Embodiment

Most coaching proceeds on the notion that if we cognitively identify the areas where change is desireable and identify our shortcomings, we can change our behaviour to achieve our goals.  While such cognitive approaches have utility, they ignore the fact that our behaviour is driven not only by our ideas of who we are or what we should do, but by a host of subconscious factors and ingrained behavioural habits that are often inconsistent with our desired behavioural goals.  These factors and habits are embedded in our very physiology.   Developments in neuroscience have made it clear that our nervous systems often subconsciously operates in automatic modes that override our cognition.  

Once we recognize that cognition and our response to situations reflect an integrated mind-body process, personal change and development can then proceed on a total person basis, including the response, engagement and energy patterns of the body. This leads to a stronger connection between and a harmonization of our cognitive processes with our gut and heartfelt reactions. 

The process starts with increasing our awareness of our subconscious reaction patterns which manifest themselves in a host of sensations in the body.  In what situations does our body recoil or tighten up?  When do we become de-energized and disempowered?  How does our posture change in different situations?  When and where do we feel tightness or heaviness?  When does our voice become muted or over-powering?  When does heart beat and breath accelerate and decelerate?  When does our anxiety increases or decrease?   We cultivate this awareness by fine-tuining both our power of interoception - awareness of what is going on inside of us - and our ability to see ourselves as others see us. 

IEF then employs various techniques to manage our somatic states, and understand the relationship between those states and our reactive patterns and belief systems.  Drawing on developments in neuroscience, including the insights of polyvagal theory, we begin to understand how self-limiting beliefs and maladaptive and reactive patterns of behaviour are embedded not only in our minds but also in our bodies.  Cognitive changes are then accompanied by and strengthened by changes in how we engage through the totality of our beings.  

Often the patterns we desire to change are a result of unresolved historic experience, including prolonged stress, prolonged frustration, ruptured relationships or traumatic events.  In many cases processing that experience may be necessary to fully effectuate change and a therapist may be appropriate.  IEF, however,  focuses on reconditioning (or maybe deconditioning) the entire mind-body response pattern to situations so the present is not seen and experienced through the lens of an unresolved past.  This is achieved in part by letting go of unproductive and dysfunctional reaction patterns, and by enabling greater openness and receptivity to the reality and possibilities of the present moment.  The result is greater human resilience, adaptability and creative responses to challenges and change. 

The somatic dimension of IEF draws on a range of techniques, including  training of interoceptive awareness, body centered mindfulness,  activation of core states, guided meditation, vagal stimulation,  breathwork, “parts” work and energy movement practices.