Description
The Art of Somatic Coaching introduces the concepts and principles of coaching with practices that include body awareness, bodywork, and mindfulness for both the coach and the client. Author and expert coach, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, PhD, explains that in order to achieve truly sustainable changes in individuals, teams, and organizations, it is necessary to implement body-oriented somatic practices in order to dissolve habits, behaviors, and interpretations of the world that are no longer relevant. He explains that these ways of being are integrated in the body–at the level of the musculature, organs, and nervous system. By implementing a somatic approach, these patterns can be shifted in order for transformation to occur.
Opening with a discussion of the roots of Somatic Coaching, the book describes the emotional and physical cost of being distanced from our bodies. Originating from the rationalistic idea that the mind and body are separate, this sense of disconnection spurred the emergence of the field of somatics that views the body as not just a physiological entity, but as the center of our lived experience in the world. Out of this philosophy, Somatic Coaching was developed as a way to cultivate the self through the body.
Methods in this book include:
• Somatic awareness–becoming aware of sensations
• Somatic opening–includes bodywork to release held patterns in the body
• Somatic practices–meditation, movement, and being present in everyday life
The social context in which one is raised, the supportive, healing force of the outdoors and nature as well as acknowledgment of the spirit are also woven into the practice. Through these practices, a rhythm of unfolding occurs in what Strozzi-Heckler describes as an Arc of Transformation–moving in stages from conditioned tendencies to a new satisfying and fulfilling way of being that is fully embodied.
Contents: Introduction; Chapter One: A Short Distance but a Big Cost; Chapter Two: Coaching; Chapter Three: Somatics and Somatic Coaching; Chapter Four: The Methodology; Chapter Five: The Rhythm of Action; Chapter Six: The Somatic Arc of Transformation
Haim Ben-Avraham (verified owner) –
I’ve read a number of books to inform my supervision & coaching practice but this one surpasses them all. This book contains a message that is essential for us in these days and one which could bring real transformation if we seek to embody its principles and practices.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to delving deeper into this life-changing way of being.
bocadelrio (verified owner) –
Richard Strozzi’s newest book is another shining jewel in the collection of his previous writings. This is a must read for all CEO’s, Presidents, CLO’s, PARENTS, TEACHERS, COACHES, anyone/everyone who wants to understand AND DO SOMETHING about what’s happening to people today all over the world. At the personal level, business level, as well as at the societal and global levels, Richard’s book clearly shows us what the inevitable consequences are if we continue to ignore the warning signs, and what we might do to avoid the “cliff”. If we turn on television news, we can’t avoid hearing about the politician in tirade, the out-of-control teen-ager, the inexplicable mass murderer, and/or “distracted parenting” as parents join their kids in fascination for electronic devices. From symptom to behavior, from cause to effect, from problem to solution, Richard Strozzi provides the journey that we’ve all taken collectively and have inherited through the ages with each so called “advancement” of human kind. What makes this books so outstanding is that he also provides the “anecdote”. Perhaps we might see the behaviors of our out-of control-civilization as a clarion call to lead from the heart, or are we to swing forever like a pendulum in a clock awaiting the explosion of the next bomb, tick tock.
Dr. David Kamnitzer (verified owner) –
Masterfully written!
Richard Strozzi-Heckler writes from the space of mastery … distilling an art and science and philosophy in the spirit on Zen-like minimalism.
This book is like a fine wine. Most sentences need to be savored … somatically engaged!!!
Those already familiar with ontological coaching and inquiry, as well as some type of somatic practice, will get the most out of it.
Such a rich experience. I look forward to meeting the author someday, and maybe even getting up on the mat together to practice!
honeybee (verified owner) –
WONDERFUL STORY ABOUT DIFFERENT WAYS OF RELATING TO OTHERS. WE ARE ALL SO Unique it really is a great read!
Cindy Groeninger Jordan (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this book! Engaging & Empowering! A way of creating authenticity and embodying it! I would encourage all loved ones to read it!
