A tool within the Bodynamic system
Bodynamic Bodymap
Mapping patterns of muscular response within the Bodynamic system.
What it is
The Bodymap is a specialist tool within the Bodynamic system. In the assessment, the therapist uses palpation to follow how particular muscles and points respond in a relaxed state, and the results are marked on a map of the body.
Within Bodynamic, these patterns are considered in relation to the character structures, psychological functions and resources described in the theory of the method.
How it is done
A Bodymap is made in person and with clothes on. The therapist works through particular muscles with a specific kind of palpation, while the muscle is relaxed, following the quality of the response.
It takes longer than an ordinary therapy session and is arranged in advance — how long it takes, and over how many meetings, is agreed before it starts.
Work with touch
A Bodymap involves physical contact, since the muscular response is assessed through palpation. Before it begins, Diana explains how the assessment goes and what contact will be used.
You can ask for a pause or stop the assessment at any point. If a particular contact is unpleasant or painful, say so straight away and the work is adapted or stopped.
What is marked on the map
In the Bodynamic system, muscular responses are classified in degrees of reduced or heightened response, and as neutral response. The results are marked in colour on a map of the body and are then read in the context of the model.
The colours denote categories of response within Bodynamic, not a judgement about whether a muscle is medically healthy or unwell.
How the result is used
Afterwards, the result is considered alongside what has emerged in the therapeutic process. The map can help Diana form hypotheses about areas of resource, persistent patterns, and themes that might be explored further.
It does not replace the conversation, the therapeutic relationship, or what develops in the course of the work.
What a Bodymap cannot establish
A Bodymap is not a medical examination, an imaging investigation or a laboratory test, and it does not replace seeing a doctor, a physiotherapist, a psychiatrist or another health professional.
It does not diagnose mental health conditions. Where post-traumatic stress disorder or another condition is suspected, a Bodymap is not a substitute for a proper clinical assessment.
It cannot recover particular biographical events or prove what happened at a given point in childhood. Within Bodynamic, certain patterns are theoretically associated with different developmental periods and tasks, but that is a frame for exploration, not a way of establishing facts about the past.
Not everyone needs a Bodymap
A Bodymap is not a required part of individual psychotherapy with Diana. Whether it makes sense is discussed within the particular therapeutic process.
It is not booked separately through the calendar. It is used when Diana and the client judge it appropriate within the work.
The result is sensitive information
The map and its interpretation are part of the psychotherapeutic work and are treated as sensitive information.
An employer does not receive a Bodymap — not the map, not the interpretation, and not conclusions drawn from it, including where the service is paid for under a corporate programme. A Bodymap is not used to assess employees, to judge suitability for a role, or to profile teams.
Questions people ask
Does it hurt?
A Bodymap is palpation of muscles, not a medical procedure. If a particular contact is unpleasant or painful, say so straight away and the work is adapted or stopped.
Do I have to undress?
No. A Bodymap is done with clothes on.
Can the map show what trauma I have been through?
No. It cannot reliably recover a particular historical event. The interpretation is used as part of the Bodynamic model.
Does it diagnose PTSD?
No. A Bodymap is not used as a substitute for clinical assessment.
Does every client need one?
No.