Developmental trauma - diseases and behavior as a guide to the solution
In biodynamic body psychotherapy, we learn to read the body as therapists. Movement, restricted movement, posture, body structure, and body composition help me to recognize which development phase of early childhood, e.g., something has not been sufficiently nourished or encouraged.
And not only reading the body helps me, but also the behaviors and illnesses (psychosomatic) of my clients give me information about it.
With this overall picture, I can grab into my therapeutic treasure chest in a targeted manner and provide specific support where there was a deficit.
For example: If a client is timid, has depression, or maybe has skin problems or asthma, this can indicate a developmental trauma in the prenatal period up to the period immediately after birth.
Here is a small exemplary overview of the different development phases, the associated psychosomatic diseases, and behaviors in childhood and adulthood and body-related activities to solve.
1. Development phase: prenatal until right after birth
In childhood: Cradle cap, constant rocking of the child (Kaspar-Hauser- Syndrome), psychological hospitalism, shyness, fear, Depression, seclusion.
Diseases: neurodermatitis, psoriasis, itching, asthma, Difficulty breathing, hair loss, scoliosis.
Feelings/Behavior: Cannot make contact with feelings. Feels isolated and alien. Stiffens. Paradoxical breathing pattern (at Inhale pull in the belly)
Activities: Grounding exercises, full body massage, swimming, Feldenkrais. Biodynamic work/massage on feet and joints. Remothering. Birthrelease work.
2. Development phase: Up to the age of two years
In childhood: Three-month colic, prolonged thumb sucking, absence of foreignness, eating, and appetite disorders, vomiting.
Diseases: Anorexia, feeding addiction, vomiting, irritable stomach, tendency to infections, angina, hyperthyroidism, addictions, Depression.
Feelings/Behaviors: Fear of being abandoned and left alone. Feels empty, unfilled, insecure, weak, helpless. Resigned quickly. Makes herself dependent or cannot ask for help.
Activities: Dancing. Deep and energizing breathing. Lifting weights. Rolfing. Karate. Awareness of posture. Open chest. Biodynamic work/massage on legs, feet, and ankles. Remothering.
3. Development phase: From about two years to the age of four to five years
In childhood: Considerably delayed language development, biting nails, stuttering, to be exaggeratedly proper, spontaneity, uncreative, constipation, headache.
Diseases: Bowel problems (constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, Intolerance), muscle and joint disorders (Cervical spine syndrome, sciatica), rheumatism, migraines, vaginismus, potency disorders, frigidity, muscle tension.
Feelings/Behavior: Feels unimportant, hopeless, inferior, stuck. Much pent up anger. Despite. Contempt. Strength. Feelings of guilt. Can hardly assert itself. Submissive. Whining. Passive-aggressive. Doesn't allow itself joy.
Activities: Dancing. Play. Move. Rolfing. Flexibility. Stretching. Connective tissue massage. Scuffle. Biodynamic leg massages/work.
4.1. Development phase: From approx. four years to the age of seven to nine years - phallic type
In childhood: Question addiction, role-playing, increased masturbation.
Diseases: Hives, exits in pregnancy, fallopian tubes. Inflammation of the ovaries, menstrual cramps.
Feelings/Behavior: Fear of losing control, not being able to prove, not be accepted. Watchful, concentrated, specialized. Can't show strong or soft feelings.
Activities: Deep relaxation. Meditation. Yoga. Feldenkrais. Promote breast breathing. No strenuous activities. Melting biodynamic massages.
4.2. Development phase: From approx. four years to the age of seven to nine years - hysterical type
In childhood: Bedwetting, stuttering, fainting.
Diseases: Cardiac neurosis, hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, Urethritis, increased peeing, Sweating, phobias.
Feelings/Behaviors: Feels ignored, lost, longs for protection, and Love. Deep feeling of hurt and betrayal. Disappointment. Attract attention. Theatrical.
Activities: Competitive sports. Rolfing. Judo. Aikido. All which promotes energy and action. Exaggerated exhalation. Encourage relaxed breathing. Biodynamic arm massage/-work.
Maybe you recognized yourself in one point or another? Or even in several? Don't worry, we've all had developmental trauma, and you're not alone.
If you would like to know more about it or are curious about a session with me, you can book a consultation call here.
I'm looking forward to you!
Elke
Text: © Elke Hannig References: Ron Kurtz - Body-Centered Psychotherapy Rolf Klußmann - Psychosomatic Medicine: A compendium for all medical areas Photos: Pixabay at-the-court-of-3218573 ad-2946440 boy-1209964 Seelenportraits Katharina Kraus