Young, C. (Ed.). (2014). The Body in Relationship Self – Other – Society. Body Psychotherapy Publications. 188 pages. ISBN: 978-1-908729-10-1.
Reviewed by Dawn Bhat, MA, MS, NCC, LMHC

The Body in Relationship Self – Other – Society, edited by Courtenay Young, is a blend of scholarly writings from almost forty presenters at the 14th European Association for Body Psychotherapy Congress held in Libson, Portugal on September 11 – 14, 2014. For many years, the EABP has been bringing together researchers, theorists and clinicians to engage and share the latest insights along with classical perspectives that characterize the field of Body Psychotherapy. The 2014 Congress is set to focus on the body in relationship and the interpersonal nature of human experience, which are undoubtedly integral and fundamental in Body Psychotherapy. This congress book touches on what attendees may anticipate but speaks more broadly to the dynamic and cultural nature of human relations. How relationships stretch and extend out in communities is content highly important in the work of the Body Psychotherapist and especially relevant in the role an individual plays in society.

Young opens with an outline highlighting main aspects of the congress and offers a warm, welcoming introduction to this publication. Young, calling himself a “compulsive editor,” shows that the writers – being diverse in culture, language, number of publication credits, etc. – collectively created a marvelous volume that is a glimpse into how sensational this Congress intends to be. The subjects contained in this volume include multiple body-oriented viewpoints on trauma and an assortment of specific modalities of Body Psychotherapy.

With an aim to further the exploration of the field of Body Psychotherapy, this new publication serves as a program to the Congress but encompasses much more. Anybody seriously interested in exploring the Body Psychotherapy, including its rich history and poignant perspectives today, may find this Congress book a must-have. In this volume, professional development, for new to advanced practitioners, spawns areas from enhancing clinical skills, including mind-body techniques, enhancing embodiment and understanding somatic psychology, to scholarly and academic writing in a Body Psychotherapy way. Attendees of the Congress would most certainly find this work useful in optimizing their experience by gaining a prelude and having a companion to the presentations and workshops held in Lisbon.

Young, C. (Ed.). (2014). The Body in Relationship Self – Other – Society.
Scottish Borders, United Kingdom
Body Psychotherapy Publications. 188 pp.
ISBN: 978-1-908729-10-1
Table of contents and references included