2 ECVET/ECTS / EQF level 7 / 3rd and 4th year of study – IP
Module Description:
This module explores the role of the body and unconscious processes in psychotherapy through body-oriented and projective techniques. The focus is on an integrative approach that connects somatic, emotional, cognitive, and symbolic processes in therapeutic work. Students will be introduced to various techniques that facilitate deeper contact with unconscious content, understanding and skills for accessing repressed emotions, and facilitating trauma integration through bodywork and creative methods.
A special emphasis is placed on the safe and ethical application of these techniques, with respect for therapeutic boundaries and the individual needs of clients.
The module covers:
- Body-oriented techniques – Somatic awareness, tracking body sensations, breathing, and movement in the therapeutic process.
- Projective techniques – Working with images, drawing, symbols, fairytales, sandplay therapy, and creative methods of expression.
- Body and trauma – Understanding body memories, working with frozen responses (fight/flight/freeze), and somatic release of trauma.
- Working with dreams and imagination – Integration of unconscious material through creative methods and symbolic work.
- Emotional regulation through the body – Application of body techniques for regulating stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages.
- Integration into the psychotherapeutic process – Connecting somatic and projective techniques with verbal work and classic psychotherapeutic modalities.
Learning Outcomes:
Competencies
Upon completion of this module, students will be qualified to:
a) Apply body-oriented and projective techniques in accordance with an integrative approach.
b) Understand the role of the body in the psychotherapeutic process and its implications for the client’s emotional health.
c) Work with unconscious content through creative methods and body interventions.
d) Recognize the body’s reactions to trauma and facilitate emotional release through bodywork.
e) Apply ethics and boundaries when using body and projective techniques in therapy.
Knowledge
Upon completion of this module, students will have acquired:
a) Theoretical foundations of body psychotherapy and projective techniques.
b) An understanding of the neurobiological basis of the body in the therapeutic process.
c) Insight into the developmental aspects of non-verbal expression and unconscious communication.
d) Knowledge of the methodology for applying creative and body techniques in therapy.
Skills
Upon completion of this module, students will have developed:
a) The ability to recognize non-verbal signals in therapeutic work.
b) The skill of applying creative and body methods in individual and group work.
c) The capacity to integrate body and verbal interventions into the psychotherapeutic process.
d) The competency to facilitate safe expressive work through projective methods.
Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies:
– Written assignment – reflection and analysis of the application of body-oriented and projective techniques in psychotherapy
– Group discussion – case studies and ethical challenges in applying these methods
– Practical demonstration – conducting a brief intervention focusing on body-oriented or projective techniques
Total Learning Hours:
| Total learning hours: 60 hours | Independent study: 15 hours |
| Contact hours: 40 hours | Knowledge assessment (exams and presentations): 5 hours |