ABSTRACT
Traditionally, psychotherapeutic approaches have been viewed in either/or terms: cognitive-behavioral therapies or somatic-experiential therapies. The best way to facilitate growth in clients is to use a full-spectrum of the resources we have. Cognitive and behavioral change is necessary but by itself, is not sufficient. Neurobiological research supports a right brain somatic-experiential approach for the deeper work of growth. Therapy starts left brain with talk and cognitive reframing of the problem as an opportunity to grow. Work transitions from the cognitive to the somatic, utilizing breath and sensory and emotional awareness, then to experientially tracking present-moment intersubjective interactions and then to practicing behavioral change through replacing mindless habits with mindful presence. The chapter offers an account of one couple’s transition from the first session to subsequent sessions and how the exercise of Matching Breaths at home was evocative of a relational interaction that led to a valuable session at the office and to a deeper and more erotic body-to-body intimacy. The chapter ends with several exercises utilized during sessions at the office that we recommended for home play. These include: Matching Breaths, Nonverbal Sensing, and Exploring Playful Eroticism.
