Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy, created by Ruella Frank, Ph.D., is a clinical phenomenological and movement-oriented approach to psychotherapy within a contemporary gestalt therapy framework.

Inspired by the work of developmental psychologists, movement theorists, somatic educators, and clinical phenomenologists, Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy is a template for understanding and working with early psycho-physical blocks as they emerge in present moments of the child, adolescent and adult therapy session.

Participants will learn to attend to their own moving and feeling experience and how this serves as the foundation for therapeutic presence and diagnosis. We will explore the six developmental movement patterns which emerge in the first year of life, and experience both the physical and psychological function of each pattern. When guided by this knowledge, participants will gain a powerful framework for understanding emergent relational themes and how to support clients in growth and change. The training includes theoretical and experiential learning, as well as time to practice integrating these ideas and experiences into therapy sessions.

The program will be led by Karen Ginsburg, LCSW, Lead Teacher, with Chrys Kim, PhD and Zachary Model, LMHC, Co-Teachers.