Why does a Psychotherapist teach Tai Chi?
Movement In Mind is a wellbeing practice. Our lead practitioner, Shirley, is a psychotherapist. Consequently, people often wonder why we focus on Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The explanation is simple – the mind body connection. Our focus is as much on mental health as physical wellbeing. In other words, body awareness and it’s relevance to feelings and emotions underpin all aspects of our work.
A recent article published in the Guardian newspaper highlights this therapeutic potential. It tells of an addict who found healing and recovery through practicing, and eventually teaching, Qi Gong.
“Aspects of these types of approaches help people reconnect and become more in tune with their bodies, or support better management of emotions”
Dr Shalini Arunogiri , addiction psychiatrist and deputy clinical director at Turning Point
A therapeutic approach
Another reason we teach Tai Chi in the practice is to foster community. For instance, our sessions provide a safe environment for people to learn or develop a skill. Even online, participants receive support and encouragement. Whatever they are experiencing in terms of health conditions or mental wellbeing they are able to interact with others in a spirit of self development. As therapists or teachers, we can’t ‘fix’ anyone or anything. If only we could. But we can’t help people in that way. What we can do instead is to help them by empowering them to help themselves.
Above all, Tai Chi is such a gentle way to get in touch with mind and body. Often that’s enough. However, if greater awareness or insight is desired, it can softly open the door to deeper therapy work and other methodologies.