Observation and description of the client's bodily organization: posture, muscular tone, breath, distribution of energy. Creating a "body map" for the work.
Step-by-step guide
- Ask the client to stand in their natural posture
- Observe (without touching): posture, symmetry, muscular tone
- Breath: depth, rhythm, holds, chest/belly
- Eyes: contact, "aliveness" in the eyes
- Voice: timbre, volume, freedom
- Share the observations as a hypothesis: "I notice your shoulders are up. What do you feel there?"
When to use
- First session — orientation
- Start of every session — a "scan" to choose the direction of the work
Key phrases
Stand as you normally stand. I'll look for a minute — not to judge, just to see. Then I'll tell you what I notice and you can tell me if I'm close.
Follow-up questions
Your shoulders sit quite high — is that familiar?
The breath seems to live in the upper chest — does that ring true?
The eyes met mine and then moved away — what just happened?
Where in the body does 'home' feel right now?
Alternative phrasings
If any observation feels wrong, correct me — you are the expert.
We are building a map together, not a diagnosis.
Warnings
- ⚠️ This is observation, not diagnosis. Do not attribute meaning — ask the client.
- ⚠️ "I see" is allowed, "you have a problem with…" is not.
Source: Lowen A. 1958 — The Language of the Body; Lowen A. 1975
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.