At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy, we believe that body-oriented psychotherapy offers a profound path to healing emotional wounds, going beyond traditional talk therapy by listening to the wisdom of your body. Emotional pain, such as grief, anger, or shame, often becomes stored in our physical selves, manifesting as tension, fatigue, or even chronic discomfort.
Core Energetics, a transformative form of body-oriented psychotherapy, offers a powerful path to release these emotions and restore balance to your mind, body, and spirit.
By using techniques like movement, breathwork, and body reading, Core Energetics helps you access and heal wounds that words alone may not reach.
In this article, we’ll explore how this holistic approach works, share anonymised stories from our clients, and invite you to take the first step toward healing by booking an appointment with one of our skilled practitioners.
The Body as a Map of Emotional Wounds
Our bodies are more than physical vessels—they are living maps of our emotional experiences. When we go through painful events, such as loss, betrayal, or trauma, the emotions we can’t fully process often become lodged in our muscles, posture, or breath. This is what Wilhelm Reich, a pioneer in somatic therapy, called “body armor”—patterns of physical tension that protect us from feeling overwhelming emotions but also keep us stuck.
Core Energetics, developed by Dr. John Pierrakos, builds on this idea by recognising that these emotional wounds block the flow of our life force, or “Core,” the vibrant energy that connects us to our authentic selves. By working directly with the body, Core Energetics helps you release these blocks, allowing emotions like grief or anger to move through you rather than remain trapped.
At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy, our Brisbane and Sunshine Coast-based therapists use this approach to guide clients toward profound healing.
How Core Energetics Releases Stored
EmotionsCore Energetics uses a variety of body-based techniques to help you access, express, and release emotional wounds. Here’s how it works:
1. Body Reading: Uncovering Emotional Patterns
Every body tells a story. The way you hold your shoulders, the rhythm of your breath, or the tension in your jaw can reveal unprocessed emotions. In Core Energetics, our therapists use body reading to observe these physical patterns and understand the emotional wounds they reflect.
For example, one of our clients, Anna*, came to our Brisbane clinic feeling overwhelmed by grief after losing a loved one. During her first session, her therapist noticed that Anna’s shoulders were hunched forward, as if protecting her heart. Through gentle exploration, Anna realized this posture reflected her fear of feeling the full weight of her sadness. By acknowledging this physical pattern, she began to open up emotionally, paving the way for deeper healing.
2. Breathwork: Releasing Blocked Energy
Breath is a powerful tool for unlocking emotions stored in the body. In Core Energetics, techniques like staccato breathing or deep, intentional breaths help release tension and activate the body’s energy flow. This can bring buried emotions—like grief or anger—to the surface in a safe, controlled way.
One of our clients, Tom*, struggled with suppressed anger from a difficult childhood. During a session, his therapist guided him through staccato breathing, which involves short, rhythmic breaths to energize the body. As Tom breathed, he felt a surge of anger rise, which he was encouraged to express through vocalization and movement. “It was like a weight lifted off me,” Tom shared. “I didn’t realize how much I was carrying until I let it out.” This release helped Tom feel lighter and more in control of his emotions.
3. Movement: Expressing and Releasing Emotions
Movement is a cornerstone of Core Energetics, allowing clients to express emotions that are too big or complex for words. Techniques like shaking, pounding pillows, or expressive dance help you release energy and connect with feelings like anger, grief, or joy. These movements are done in a safe, guided environment, ensuring you feel supported.
A Brisbane client, Sarah*, came to us feeling numb after years of suppressing her emotions. During a session, her therapist encouraged her to try shaking her arms and legs to release pent-up energy. At first, Sarah felt self-conscious, but as she moved, she began to cry—tears of grief she hadn’t allowed herself to feel. “It was like my body knew what I needed before my mind did,” she said. This breakthrough helped Sarah reconnect with her emotions and begin healing.
4. Energy Work and Spiritual Connection
Core Energetics goes beyond the physical, integrating spirituality to help clients connect with their Core—the universal life force that represents their authentic, vibrant self. By releasing emotional wounds, clients often discover a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
One client, James*, came to our clinic feeling disconnected and lost after a series of personal setbacks. Through Core Energetics, he worked on releasing shame stored in his body, using movement and visualization to reconnect with his Core. “I started to feel like I was part of something bigger,” James shared. “It wasn’t just about healing my pain—it was about finding who I really am.” This spiritual dimension helped James move through his emotional wounds with hope and clarity.
The Science Behind Core Energetics
Modern neuroscience supports the principles of Core Energetics. Research by experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk shows that emotions and trauma are stored in the body, affecting the nervous system and brain. Body-oriented therapies like Core Energetics help regulate the vagus nerve and activate the prefrontal cortex, promoting emotional balance and resilience.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Body Psychotherapy found that somatic therapies significantly reduced symptoms of emotional distress, with lasting effects after six months.
By combining these scientific insights with the energy-based and spiritual approach of Core Energetics, our Brisbane and Sunshine Coast practitioners offer a holistic path to healing that addresses the root causes of emotional wounds.
Why Choose Core Energetics at the Institute of Body Psychotherapy?
At our institute, we’re dedicated to helping you heal emotional wounds through Core Energetics. Here’s why our approach stands out:
- Expert Practitioners: Our therapists are certified through our rigorous three-year Core Energetics training program, ensuring compassionate and professional care.
- Holistic Healing: We address the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—for deep, lasting transformation.
- Safe and Supportive Space: Our sessions are tailored to your comfort level, creating a non-judgmental environment for exploration and healing.
- Australian Leadership: As a leading center for body-oriented psychotherapy in Australia, we bring local expertise and a global perspective to our work.
Is Core Energetics Right for You?
Core Energetics may be a good fit if you:
- Feel weighed down by emotions like grief, anger, or shame.
- Notice physical tension or discomfort that might be linked to emotional pain.
- Want a therapy that goes beyond talking to engage your body and spirit.
- Are ready to release old wounds and reconnect with your authentic self.
If you’re curious about how Core Energetics can help you heal, the best way to find out is to experience it. Booking an initial session with one of our practitioners allows you to explore this approach in a safe, supportive environment.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Emotional wounds don’t have to hold you back. At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy, we’re here to guide you through Core Energetics, helping you release stored emotions and rediscover your vibrant Core. Our compassionate therapists are ready to support you on your journey to healing and wholeness.
Ready to begin?
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward transforming your emotional wounds. Visit our contact page or call us to schedule your session. We look forward to walking alongside you.
Or learn more about our core energetics therapy, somatic psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, core energetics training, core energetics techniques and workshops and how we can help you.