Anatomy and physiology for psychotherapists
Subtitle: connecting body and soul
By: Kathrin A. Stauffer.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Norton
Published: 2010
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 260
ISBN-13: 9780393706048
Subjects: Human physiology; Human anatomy; Psychotherapists
Description: Most psychotherapists agree that the body and mind are closely interconnected. Indeed, "mind/body connections" have become buzzwords, and practitioners of all kinds are keen to familiarize themselves with them. However, to date, many psychotherapists have focused solely on the mind, ignoring the "hardware" of what they are working with: the human body.

In Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotherapists, Kathrin Stauffer--a biochemist and seasoned body psychotherapist--takes a look at organ systems of the human body to illuminate the connections between body and mind, exploring the body as both the ground of our physical experience and as a metaphor for our emotional life.

Throughout, Stauffer presents human anatomy and physiology in clear, simple terms, with facts selected for interest and relevance to psychotherapists. Many links are made between physical and psychological function to give readers a taste. of how body psychotherapists work in clinical practice to integrate body and mind, and thus help their clients become more whole.

Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotberapists invites psychotherapists, complementary therapists, and anyone else interested in the mind/body connection to engage with the physical body to bring more depth to their therapeutic work.

"My first reaction to this book is, `WOW!' Scientist-turned-psychotherapist Kathrin Stauffer makes a major contribution towards a unifying theory of body and mind in this highly accessible volume. It is essential reading for all psychotherapists and body psychotherapists who desire to apply the wisdom of science for the purpose of gaining a deeper understanding of and greater compassion for their clients as well as themselves."-- Babette Rothschild, MSW, Author, The Body Remembers and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery.

"Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotherapists is a wonderfully readable overview of the main organ systems of the body, in language that a non-specialist can understand. Stauffer explains the functions of the body in ways that are relevant to our insights into the relation between psyche and soma. The book is rich with principles taken from body psychotherapy (Reich, Boyesen, Boadella, Keleman and others), and clearly presents the functional identity of body and mind. Each chapter is enriched with clear case examples taken from actual practice."--Divid Boadella, MEd, Dr. H.C., Founder of Biosynthesis, Author, Lifestreams --Book Jacket.
Notes: "A Norton Professional Book."

Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: toward an integrated humanity; title: Cells, molecules, and energy: the dance of life; title: Cells; title: Large and small molecules and nutrition; title: Energy; title: Dynamics of living systems and self-regulation; title: The central nervous system: creating meaning; title: Nerve cells and synapses; title: Neurotransmitters, their receptors and psychopharmacology; title: Brain and spinal cord; title: Filling the gaps: the brain and neurosis; title: The peripheral nervous system: the rhythm of self-regulation; title: Peripheral and cranial nerves; title: The somatic nervous system; title: The autonomic nervous system; title: The autonomic nervous system and emotional self-regulation; title: Shock and trauma; title: Acute and chronic pain; title: Bones and joints: authenticity vversus compliance; title: Bones; title: Joints; title: Emotional and energetic functions of bones and joints; title: 'Wear and tear' and possibilities for deeper exploration; title: The skeletal musculature: resources and shadow; title: Structure and function of muscle tissue; title: Anatomy of the muscular system; title: Movement and sensation; title: Emotional function of muscle groups and character armour; title: The motoric ego; title: Skin: touching and being touched; title: Skin and touch receptors; title: The skin as container; title: The skin ego and receptiveness; title: The digestive system: the difference between good and bad; title: 7.1 the gastro-intestinal tract and its subdivisions; title: Liver, gall bladder and pancreas; title: The urinary system; title: Digestion, absorption of nourishment, and excretion; title: Emotional digestion and psychoperistalsis; title: The visceral ego; title: Fluids and connective tissue: the stuff of basic vitality; title: Intracellular, intercellular and transcellular fluids; title: Connective tissue; title: Tissue armor; title: The cardiovascular system: matters of the heart; title: Blood and blood cells; title: Blood vessels and circulation; title: The heart as circulatory pump; title: The heart, its breaking and mending; title: Love, self-love, and narcissism; title: The endocrine and immune systems: health, stress, and disease; title: Endocrine glands and hormone function; title: Immune function; title: The lymphatic system; title: Boundaries and sense of self; title: Stress; title: The reproductive system: beyond the self; title: Male and female genitals and reproductive function; title: Sexual function; title: The oedipal wound; title: The respiratory system: fullness of being.