What is the Theory of Rosen Method Bodywork?

Our bodies develop muscle tension during times of stress; at the same time, our breathing becomes restricted to protect ourselves from feelings and impulses we couldn't express in overwhelming situations. Throughout a lifetime, these survival strategies become habitual, limiting breath and circulation, and creating postural imbalances, aches and pains. Once we are able to experience these patterns with awareness, we can choose to live in the present moment with full access to our emotional resources. For more about the theory click here.

What is a Rosen Method Bodywork session like?

Before the first session, the practitioner and client sit together to discuss the client’s situation, what prompted the client to seek Rosen Method bodywork, important health and family history, current stressors and support, and other relevant information.  This is an opportunity for the practitioner and client to get to know each other some, and for the client to ask questions and raise particular concerns.

Rosen Method Bodywork sessions last from 45 minutes to one hour. The client is covered by a light blanket or sheet, and lies on a massage table wearing comfortable clothing or removes outer clothing, leaving undergarments on.

The practitioner uses touch and supportive verbal inquiry to bring awareness to muscular and postural patterns and the unfelt emotional issues that can cause them. As a session unfolds, physical tension that was once useful and protective can soften and release within a new experience of safety, acceptance and compassionate attention. As our breath expands and muscles soften, we can also express ourselves more openly and with greater authenticity. The practitioner is a link between your verbal, analytical left brain and your nonverbal, experiential right brain. Your nervous system can then learn to regulate itself and open to greater states of relaxation, embodiment, and choice. See more here.

Many people report never having been touched in this way, without trying to accomplish anything other than contact and awareness. During a session, you may feel yourself relaxing and breathing more easily; you may experience a sense of inner spaciousness. Usually, a feeling, an image, a memory, or a thought arises. Responding to these shifts in your body, your practitioner helps you follow and name what your body has been holding. Uncovering and healing past hurts and difficult feelings allows you to experience greater aliveness, power, and joy.

Who benefits from Rosen Method Bodywork?

Rosen Method is helpful for people with physical limitations and pain related to emotional issues, as well as those who want a body-based (somatic) approach to increased self-awareness.

The Rosen Method benefits individuals who:

• seek support and insight during major life transitions

• want to find a path “back home” to their authentic self 

• experience physical pain, muscle tension or postural problems

• use their bodies for self-expression: athletes, performers, dancers, singers

• feel overextended or chronically stressed

• are feeling a lack of progress with verbal therapy alone

• wish to expand their professional skills by learning in a body-based healing modality

• want to practice receptivity

How does Rosen Method Bodywork alleviate pain?

When we work with clients, we use a listening, receptive touch, slowing down to make firm contact to find and connect with chronic tension.  As the process unfolds, people can become aware of the underlying emotional or historical causes of their pain. In Rosen Method body tension is referred to as holding - something that is actively done. Within the safety of a session, when a client feels accepted and welcome, the habitual holding releases, and a letting go can happen from the inside out. With this letting go our pain often diminishes or disappears. For more about alleviating pain click here.