What is Reichian Therapy?

Reichian Therapy is a body-based psychotherapy. It is based on the premise that one cannot sustain a major or chronic psychological trauma without there being a body/physical reaction in response to that trauma. With the pairing of both the physical and psychological trauma/reaction, Reich discovered that he could focus on the physical component and that would bring up the psychological component of the duo. Since most severe traumas impact the body, this therapy is excellent for physical and sexual abuse, depression and post traumatic stress syndrome.

PHYSICAL REACTIONS TO REICHIAN THERAPY

The physical symptoms or reactions of this pairing manifest as: contracted muscles, diminished/shallow breathing, loss/lack of energy, as well as chronic pain in these areas. They also harbor emotional and psychological issues which the subject may or may not be aware of. It is like old tapes being played over and over again, even though their value is no longer needed. At one time, that physical reaction might have been the appropriate response to some trauma, but it is now no longer needed, but they may still be present and active. It is like an "as if" situation; they are acting as if they are still being needed. The purpose of this type of therapy is to go back into the body and discover just where these holding/armourings are being held and disolve, reduce, eliminate them, thereby also activating and eliminating the psychological component of that paired area.

HOW IS THIS THERAPY CONDUCTED?

The person lies on his/her back on a table wearing loose clothes while engaging in a strong and accelerated deep breathing. This is being done while the therapist works on various parts of the body looking for and resolving those tight and armoured areas. The sessions last about 1 hour. Sometimes several weeks are needed to get the process going.

REACTIONS TO REICHIAN THERAPY:

Due to the hyperventilative style of breathing, one could experience light headedness, a buzzing in various parts of the body, a tingling or even strong contractures of the muscles. This is due to the excess oxygen being pumped into the body, but being restricted at certain points/parts of the body due to the muscle tightness/contraction. Breathing through these blocks helps to open up these blocks and free up the energy pattern/path which also at the same time corresponds to an emotional release. While there are various reactions to this therapy, the final goal is to achieve emotional release. The physical body will at the same time open up. Doing this excessive style of breathing with an open person results in little if any reactions. The body is open which allows the energy to travel at will thus preventing any "dammed up" or "blocked" energy and its traditional reactions. This is an indication that the person is free from armouring and no longer needs this therapy.

Training:

I trained with Dr. Paul Bindrim in Hollywood CA. He taught the traditional breathing style, having been trained himself by Dr. Phil Curcuruto. I also trained with Mark Waldman who incorporated the various body interventions. Also, since I have been doing bodywork, incorporating deep muscle release, myofacial release and connective tissue massage, since 1980, this combination has led to my strong hands-on-technique. While I don't subscribe to all of Reichs theory, I feel his overall physical technique is very valid.

Ronald Patzer Ph.D
562-257-8156
rpatzer111@hotmail.com
Lakewood, California