The embodied intersubjective space: the role of clinical intuition in somatic psychotherapy

ABSTRACT

Interpersonal neurobiology has provided insight and given importance to right brain implicit processes within the context of psychotherapy. This includes intersubjectivity, awareness of bodily felt experience, and clinical intuition. The field of somatic psychotherapy utilises the awareness of sensorial experience and embodiment as sources of knowledge through the integration of mind and body in the process of healing. This article explores the relationship between the somatic experiences of intuition and the field of somatic psychotherapy through an epistemological vision of providing insight and ground to a common, yet not fully understood phenomenon in clinical practice. A definition of clinical intuition from a somatic perspective is presented as well as a three-phase non-linear model that incorporates understandings from neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology. The embodied intersubjective field, hemispheric integration, and embodiment practices are explored in this model to serve as a bridge between theory and practice and to hold the potential for transformation.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical intuition
• intuition
• embodiment
• intersubjective field
• somatic psychotherapy
• implicit memory

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jovahna Jasmine Peña

Jovahna Jasmine Peña, M.Ed., M.A. in Somatic Counselling with dual concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy and Body Psychotherapy. Jovahna is an educator, somatic psychotherapist, as well as practitioner of the Expressive Arts including movement forms such as yoga and Odissi Indian Classical dance.  She believes in the power of the Expressive Arts to awaken consciousness, initiate transformation, and heal through the deep alchemy of working on the physical, emotional, and intuitive levels of experience.