Q & A

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Questions and Answers about Pesso Boyden System Psychotherapy

What is Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP)?

Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor is a comprehensive method of emotional re-education that applies successfully to a wide range of psychological, emotional and interpersonal issues. It is a body based method of psychotherapy and healing.

What will I get from coming?

This highly respectful approach helps you to access the hidden emotional processes and limiting patterns (based on experiences of the past) that continue to influence your present-day emotions, attitudes, expectations and decisions. The creation of alternative body-mind experiences – symbolic ‘counter-events’ – will help you to review and redesign these patterns so as to update your ‘personal software’. This releases untapped potential, leading to a more optimistic life-perspective, more successful interpersonal behaviour, a sense of self fulfillment and an ability to trust. You will experience the delight of becoming more tuned-in to your own and others’ thoughts, feelings and needs, which leads to more pleasure, satisfaction, meaning and connectedness in your daily life.

What is a structure?

A ‘structure’ is an individual session in the group, guided by the therapist and supported by the other participants. The therapist assists the participant by paying close attention to the affective expressions (feeling states), body states, verbal statements, core belief systems and internalised prohibitions and commands. Some of these ‘voices’ will be enacted outside the participant with the help of group members in clearly defined roles – such as a ‘critical voice’ or a ‘supporting figure’. This externalisation facilitates emotional re-activation of unresolved conflicts from early historical developmental phases. Actual expression of bodily feelings, in interaction with role-players who represent historical figures, helps the participant to process stagnated emotions and to grieve about unfulfilled needs and traumatic experiences. The next stage is the antidote, where we symbolically bring in those messages and experiences that will provide healing for this particular incident. We aim to give the participant an embodied experience of the antidote.

Does everyone get a go?

During a one day workshop we do four ‘structures’ (individual client sessions). If more than four people wish to have a go, then we pick names out of a hat.

What will I get from coming if I don’t have my own structure?

People learn a lot from playing roles for other people. We discover aspects of ourselves that give us new information and insight. It can also be incredibly moving to watch a structure. Often we will find that issues resonate with us, and we may find that we receive some healing even though we have not actually participated in a structure ourselves. Generally at the end of the day, people report that they feel more connected to themselves, more content and more alive, whether or not they have had their ‘own’ structure. We have many people who choose to attend sessions, to learn from other people and the issues they work with, and only rarely have their own structure.

Where does it come from?

Created by Al Pesso and his wife Diane Boyden, who were dancers. It is a powerful method of change and healing that began in 1970’s. There are many practitioners in the USA, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, and the Czech Republic. It has recently become established in the UK.

Does this count for Continuous Professional Development?

Yes CPD forms will be given out as requested.

What are your qualifications?

I am a practicising psychotherapist, and supervisor. UKCP Accredited through NLPtCA, and an Accredited Pesso Boyden Therapist, Accredited PBSP Supervisor, and one of only three PBSP Accredited Trainers in the UK

If you have any more questions, please email me, Juliet Grayson, or call 01291 638805