At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy in Brisbane, we often hear from people who feel stuck—whether it’s in their emotions, their relationships, or even in traditional therapy. If you’re wondering whether Core Energetics, a transformative form of somatic therapy, could be the key to unlocking deeper healing, you’re not alone.
This powerful body-oriented approach integrates mind, emotions, body, and spirit to help you move past emotional blocks and reconnect with your authentic self. In this guide, we’ll help you assess whether Core Energetics aligns with your needs, especially if you’re struggling to verbalize emotions or feel traditional talk therapy isn’t enough.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive in and discover if this holistic path is right for you—and how you can take the next step by booking an appointment with one of our skilled practitioners.
What Is Somatic Therapy and Core Energetics?
Somatic therapy is a holistic approach that recognizes the deep connection between your body and mind. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on thoughts and verbal processing, somatic therapy engages your body to access and release emotions, trauma, and stress stored in your physical self.
Core Energetics, developed by Dr. John Pierrakos, takes this a step further by incorporating energy work and spirituality, helping you connect with your “Core”—the vibrant, authentic life force within you.At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy, our Core Energetics practitioners use techniques like breathwork, movement, body reading, and expressive exercises to help you uncover and release blocked emotions, transform limiting beliefs, and rediscover your inner strength.
But how do you know if this approach is right for you? Below, we’ve outlined key signs and questions to help you decide:
Signs Core Energetics Might Be Right for You
Core Energetics is a unique and powerful approach, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some signs that it might align with your needs, especially if you’re feeling stuck or disconnected:
1. You Feel Stuck in Traditional Talk Therapy
If you’ve tried talk therapy but feel like you’re going in circles, Core Energetics offers a different path. Many people find it hard to articulate their emotions or pinpoint the root of their struggles through words alone. Because Core Energetics works with the body, it allows you to access feelings that may be too deep or complex to express verbally.
Ask Yourself: Does talking about my feelings leave me feeling stuck or disconnected, or distressed? Am I ready to explore a more embodied approach?
2. You Struggle to Verbalize Your Emotions
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by emotions but can’t quite name them? Or maybe you feel numb, like your emotions are buried too deep to access? Core Energetics is particularly effective for those who struggle to verbalise their inner world. By working with physical sensations—like tightness in your chest or a knot in your stomach—you can begin to process emotions in a safe, non-verbal way.
3. You Notice Physical Symptoms Alongside Emotional Struggles
Anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma often show up in the body as chronic tension, fatigue, or even unexplained pain. Core Energetics views these physical symptoms as messages from your body, signaling unprocessed emotions or “body armour” (patterns of tension that protect you from pain). By releasing this armor through movement, breath, or touch, you can address both the physical and emotional roots of your distress.
Clients often come to us with physical complaints—like migraines or a tight jaw—that are linked to emotional stress. Through Core Energetics, we help them release that tension, which often leads to emotional breakthroughs as well.
Ask Yourself: Do I experience physical symptoms like tension, fatigue, or pain when I’m stressed or upset? Could these be connected to my emotional state?
4. You’re Seeking a Holistic Approach That Includes Spirituality
Core Energetics is unique in its integration of spirituality, viewing healing as a journey toward aligning with your Core—the universal life force that connects you to your purpose and vitality. If you’re drawn to a therapy that goes beyond symptom management and explores deeper questions of meaning, Core Energetics may resonate with you.
One of our clients, shared: “I was skeptical about the spiritual side at first, but Core Energetics helped me feel connected to something bigger. It wasn’t religious—it was about finding the energy and hope inside me that I’d lost.”
Ask Yourself: Am I looking for a therapy that integrates mind, body, and spirit? Do I want to explore my sense of purpose or connection?
5. You’re Ready to Move Beyond Symptom Management
If you’re tired of just managing symptoms—like taking medication for anxiety or using coping strategies that don’t address the root cause—Core Energetics offers a path to deeper healing. By working with your body’s energy and emotional patterns, this approach helps you transform the underlying beliefs and defenses that fuel your struggles.
Core Energetics isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about helping you understand why you feel the way you do and empowering you to live more authentically. For clients who are ready to do that work, the results can be life-changing.
Ask Yourself: Am I ready to explore the deeper causes of my challenges? Do I want to feel more empowered and authentic in my life?
What to Expect in a Core Energetics Session
If you’re considering Core Energetics, you might be wondering what a session looks like. Our sessions are tailored to your unique needs, but here’s a glimpse of what you might experience:
- Body Reading: Your therapist observes your posture, movements, and breathing to understand your emotional and energetic patterns.
- Breathwork and Movement: Techniques like staccato breathing, grounding exercises, or expressive movements help release blocked energy.
- Emotional Exploration: You’ll be guided to connect physical sensations with emotions, often uncovering insights about past experiences or beliefs.
- Safe, Supportive Space: Our therapists create a compassionate environment where you can explore at your own pace, without judgment.
A typical session lasts about 55 minutes. Core Energetics is a journey, and regular sessions can lead to profound transformation over time.
The Science Behind Core Energetics
Core Energetics is grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern science. Neuroscience research, including studies by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, shows that emotions and trauma are stored in the body, affecting the nervous system and brain.
Somatic therapies like Core Energetics help regulate the vagus nerve and activate the prefrontal cortex, promoting emotional balance and resilience. A 2024 study in the Journal of Somatic Psychotherapy found that body-oriented therapies significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, with effects lasting up to a year.
By combining these scientific insights with the energy-based and spiritual principles of Core Energetics, our practitioners offer a holistic approach that addresses the whole person.
Why Choose Core Energetics at the Institute of Body Psychotherapy?
At our Brisbane and Sunshine Coast locations, we’re committed to helping you find freedom and authenticity through Core Energetics. Here’s why we’re a trusted choice:
- Expert Practitioners: Our therapists are certified through our rigorous three-year Core Energetics training program, ensuring professional and compassionate care.
- Holistic and Personalised: We tailor each session to your unique needs, integrating body, mind, and spirit for deep healing.
- A Safe Space: Our warm, non-judgmental environment allows you to explore your emotions and energy with confidence.
- Australian Leadership: As a leading centre for body psychotherapy in Australia, we bring local expertise and a global perspective to our work.
How to Decide If Core Energetics Is Right for You
To help you assess whether Core Energetics is a good fit, try reflecting on these questions:
- Do I feel stuck in talk therapy or struggle to express my emotions verbally?
- Am I curious about how my body holds stress, trauma, or emotions?
- Do I want a therapy that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual healing?
- Am I ready to explore the deeper causes of my challenges and make lasting changes?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, Core Energetics could be a powerful next step. The best way to know is to experience it for yourself. Booking an initial session with one of our practitioners allows you to explore the process in a safe, supportive environment and see if it resonates with you.
Take the First Step Toward Transformation
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or ready for a deeper approach to healing, Core Energetics at the Institute of Body Psychotherapy offers a path to rediscover your vitality and authenticity.
Our skilled practitioners are here to guide you with compassion, helping you release what’s holding you back and reconnect with your Core.
Ready to see if Core Energetics is right for you? Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a more embodied, empowered life.
Visit our contact page or email us: info@instituteofbodypsychotherapy.com to schedule your session. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
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.