Set boundaries & express your needs with somatic exercises

• Is it difficult for you to say "no"?
• Can you confidently ask for what you want?

Learn to set boundaries and express needs with somatic exercises according to Alexander Lowen!

This body psychotherapy method was developed in the 1950s by renowned psychiatrist and therapist. Most of today's "hype" somatic courses and trainings are inspired by this original approach.

What happens during a somatic exercise workshop?

First we talk a little, to break the ice and understand our difficulties with expressing our boundaries and needs. I will give you a super short intro to body psychotherapy (a.k.a. Bioenergetic Analysis & Therapy) to help your brain understand what it's all about.

Then we invite our bodies to feel our tensions, blockages and freezes that prevent us from being assertive or confident.

• So many of us are afraid that if we say "no", people won't like us.
• So many us us are afraid to say "I want this" or "I need this" because we fear people will see us as weak or needy.

By learning how to ground yourself in your body and by being in touch with your emotions, you can start learning a different way - a healthy, brave way to stand up for what you want, care about, or resist the things that quietly destroy you.

Don't worry, the exercises are easy and you don't have to be super fit to do them! It's not about training like in sports. It's about using your movement, your voice, your gaze, your breathing and interactions with others to really feel confident in expressing yourself.

Part of the workshop will be done in pairs - if you don't feel ready you can work solo but for the topic such as boundaries and needs the best results happen if you exercise with another person.

If at any point you feel like it's too much, you can take a break and just observe. We only do what we are ready for.

Who this workshop is for?

• People over 18 years old, regardless of gender.
• We speak English (but if you understand German and Swiss German, so if you have difficulty you can say something in this language).
• For people who are mentally stable. If you are in therapy and/or taking medication for mental health concerns, you can attend the workshop to complement talk therapy but please consult with your therapist or psychiatrist first.

Who this is not for?

• If you are very sensitive to loud noises or intensive movements.
• If you are pregnant.
• If you have epilepsy.
• If you have a history of psychotic states or take antipsychotic medication.
• This workshop is not group therapy and there is limited opportunity to get individual support (the groups are very small and I make sure to give everyone enough personal guidance but I cannot devote the whole session to your concerns, if you need that kind of work, please get in touch for individual body psychotherapy).
• If you have a disability, get in touch, you may need to bring an assistant to support you (the room is only accessible by a few stairs for example or if you need sign language translation etc.)
• If you have a serious health condition, consult with a doctor first. All participants are responsible for their own insurance.

About your host:

Anka Grzywacz is a Bioenergetic Counselor, certified by Süddeutsche Gesellschaft für Bioenergetische Analyse (completed 2 years of training). Currently she is in her 4th year of body psychotherapy training. In addition to that she has extensive experience and 1.5 years of training as facilitator of group psychological workshops, and over seven years of experience in sex counseling. She has her somatic therapy practice in Zürich Oerlikon and Thalwil, offering sessions in Englis, German, and Polish.

More details:

• The location is a cozy studio near Triemli.
• This is a very small group, guaranteeing a lot of privacy and safety, max 7 participants.
• The workshop lasts 3 hours with breaks.
• There is a toilet and shower if needed.
• There will be an option to make coffee or tea.
• Tickets are non-refundable. If you get sick and have a doctor's attest, I can rebook you for a similar workshop that will take place in the upcoming months.
• First come, first served (event advertised on several websites).