Hendricks body-centred transformation

Domain IV · Body-oriented psychotherapy · Gay Hendricks, Kathlyn Hendricks · 1993

What it is

It is an integrative, humanistic body-centred psychotherapy and personal-growth method. Gay Hendricks (PhD counselling psychology, Stanford 1974; 21 years a professor at the University of Colorado) and Kathlyn Hendricks (PhD transpersonal psychology; board-certified dance/movement therapist…

Format

• No phase model was found. None of the sources describes formal phases, a fixed session count, or criteria for moving between phases. The 1993 book was marketed as a "faster" route than talk therapy, but it gives no number. The sources contain three structures, and they can be used as a working…
• Within-session sequence (1993 model). Notice a flag (breath, posture, movement, speech or attitude), then presence it, then magnify it, breathe with it and move it, then speak the truth of what is found, then take responsibility (own one's part and choices) and ground. This sequence is my ordering…

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• What it is. It is an integrative, humanistic body-centred psychotherapy and personal-growth method. Gay Hendricks (PhD counselling psychology, Stanford 1974; 21 years a professor at the University of Colorado) and Kathlyn Hendricks (PhD transpersonal psychology; board-certified dance/movement therapist 1975–2024) developed it. It has been published under several names:
• The authors cite Reich, Lowen, Perls, Feldenkrais, Satir and the authentic-movement pioneer Mary Whitehouse among their influences. It is closer to a coaching and training tradition than a manualised therapy. Today it is taught mainly through Hendricks Institute seminars, the Leadership and Transformation Training (which Katie Hendricks led for about 30 years), Big Leap coaching programmes and online courses.

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 intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• 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

• see 4.14.
• the client leaves with a choice and a step.
• both partners report more warmth, and fewer escalations.
• the client returns faster each time, with less self-criticism.
• forcing or gulping. Working if: the client feels steady and present.

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.