Association of Biodynamic Massage Therapists
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"What appears to move through all levels of our being, connecting us to others, to the world and the universe is energy."    
​Sue Frazer

Picture
  • A Brief History
  • Therapeutic Aims
  • Theoretical Principles
  • The Practice

A Brief History


Biodynamic Massage was developed by Gerda Boyesen, a Norwegian psychologist who introduced her theories into Britain in 1968. Her thoughts were original but the influences on her work can be traced back to Wilhelm Reich. 
PictureGerda Boyesen, Founder of Biodynamic Psychotherapy and Biodynamic Massage
Reich, who was a student of Freud, moved to Norway in 1935. He believed that our bodies reflect our life history, that all neurosis is embodied in some way, a process which he called ‘muscular armouring.  He introduced ways of working directly with the body armour in psychoanalysis using touch, movement and breathing.

While completing her degree in psychology at Oslo University, Boyesen received her training analysis from a psychiatrist who had been part of Reich’s circle. Her experiences of this integrated approach convinced her of the importance of addressing the body alongside more traditional ‘talking therapy’.

It is not unusual in Norwegian psychiatry for patients to receive physiotherapy. Boyesen, who was now working as a clinical psychologist in psychiatric hospitals, became curious about the changes that she observed in her patients who received massage as part of their treatment. As a result of this she decided to study to become a physiotherapist.

In her private practice, where she combined massage with psychotherapy, she developed her ideas based on her observations and a wealth of experience with patients. What emerged was a comprehensive way of working psychotherapeutically called Biodynamic Psychology, of which biodynamic massage is a fundamental part.

ABMT

About Us
Biodynamic Massage
A Brief History
Therapeutic Aims
Theoretical Pricipals
The Practice

Membership

Become a Member
Members
CPD Resources
Research
The Journal

Find a Practitioner

Practitioner in London
Practitioner in East England
Practitioner in South East
Practitioner in South West
Practitioner in Midlands & North
Practitioner in Ireland
Practitioner in Scotland

Contact Us

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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Biodynamic Massage >
      • Biodynamic Massage
      • A Brief History
      • Therapeutic Aims
      • Theoretical Principles
      • The Practice
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Members
    • CPD Resources
    • Research
    • The Journal
  • Find a Practitioner
    • Practitioner - London
    • Practitioner - East England
    • Practitioner - South East
    • Practitioner - South West
    • Practitioner - Midlands and North
    • Practitioner - Ireland
    • Practitioner - Scotland
  • Training
  • Blog
  • Contact Us