Relational Integrative Psychotherapy and the Discipline of Authentic Movement

This article discusses the discipline of authentic movement relative to concepts drawn from the theory and practice of relational integrative psychotherapy (combining person-centered and psychodynamic models). There are few discourses on the ways in which authentic movement can be practiced as psychotherapy. In this article there is an elaboration of the discipline itself with a focus on the mover and witness roles, which are then transformed into those of the client and therapist respectively. The discipline is analyzed as a form of relational integrative psychotherapy for individual clients. Examples are provided to illustrate the concepts discussed. The importance of the therapeutic alliance, i.e., the relationship between client and that of the therapist is emphasised. Relational integrative psychotherapy and authentic movement are two powerful and distinct therapeutic approaches that, when woven together in practice, provide a firm platform for complementing each other in four possible ways.