Psychic fragments and changing bodies: Theoretical and clinical applications of bodily reverie

Abstract

Set from a relational body psychotherapy perspective, the article examines three somatic aspects of reverie: sensory (following Ogden’s work), resonance and somatic indwelling (entering and leaving someone else’s body). Tracing the place of reverie in the works of Winnicott, Bion, Ogden and Mindell, further developments to reverie are offered and demonstrated. The article suggests that the therapist’s body can be used not only as a diagnostic tool and selfobject in psychotherapy, but moreover as an active healing agent. This proposition is supported by theoretical arguments and case material.

Keywords:

• Reverie
• body psychotherapy
• psychosoma
• resonance
• fragments

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.