The body, of both the patient and the analyst, is increasingly a focus
of attention in contemporary psychoanalytic theory and practice,
especially from a relational perspective. There is a renewed regard for
the understanding of embodied experience and sexuality as essential to
human vitality. However, most of the existing literature has been
written by analysts with no formal training in body-centered work. In
this book William Cornell draws on his experience as a body-centered
psychotherapist to offer an informed blend of the two traditions, to
allow psychoanalysts a deep understanding, in psychoanalytic language,
of how to work with the body as an ally.
The primary focus of Somatic Experience in Psychoanalysis and
Psychotherapy situates systematic attention to somatic experience and
direct body-level intervention in the practice of psychoanalysis and
psychotherapy. It provides a close reading of the work of Wilhelm Reich,
repositioning his work within a contemporary psychoanalytic frame and
re-presents Winnicott's work with a particular emphasis on the somatic
foundations of his theories. William Cornell includes vivid and detailed
case vignettes including accounts of his own bodily experience to fully
illustrate a range of somatic attention and intervention that include
verbal description of sensate experience, exploratory movement and
direct physical contact.
Drawing on relevant theory and significant clinical material, Somatic
Experience in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy will allow
psychoanalysts an understanding of how to work with the body in their
clinical practice. It will bring a fresh perspective on psychoanalytic
thinking to body-centred psychotherapy where somatic experience is seen
as an ally to psychic and interpersonal growth. This book will be
essential reading for psychoanalysts, psychodynamically oriented
psychotherapists, transactional analysts, body-centred psychotherapists,
Gestalt therapists, counsellors and students.
William Cornell maintains an independent private practice of
psychotherapy and consultation in Pittsburgh, PA. He has devoted 40
years to the study and integration of psychoanalysis, neo-Reichian body
therapy and transactional analysis. He is a Training and Supervising
Transactional Analyst and has established an international reputation
for his teaching and consultation.
