Bioenergetics

Bioenergetics, also called bioenergetic analysis, is a psychotherapeutic practice developed by psychotherapist Alexander Lowen. A mind-body therapy, it focuses on the body’s energetic processes and aims to resolve emotional conflicts. Basically, the idea behind bioenergetics is that repressing emotions can lead to muscle tension/rigidity (called “armoring”) and conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD. (Oh, you mean burying our feelings way deep down wasn’t a healthy choice? Kidding, kidding—we know it’s not!) The goal of this practice is to identify and release “armoring,” repressed emotions, and negative energies, as it’s believed they’re partly to blame for disorders and illnesses. During a typical session, a practitioner might use psychoanalysis, body movements, breathing exercises, and massage to help you release blocked emotions.