The Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) Model of Self and Recovery

One of the principal counseling modalities that I  make use of is Integrative Body Psychotherapy,  or “IBP”. IBP is partially a therapeutic system, but  is also a philosophy of therapy that strives to integrate a variety of different perspectives.

IBP was developed during the 1970’s and 80’s by Jack Rosenberg and Marjorie Rand. The IBP system draws from aspects of traditional psychotherapy, body energy theory developed by Wilhelm Reich, breathing and body movement techniques patterned after Eastern practices such as Yoga, and an eclectic mixture of other practices and modalities such as Gestalt, Person Centered Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others. As such, it is an integrated system, applying the best of many healing modalities.

Practitioners of IBP therapy are taught to think of their clients in a holistic way, investigating aspects of mind, body, and personal history, as well as spirit and belief in order to arrive at a more complete picture of the root causes of problems. Deep and lasting healing is promoted by guiding the client gently toward a clearer awareness and understanding of self, and toward development of a somatic (in the body) sense of well-being.

In order to become an IBP therapist, students must complete a three year training program, totalling 300 hours of lecture and guided practice. They must also undergo a minimum of 100 hours of personal therapy with an IBP therapist in order to experience the effects and process of therapy from the viewpoint of the client, and in order to work with their own personal issues. In addition, they must complete 100 hours of supervised training and hold a master’s degree in the field of psychology, counseling, or social work.