ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe how Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT) uses body interventions during three different steps in the decision-making procedure: the handling of symptoms and emotional regulation; joint formulation of functioning and dynamic assessment; and change promotion. MIT uses body interventions to stimulate awareness of psychological functioning and enrich the mental landscape. This is an approach consistent with therapeutic practices involving the body. Interpersonal schemas rooted in the body become part of one’s identity and contribute to regulating posture, expressive behaviour and how the body interacts with objects and others totally automatically and unconsciously. An avoidant patient’s indecisive handshake, lowered gaze and stooping shoulders point to how much he pre-reflexively expects a humiliating opinion in response to his wish for appreciation. The lack of metacognitive awareness in these automatic, somatic processes makes schemas difficult to modify.