Clare M (verified owner) –
As a long-term student of Dr. Strozzi-Heckler, I fear my words are inevitably biased. We met in 1998 and I began studying at Strozzi Institute soon thereafter. As one of the somatic coaches to whom he refers throughout the book, guiding clients on the path of somatic transformation, his theory and examples are deeply familiar and underpin my work every day. Rather than speak of my work though, perhaps I should speak of my own personal experience. I was affectionately christened The Mouse when I arrived at Strozzi Institute, pulled internally, collapsed and deeply curious from an introvert plane. Worked well as a psychotherapist; not so much for one desirous of developing a business and identity as an expert in embodied recovery. Over time, committing to the process set out in The Art of Somatic Coaching, I have achieved some of my goals and continue to strive for others. No longer a mouse! Own international business, running workshops and seeing clients on multiple continents, some writing published with more to come …. embodying a different way of being. (Thank you Richard). To anyone interested in self-development, especially therapists and coaches, this is an outstanding book setting out the guiding principles for a somatic approach to transformation. A must read.
Clare Myatt (nee Bowen-Davies), Master Somatic Coach and Psychotherapist
Anne Marina Solgaard (verified owner) –
Poetic and beautifully written, yet very hands-on.
VJ (verified owner) –
good
Matt (verified owner) –
Yet again, Strozzi-Heckler shares a wealth of genuinely compelling insight, practical approaches to healing, and re-connecting his students/patients to their life’s imbalances and the potential for meaning, growth, and fulfillment. A one of a kind author, he a person who has poured himself and his efforts into the betterment of others
Creature of the Night (verified owner) –
Well written, in general, and very inspirational. I wish I had the money to do his very expensive training up in Northern CA, but I don’t have a spare $12,000 lying around. I have thought about this book in my coaching of clients since I read it, and will continue to use it as a reference.
Hubert (verified owner) –
Adds to my insight for sure.
Hubert
Personal Trainer
Ady Griffiths (verified owner) –
skilfully written and inspiring ,connected to living with loving awareness and living a passionate empowering life! read it, it’s a very supportive revealing book!
Linzy (verified owner) –
Great introduction to somatic coaching. An easy read and worth it. However it wont tell you how to do it in detail but the case studies are excellent.
Doug Miller, MCC (verified owner) –
This was a great read. Filled with great examples that bring the concepts to life. The models & frameworks helped me deepen my understanding of embodiment. If you are a coach this is worth exploring.
Jacqueline T. (verified owner) –
What wonderful work and reading. I especially appreciated the parts about “growing old”…truly beautiful.
Ruth (verified owner) –
As a fellow practitioner of somatic modalities I love this book. Not a lot of new ideas for me given my experience, but the author has done a great job of articulating a subject that is VERY challenging to do so in a meaningful, insightful and accurate way. He has succeeded at preserving the magic, living quality of embodied work while still finding words to express this process.
D. Donahue (verified owner) –
Easy purchase.
Marcela Velfl (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me answers to some of the questions I had on my mind regarding how to implement this approach into my daily life and work. It has a good balance between “theoretical” and practical applications of the approach which make it very easy to read and follow. It shows a great expertise of the author in this topic, and a deeper sense of knowing. I highly recommend it to everyone interested in this topic.
Connie Lawrence James (verified owner) –
Richard Strozzi-Heckler is both a master teacher and a poet. He leads the reader on a guided tour of soma with wisdom, warmth, and in a way that makes each word land in the body. In other words, it is as if your body reads this book and recognizes its native language. Inspiring!
Gillian Fawcett (verified owner) –
I would recommend this book to anyone who coaches others to generate awareness about how somatic coaching can strengthen their work. The case studies really exemplified the potential of results of working with the soma.
WonderWoman (verified owner) –
As a life and executive coach, I have been interested in expanding my knowledge of Somatic Coaching so as to integrate the principles into my practice. After reading this, I definitely want to learn more. I know that it will create significant transformation within myself and for my clients.
lbrunner (verified owner) –
This is a fantastic treasure! If you want to peak behind the why and the how so many are disconnected from their body’s this book is for you. A simple, easy and engaging read. I would give it a 5 but I am a hard grader 😉