Bioenergetic Resources

​In this piece, Homayoun Shahri, Ph.D., M.A. examines how physical “character structures” (body patterns) are formed by early childhood relationships. He bridges the gap between traditional psychoanalysis and body psychotherapy, even suggesting that these deep-seated physical defenses may be linked to the development of auto-immune issues later in life.

Access the official archive of clinical journals from the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis.

​Prepared by the New York Society for Bioenergetic Analysis (NYSBA), this monograph explores the evolution of Bioenergetic Analysis, a specialized form of psychotherapy that integrates mind, body, and relational dynamics. It details how chronic stress and trauma become “anchored” in the body as physical tension, and provides a framework for using movement, breathing, and emotional expression to restore vitality and self-awareness.

​This article by Laurie Ure, LICSW, explores how bioenergetic therapy addresses anger not as a problem to be controlled, but as a natural response to harm and boundary violations. While many traditional therapies focus on self-regulation and management, bioenergetics helps clients uncover chronically repressed anger that can manifest as physical tension, anxiety, or depression.

​Focused on the neurobiology of the “here and now,” this paper by Homayoun Shahri, Ph.D., M.A. explains why trauma makes it physically difficult to stay present. Shahri argues that by deadening the body to avoid pain, survivors lose their connection to the current moment, and he proposes somatic techniques to help clients “re-embody” themselves through the therapeutic relationship.

We are pleased to share this edition of the International Body Psychotherapy Journal, which features significant contributions from our own community. This volume includes insights from Jim Elninski, a valued member of NANZIBA, as well as work by Robert Hilton, PhD. Dr. Hilton has been instrumental in shaping the field, having helped develop core curricula for various training programs and making lasting contributions to the society at large.

​This article by Homayoun Shahri, Ph.D., M.A. explores the “internal chatterbox”—the persistent self-critical inner voice that traumatized individuals use to avoid feelings of isolation. Dr. Shahri outlines how patients can move past this defense mechanism by using “limbic resonance” with a therapist to finally inhabit their bodies without fear.