Modern body-oriented psychotherapy: theoretical foundations, clinical application, and new directions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The subject of this research is the current state, theoretical and methodological foundations, as well as the clinical aspects of body-oriented psychotherapy (BOP). The object of the study is the integrative nature of psychophysical unity in the therapeutic process, where bodily sensations, emotions, and cognitive processes are considered as a unified system. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the evolution of BOP from the classical character analysis of W. Reich to modern neurobiological models, including the polyvagal theory of S. Porges and the concept of interoceptive awareness. The work analyzes five key theoretical approaches: bioenergetic analysis, the Feldenkrais method, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and additional osteopathic methods. Special attention is given to the clinical application of BOP in the treatment of trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and chronic pain, as well as new developments such as integration with cognitive and positive psychology and cultural adaptation of practices. The methodological foundation of this research is a narrative review and synthesis of the scientific literature, conducted using a structured search in databases eLibrary.ru, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, applying qualitative and quantitative criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The novelty of the study lies in the systematic synthesis of contemporary neurobiological data (interoception, polyvagal theory) with practical body-oriented methods, which justifies the transition from disparate schools of thought to integrative multimodal interventions. This research compares classical approaches (Reich, Lowen) with the latest developments, including osteopractics and mindfulness training, for the first time within a single review, demonstrating the evolution of the discipline from predominantly theoretical to empirically grounded practice. The author's significant contribution lies in identifying cultural and educational barriers that limit the implementation of BOP, and proposing specific ways to overcome them through the adaptation of interventions. The main findings of the study include: confirmation of the high effectiveness of BOP in traumatic and somatoform disorders; evidence that integration with cognitive-behavioral therapy enhances the therapeutic effect; and recognition that further progress requires large-scale randomized studies, the development of protocols adapted to cultural characteristics, and the inclusion of physiotherapy in standard educational programs for psychologists and psychiatrists.
Source: Психология и Психотехника
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204707334