Intention and Non-Doing in Therapeutic Bodywork

The book explores the Buddhist/Taoist concept of non-doing and intention in relation to bodywork, emphasizing the therapist's role in approaching clients without agenda and meeting them where they are at. It encourages the therapist to pay attention to their own surfacing intentions and leave assumptions behind, focusing on simply being, which is a profoundly active, non-reactive expression of presence. The author explains how therapists can navigate between intention, attention, and embodied non-doing while treating clients, creating the foundations for safe relational touch.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Exploring the Buddhist/Taoist concept of non-doing and intention in relation to bodywork, this book focuses on how the therapist should approach their client without agenda and meet them where they are at. This requires the therapist to pay attention to their own surfacing intentions and leave assumptions behind so they may focus on simply being, which is a profoundly active, non-reactive expression of presence, rather than a passive state of resignation. The ramifications of sub-conscious doing and wilful intention can negatively impact expressions of health, and so the author explains how therapists may skilfully navigate between intention, attention, and embodied non-doing whilst treating clients, and how this creates the foundations for safe relational touch.

Therapy is a deeply personal and transformative process that requires the therapist to be fully present and attentive to their client's needs. One key concept in Buddhist/Taoist philosophy is non-doing, which emphasizes the importance of letting go of agendas and intentions and simply being in the moment. This approach can be particularly beneficial in bodywork, where the therapist's focus should be on the client's body and sensations rather than on achieving a specific outcome.

In order to practice non-doing in bodywork, the therapist must first cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness. They must be aware of their own surfacing intentions and biases, and work to let them go. This requires a deep sense of self-reflection and introspection, as well as a willingness to be open and vulnerable with their clients.

Once the therapist has cultivated self-awareness, they can begin to approach their client without agenda or intention. This means that they are not trying to fix or change their client, but rather to support them in their own healing process. The therapist should listen deeply to their client's words and body language, and respond in a way that is authentic and compassionate.

One key aspect of non-doing in bodywork is embodied non-doing. This means that the therapist should allow their body to respond to the client's body in a natural and intuitive way. They should not force or manipulate their client's body, but rather allow it to move and respond in its own way. This can be a challenging aspect of therapy, as it requires the therapist to trust their own intuition and body wisdom.

Another important aspect of non-doing in bodywork is the concept of intention. Intention refers to the therapist's desire to help their client heal and grow. However, the therapist should not set out to achieve this intention with a specific agenda or plan. Instead, they should let their intention emerge organically from their interaction with their client.

The therapist should also be aware of the potential negative impact of sub-conscious doing and wilful intention. If they are operating from a place of agenda or intention, they may be inadvertently causing harm to their client. For example, if the therapist is trying to fix or change their client, they may be causing them to feel invalidated or disempowered.

In order to avoid these negative impacts, the therapist should strive to be present and attentive to their client's needs. They should listen deeply to their client's words and body language, and respond in a way that is authentic and compassionate. They should also be aware of their own biases and assumptions, and work to let them go.

In conclusion, the Buddhist/Taoist concept of non-doing and intention can be a powerful tool for therapists in bodywork. By cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness, approaching their client without agenda or intention, and embodying non-doing, therapists can create a safe and supportive environment for their clients to heal and grow.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787758988