Pre-Congress Workshop 4 11 October (10:00 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:30)

The “Τalking Body” in the Couple Relationship: A theoretical – experiential workshop integrating a Somatic and a Systemic approach

A couple is two different people who are united physically, emotionally and spiritually in order to evolve. The choice of a partner and the form of commitment must be based on self- awareness, maturity and responsibility assumption. The sexual relationship is of major importance; however the way is opened through communication. Each member expresses thoughts, ideas and emotions but also sends messages through the language of the body. Armed with their self-esteem they change the rules and put limits in order to create a new life plan.

The social patterns of the past do not meet the needs the present. The fragmentation of society with continuous twists in the system of values and the hectic rhythms of life in combination with the unresolved issues of the past which become chronic, bring a crisis to the couple who wish to be united, to be loved, but mainly to survive in all the levels of their existence. Yet voices, such as family orders, prohibitions, judgments as well as problems in the paternal family are transferred into the couple’s daily life resulting to their living in two different time frames simultaneously and to inner conflict, to being trapped in a vicious circle of anger and blame, preventing clear dialogue. The couple tries to overcome or to filter these malfunctions, yet the body cannot be censored, it owns memory and it “talks” in the here and now about its experiences, emotions and reactions which require immediate solution.

Body Psychotherapy and Couple Counseling, in combination with Family Therapy, help to bring awareness of non-functional behaviors of the past and of the lack of basic needs such as love and acceptance. They offer knowledge and instruction for satisfactory communication and emotional stability. Through physical exercises and techniques they free vital energy. Each member of the couple is strengthened and acquires the ability to share their desires and their needs aiming at their alliance, serenity and joy in the relationship and in life.

Note: Number of participants 15 couples – 15 men and 15 women

Sofia Tsoumaki

Therapia Stamou-Mazaraki
Psychologist, Body-Systemic Psychotherapist
She Studied Psychology at the Centre of Free Studies and Research on Psychology and continued her studies at the University of Patras, on “Psychology and Pedagogy of infancy and childhood.” She has been trained on Body Psychotherapy at the “Wilhelm Reich” Centre of Psychotherapy and Counseling and at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations on the Systemic approach and Family Therapy.

Currently she works privately conducting personal and group sessions with adults, also leads groups of adolescents and parents. She is a Supervisor specialized on Body Psychotherapy, works as an instructor at the “Wilhelm Reich” Centre of Psychotherapy and Counseling, offers seminars related to psychology and communication to business associations and organizations. She is the Managing Director of ”Elefthos”, a Centre of Psychological and Counselling Support. She is an ECP holder.
Member of PESOPS-EABP and of ELESYTH – EFTA