Orgodynamics

Domain IV · Body-oriented psychotherapy · Gabrielle Plesse-St. Clair, Michael Plesse · 1986 · Seattle

What it is

Orgodynamik ("orgodynamics") is a German-language, body-oriented method of transpersonal psychology developed from 1986 by Gabrielle (Plesse-)St. Clair (b. 1953) and Michael Plesse (b. 1945); the first institute was founded in Seattle, the network ORGOVILLE INTERNATIONAL in 1991, and training now…

Format

• No published phase model for individual therapy was found. The sources give three structuring devices; the individual-session sequence below is.
• Year 2. M4 Creativity and expression (voice work, movement expression, process-oriented and dynamic body work). M5 Self-image and trust (eros as life energy, threshold ritual; body self-perception exercises, mirror work, resource work, ritualised body work). M6 Birth as transformation (regression…

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• a) The Lebensbogen (life arc), 1985 onward: the training and group framework. Seminars and trainings are ordered along life themes from birth to death. Current core training (three years, each year bookable separately; roughly 23 days a year in about four residential blocks; supervision alongside):
• Year 1. M1 Self-concepts and child identities (family and relationship patterns, trust, holding, self-acceptance; holding approaches, embodiment, parts work, identity differentiation). M2 Self-perception and consciousness (self-regulation, withdrawal, slowing down; meditation forms, ritual, dyads, gentle body work, imaginal and energy work). M3 Light and shadow (hero's journey, archetypes, polarity, constructive…
• Entry: an introductory seminar or a preliminary talk. Certificates: Orgodynamik-Practitioner, then Master-Practitioner; certification also requires supervision, personal sessions received and documented sessions given.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• self-judgement, performance. Working: spontaneity and play.
• grief surfacing; give time. Working: felt sense of closure.
• claims of healing; keep it experiential. Working: calm, centred state.
• harsh self-labelling. Working: humour and distance toward old identities.
• grandiosity or vagueness; make it concrete. Working: plans the client follows.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.