Building a Body of Evidence: From Sensation to Emotion and Psychotherapy

Abstract

These phrases and metaphors refer to the body but in reality they are about the connections we make between the body, thoughts and emotions and social connections with other people. Psychologists and cognitive scientists call these connections “embodiment,” although definition is elusive—as seen by the variability in definition given in each chapter of this book. Perhaps this because there are so many components involved, and researchers and clinicians have tended to focus efforts, sensibly enough, on only one or two aspects at a time. A cursory scan through these definitions reveals some recurring key words, however: body, Self, others, social. So from the perspective of researcher-clinicians, the conceptualisation spans from the physical body to the interaction with others—from morphology to social interaction. Indeed, what has become evident in bringing together this book, is that “embodiment” really refers to a process that produces a network, woven through the fabric of our body functions and cognitions and our behaviour, connecting us to the physical environment and synchronising us with the cognitions and behaviours of other people.

Look me in the eye; my gut reaction; chin up, back straight; let’s shake on it; my heart’s not in it; too close for comfort; brokenhearted; harden my heart; reach out to someone; he got cold feet