mothers, Helping Babies: Somatic Perinatal Psychotherapy. Leslie describes herself as a bit of a hybrid, born and raised in New England, now living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. In a beautiful twist of history, she later discovered that her grandparents were actually married in an old church right in her city, making her feel like an honorary Maritimer. Before moving to Canada, Leslie studied school and developmental psychology and taught at the college and university level before transitioning into clinical practice. Her discovery of bioenergetic analysis was serendipitous and life-changing. I was through her own therapy, training, and certification, she connected with parts of herself she hadn't known. Over time, she developed a specialization in reproductive mental health in her private practice and found great joy in training emerging bioenergetic therapists, helping them uncover their unique styles and gifts. She believes that the deep personal work at the heart of bioenergetics opens vast creativity in the therapy room. Now retired from private practice, Leslie focuses on writing and consultation. You can find her on Substack at A Body Psychotherapist's Journal and on social media under her pen name, Annie M. Ballard, where she shares her writing. 🔗 frederictonbioenergetics.com [https://frederictonbioenergetics.com] Substack: pamola10.substack.com [https://pamola10.substack.com/] Facebook: Annie M. Ballard [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071779791861] Instagram: @anniemballard [https://www.instagram.com/anniemballard/] Sponsored by www.sciba.org [https://sciba.org/] Andrea Vaz Antunes (host) website [https://www.ponderosatherapy.net/] Maring Higa's (host) website [https://www.maringhigacounseling.com/] @bio.body.talk [https://www.instagram.com/bio.body.talk/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] (Body Talk Instagram)

Dr. Robert Coffman: On Bioenergetic Relational Theory and Touch

In this detailed discussion, Dr. Bob Coffman, a clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles, delves deep into his extensive career and experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy, bioenergetics, and other somatic treatment modalities since 1973. He recounts his personal journey into bioenergetics that began with an impactful class at the University of Southern California, where he discovered the profound effects of body-oriented therapy techniques. Dr. Coffman explains how bioenergetics enabled him to understand and process developmental traumas held within the body, breaking down the interrelatedness of physical and emotional health. He highlights the significant role that relationships play in therapeutic settings, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers both therapist and client bodies. The conversation also touches upon the critical aspect of touch in therapy, underlining the necessity of proper training to ensure safety and effectiveness. Throughout the interview, Dr. Coffman addresses the evolving landscape of somatic therapies, comparing bioenergetics with other modalities like EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic experiencing. He concludes by advocating for rigorous training in bioenergetic therapy and providing resources for further learning, including lectures and courses available on his website. Links: Dr. Coffman's website: https://drrobertcoffman.com/insights [https://drrobertcoffman.com/insights] Therapy Wisdom: therapywisdom.com [https://webinars.therapywisdom.com/lr-expanding-the-role-of-the-body] Sponsored by www.sciba.org [https://sciba.org/] Maring Higa's (host) website [https://www.maringhigacounseling.com/] Andrea Vaz Antunes (host) website [https://www.ponderosatherapy.net/] @bio.body.talk [https://www.instagram.com/bio.body.talk/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] (Body Talk Instagram)

Client Chronicles: Somatic Transformations with Dylan Amelia

In this episode of Body Talk, Maring sits down with Dylan for a first look into our mini-series highlighting clients in bioenergetic therapy. With a background in psychology and sociology, Dylan shares their two-and-a-half-year journey transitioning from traditional talk therapy to a somatic approach. They reflect on early challenges, key breakthroughs, and the transformative power of bioenergetic techniques such as somatic tracking and body-based exercises. The conversation explores themes of therapist attunement, trust, and the surprising effectiveness of unconventional interventions like head-holding. This episode offers a compelling, first-person perspective on the personal growth, emotional clarity, and deepened self-awareness that bioenergetic therapy can foster. Bio: Dylan is a passionate creative with a Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology and an emphasis in Psychology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She is the author of Still Learning, a modern confessional poetry collection that delves into the messiness of healing and the complexities of childhood. Dylan was introduced to the world of Bioenergetic Analysis in late 2021 and has found the methodology to be life-changing. She has worked 1-1 with a private practice therapist and has volunteered as a client for third and fourth-year students in the IIBA Southern California program. Dylan is deeply committed to her personal journey with Bioenergetics and hopes by sharing her experiences, she can help make this transformative practice more accessible to others. Links: Substack: https://dylanamelia.substack.com/ [https://dylanamelia.substack.com/] @bydylanamelia [https://www.instagram.com/bydylanamelia/] (instagram) --- Sponsored by www.sciba.org [https://sciba.org/] Maring Higa's (host) website [https://www.maringhigacounseling.com/] Andrea Vaz Antunes (host) website [https://www.ponderosatherapy.net/] @bio.body.talk [https://www.instagram.com/bio.body.talk/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] (Body Talk Instagram)

