Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (DSP), developed by Ruella Frank, Ph.D., is a contemporary approach to psychotherapy grounded in Gestalt therapy principles. It emphasizes the importance of movement and embodiment in understanding and addressing psychological issues.

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From the earliest stages of life, our orientation and expression of needs, emotions, and desires are intricately linked to our bodily movements and relational experiences. The movement patterns we develop in infancy become our primary language of expression. This embodied experience remains foundational throughout our lives, as we continue to learn and grow by engaging with ourselves and others through movement and emotional awareness. However, despite its significance, this dimension of communication often goes unnoticed.

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DSP recognises the essential role of the lived body in shaping psychological functioning, even though it may be undervalued in traditional approaches. By bringing movement to the forefront, DSP allows for the revelation of crucial insights about one's current situation and lived experiences. The language of movement has the potential to greatly enhance a client's self-awareness and promote personal growth and development. By tapping into this expressive form of communication, individuals can unlock deep insights and gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, beliefs, and patterns of behaviour. Through the exploration of body movement, DSP enables individuals to access implicit and somatic knowledge that may not be readily accessible through verbal communication alone. This embodied approach recognises that the body holds valuable information and wisdom, and by incorporating movement into therapy, individuals can cultivate a more holistic and integrative healing process.