BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH SOMATIC EXERCISES
Are you feeling sad or depressed often?
Do you get easily irritated?
Learn to regulate your negative emotions and feel more energised and positive with somatic exercises according to Alexander Lowen!
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Workshop location: Zurich, near Triemi
Have you ever noticed how sadness makes us freeze in our bodies? We’d rather lie on the couch than go out for a run. We feel hopeless, self-critical, and out of energy. And the more you stay in that slumped mode, the more difficult is to feel positive again.
Our bodies and minds are strongly connected. This means that we can use the power of movement, breathing and self-expression to let go of the negative feelings that hold us down.
Once we reduce our tensions and get out of the “freeze” mode, we can use the power of somatic practice to bring back the positive, joyful feelings of pleasure, hope, and plain fun.
Boost your mood with somatic exercises: what to expect?
Understand
First, we talk a little to break the ice and understand our own patterns of dealing with low mood and depressed states. I will also provide a brief introduction to body psychotherapy.
Exercise
In a small group, we'll first try somatic exercises to recognize regulate our negative emotions through our bodies. Next, we will learn movement and expressive techniques solo and in pairs (optional) to boost our mood and feel more alive.
Regulate
Thanks to regular practice at home, you can act fast when you're overcome by sadness, hopelessness, and depressive feelings. These exercises will be like your first-aid kit for a bad mood, helping you recover faster and build a more positive mindset and feelings.
Hi! I'm Anka
I’ve never been a super positive person. I am sensitive and cry a lot and I’m no stranger to depressive states. What has always helped me recover was finding comfort and safety in my own body – from a good nap to a calming sauna visit. With a background in sex therapy I have been helping women reclaim sensual pleasure and self-confidence through movement, breathing, and self-touch. Since I’ve discovered somatic exercises, I have gained a deeper understanding of emotional expression in a more psychological sense.
I discovered Bioenergetic Analysis when interviewing a body-oriented therapist for my radio show about sexuality. Once I learned more about the approach, I got hooked. I got so hooked that at the age of 40 I decided to go back to school and get trained for 4.5 years to become a body-oriented psychotherapist. I am now in my fourth year of training, having obtained certification as Bioenergetic Counselor. To ensure the quality of my work, I have regular supervision with an experienced therapist.
On top of that I bring additional, extensive (1.5 years) education and training in group workshop facilitation and life coaching (1 year postgraduate university course).
In my private life I’m an expat in Switzerland. I came to Zurich in 2018 from Warsaw, Poland. My family pack consists of myself, my husband, 9-year-old son and two senior cats. I love the Baltic seaside and the color red.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
What, when, where?
Cozy studio near Zurich Triemli
For current times see box below
The workshop is open to participants of all genders.
Tickets
60 CHF
Payment with Twint or card online, QR or regular invoice upon request (advance payment)
Tickets are non-refundable (in case of sickness, with doctor's attest I can offer to rebook you for the next similar workshop).
Contraindications
These workshops are not suitable for people who are very sensitive to noises and screaming (as people sometimes express their emotions with their voice). If you're undergoing treatment with antipsychotic medication or have had psychotic episodes, this is also not for you. Other contraindications include pregnancy and epilepsy. If you have a serious physical or mental health condition, always consult your lead healthcare provider first.
What the workshop participants have to say:
The workshop made me realize how important it is to be here and now, in mindful contact with my body and accepting myself as I am. I would recommend workshops with Anka to people looking for positive energy and aliveness.
Mart☀️
I have attended several workshops both on sexology and bioenergetics and each time I was impressed by her professionalism, the wealth of interesting information, and most importantly, the valuable knowledge and practical tools I took away from them.
Małgorzata
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Are these somatic exercise workshops for women and men?
The workshops are for everyone regardless of gender. From time to time I organize workshops for particular groups, usually for women. If you’re interested, get in touch. You can also book an individual session.
I have been diagnosed with depression. Is this right for me?
It depends. Generally, somatic (bioenergetic) exercises are very useful in the treatment of depression and we use them with our clients in body psychotherapy sessions. People who attend talking therapy may also participate in workshops and engage in somatic exercises to complement the verbal work.
This is, however, a short, group workshop. It means the exercises can trigger something deeper in you, or even make you feel worse in the short term.
If you are currently undergoing treatment for depression, it’s best to consult with your doctor and/or therapist before signing up for the workshop. You need to feel stabilised – with medication and/or therapy – to participate in a group session during which emotional expression is encouraged.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes, you have to be 18 or over.
Do I need to be fit?
No, this is not a fitness class. These are somatic exercises invented by psychiatrist and therapist Alexander Lowen. The movements are simple and if you should have problems, I can suggest modifications.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, anti-slip socks (you can also exercise barefoot). Get something to write. If you want you can bring a thin blanked but it’s not necessary.
I have a mental health condition. Can I come?
If you have a history of psychotic episodes or schizophrenia, this workshop will not be suitable for you.
If you have depression, anxiety or another mental health condition but you feel stable (with medication and/or therapy), you can come but I advise you to consult with your doctor or therapist first.
The workshop includes exercises designed to evoke and express emotions. You may have intense feelings, and in rare cases even flashbacks of traumatic experiences. Since this is a group workshop I have a limited capacity to react to acute mental states. Everything is voluntary and if you feel overwhelmed I can suggest a grounding exercise, you can also lie down and rest or observe, or leave the workshop.
The key to participating is your ability to recognize your boundaries. I do my best to create an atmosphere of safety but participants have verying degrees of tolerance. What seems like an easy practice for one person, can be extremely intense for another.
If you have doubts, you can arrange an individual session with me first to get a feel of the method.
The discoveries from workshops can be later processed and deepened in your own therapy process.
I am neurodivergent. Can I participate?
We’re all different and there are different shades of neurodivergence so use your best judgement and get in touch when in doubt.
The workshop has a semi-fixed structure. We have a talk and discussion part in the beginning and after each set of exercises and a wrap up at the end.
Most workshops feature at least one exercise in pairs. Of course you are free to decide is this is OK for you.
Keep in mind that some people express emotions by making loud sounds, stomping etc.
If you still have doubts, you can try an individual session first.
I have a disability. Is this for me?
Currently my workshops take place in a room near Triemli which can only be accessed by stairs. I can try to accomodate your needs but I have a limited capacity, and you may need to find an assistant to participate (this is doable, please get in touch). You may also consider idividual sessions.
GET YOUR TICKET
Tickets cost 60 CHF for a 3-hour session in a small group.