When words lose their power: Shiatsu as a strategic tool in psychotherapy

Abstract

A psychotherapist sometimes reaches the edge of his abilities, the point at which he/she realizes that for a certain client, "words lose their power." The therapist may try a variety of psychological approaches, but with no effect, until he/she comes to feel that perhaps the patient simply cannot be helped. This article points the possibility that in certain cases, when psychotherapy is not bearing fruit, the psychotherapist can make use of additional tools to break through the barrier to treatment. These tools can include psychodrama, movement or dance therapy, and many other non- verbal techniques. The additional tool discussed here is Shiatsu (Acupressure), whose integration in certain cases was found to bring about the desired breakthrough, ultimately bringing the patient to the point at which talking was meaningful and effective again. © 1991 Human Sciences Press, Inc.