Letting the Body Lead

Much of therapy taps into emotions through words—talking through behavioral and emotional problems, recounting past events, or discussing aspirations. But for some clients, talking and thinking too much about their problems is a problem in and of itself—one that can be resolved when we bypass thoughts and go to the body instead.

Ann Randolph, an award-winning actress well versed in improvisational theater, offers a helpful way for therapists and actors alike to access the felt sense of emotions without getting trapped in narratives and intellectualization.  In a bonus session from our webcast series Creativity in the Consulting Room, she demonstrates theater-inspired, experiential techniques for leading emotions with the body.

In this video clip from her session, Ann explains how imbuing body parts with feelings can lead clients to more embodied and clarifying emotional experiences than talk alone can provide.

Ann Randolph is an award-winning solo performer and educator. Her solo show and off-Broadway hit Squeeze Box was produced by Mel Brooks. She teaches at Esalen and Kripalu, and performs at theaters across the country. Ann Randolph joins Stephen Gilligan, Steve Andreas, Courtney Armstrong, Erving Polster, Peggy Papp, and Jeffrey Zeig for our all-new streaming-video webcast series:

Creativity in the Consulting Room
New Tools for More Energizing and Effective Therapy
Click here for full course details

Here's a preview of what each presenter covers:

• Stephen Gilligan on Evoking Creative States of Consciousness
  Master powerful methods for helping clients access the generative mind-body states that can enable them to realize their dreams.


• Courtney Armstrong on Vitalizing Your Clinical Style
  Break free from one-size-fits-all approaches and discover how to bring more of your creative potential into your work.


• Erving Polster on Making New Things Happen
  A celebrated therapist with more than 6 decades of clinical experience reflects on the lessons he’s learned about creativity in the consulting room.


• Peggy Papp on Metaphor, Symbol, and Fantasy in Couples Therapy
  Learn how to use experiential techniques to transform therapeutic stalemates into transformational moments.


• Steve Andreas on The Clinical Artistry of Virginia Satir
  Through the use of clinical videos, focus on understanding the powerful techniques that made Virginia Satir a legend in our field.


• Jeffrey Zeig on Altering Consciousness Through the Arts
  Discover how to use methods drawn from the arts to helps clients shift rigid patterns of unhappy thoughts, emotions, and sensations.


• BONUS: Ann Randolph on Expanding Your Therapeutic Range
  An award-winning improv performer shows how you can bring new energy and inspiration to your clinical craft


• BONUS: Jeff Zeig on The Clinical Wizardry of Milton H. Erickson
  Watch legendary hypnotherapist Milton H. Erickson at work with insightful and detailed commentary from his student Jeff Zeig

Creativity in the Consulting Room
Series Available Now!
Click here for full course details