Flowing with Emotions: Dante Moretti on Healing through Dance, Theater, Martial Arts, and Bioenergetics

Dante Morett, PhD has dedicated over 20 years to working with movement groups and body psychotherapy groups across the globe, including in California, Portugal, Poland, and Moscow. As a psychologist specializing in bioenergetic analysis, Dante integrates group psychoanalysis techniques from Pichon Riviere and Rene Kaes into his therapeutic practice. His work is profoundly influenced by his extensive experience in theater, dance, and martial arts. In Brazil, Dante is particularly attuned to cultural nuances, noting how the country's openness to physical touch and eye contact shapes group dynamics. He contrasts this with his experiences in other countries, observing how cultural heritages influence therapeutic practices. Dante has directed a theater group for over a decade, drawing inspiration from Augusto Boal's methods. He is also a dedicated practitioner of contemporary dance, following the techniques of Klauss Viana, and is a skilled kung fu teacher. His interdisciplinary approach enriches his group work, providing a unique and holistic therapeutic experience. @dante_moretti [https://www.instagram.com/dante_moretti?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Looking to dive deeper into the powerful connection between body and mind? Dante Moretti's books are the perfect resource! "Psicologia Corporal: 100 Perguntas para Entender Melhor a Relação Corpo e Mente" Link to Purchase [https://a.co/d/1HhklLI] "Psicologia Corporal: 100 Perguntas para Entender Melhor a Relação Corpo e Mente" Link to Purchase [https://a.co/d/1WRhWFm] --- Sponsored by Sciba Find a Bioenergetic Therapist [https://bioenergetic-therapy.com/index.php/en/bioenergetic-analysis/find-a-bioenergetic-therapist-by-location] https://sciba.org/ Maring Higa's (host) website [https://www.maringhigacounseling.com] Andrea Vaz Antunes (host) website [https://www.ponderosatherapy.net] @bio.body.talk [https://www.instagram.com/bio.body.talk/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] (Body Talk Instagram)

Unlocking the Body's Wisdom: On Relational Healing in Bioenergetic Therapy

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the world of bioenergetic analysis with the remarkable Homayoun 🌟 From his early fascination with Wilhelm Reich's work to his transformative journey in body psychotherapy, He shares profound insights into the relational aspects of therapy. We discuss how true healing happens through connection, mirroring, and the powerful role of the therapeutic relationship. If you're curious about how body and mind intertwine in the healing process, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Bio: Homayoun is a Certified Bioenergetic Therapist (CBT) with over 17 years of experience, specializing in developmental and shock traumas. His therapeutic approach is relational, focusing on the client's verbal and non-verbal expressions to attune empathetically to their current and past experiences. He creates a safe, nurturing environment where clients can heal from early relational wounds, fostering spontaneity, freedom, and the capacity to love and be loved. Homayoun holds a graduate degree in Clinical and Somatic Psychology from Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, where they received extensive training in modalities such as Sensory Awareness, Authentic Movement, and Somatic Experiencing. His work is also informed by psychodynamic theories and the latest neuroscience research. Prior to pursuing a career in psychotherapy, Homayoun had a successful 30-year career as an electrical engineer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. This diverse background enriches their holistic understanding of the mind-body connection, enabling them to guide clients toward deeper healing and transformation. Homayoun's Website [https://ravonkavi.com/index.html] --- Sponsored by Sciba Find a Bioenergetic Therapist [https://bioenergetic-therapy.com/index.php/en/bioenergetic-analysis/find-a-bioenergetic-therapist-by-location] https://sciba.org/ Maring Higa's (host) website [https://www.maringhigacounseling.com] Andrea Vaz Antunes (host) website [https://www.ponderosatherapy.net] @bio.body.talk (instagram)