About Rosen Method Bodywork

Rosen Method Bodywork aims for greater relaxation and the development of a deeper awareness of the body. It's gentle, yet powerful, blending touch, listening and dialogue.

Here's a few comments from Rosen clients:

"I have been doing self development work for 15 or so years but there were barriers I could not dissolve within myself. Rosen Method opened doors for me to access my truth and to feel safe in being myself. Since encountering Rosen bodywork my life has begun to change on many different levels."
"Rosen has simply changed my life by gently and safely allowing me to release fear when no other approach had been successful."
"Very positive experience. Calm and restful, felt energised and clearer about how to deal with a stressful issue."
"When I found Rosen I was gridlocked. Now I can flow with the ups and downs of life. I am happy more often and not so critical of myself and others."
"Rosen has helped me to discover what is important to my life journey. It has resolved some long held pain and tension and allowed me to explore my inner meaning and bring this more fully into my everyday life."

Benefits

Rosen Method offers relaxation and awareness of the underlying sources of chronic muscle tension and restricted breathing as well as personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. People who receive Rosen Method sessions often experience a lessening of physical pain, a reconnection to self and others, a release of chronic physical and emotional holding, and an increase in wellness and expressiveness.

There are many reasons why people seek Rosen sessions.

People who have discomfort and physical pain
People with poor posture and restricted breathing
People wanting to know more about themselves
Artists, dancers, musicians, singers, actors who use their bodies for creative expression
People involved with other body-oriented therapies who want to experience the possibilities and potential depth of a different and very gentle approach to the body
People who want to explore body-mind connections
People in psychotherapy or counselling who may feel 'stuck'.

Rosen work can be a very effective complement to verbal counselling and/or many physical therapies.

What is a Rosen Method Bodywork Session like?

In your first Rosen session the practitioner will explain the process to you.

A Rosen session lasts for up to an hour. Often people benefit from a series of sessions, the number and frequency of which can be discussed with the practitioner, since different people process things in different ways.

TThe client lies on a massage table, normally dressed only in underwear, or such additional clothing as feels comfortable or secure. (For people who cannot lie on the table, a session can take place in a chair.) The session usually starts with the client lying face down, covered with a sheet or blanket which is drawn back as the session progresses. At some point during most sessions, the practitioner will ask the client to turn over onto the back. The practitioner explores the body for tension and the question is often asked, "What happened that such holding (tension) was necessary?" It is worth stressing that the conscious mind of the client is not being asked to relate facts already well known; instead one is asking the unconscious, via the body, what light it can shed.

To work in this way is a novel experience, but most people quickly become accustomed to it.

It is desirable that a Rosen session be followed by a quiet period - a time for reflection and integration.

Here, a couple of clients share their experiences of having Rosen bodywork sessions:

"I was so completely held during the treatment, safe enough to allow the exploration and release of old tensions and hurts and patterns that caused my physical pain. The body was safely and gently allowed to let them go - thank you."
"Most of my experience with Rosen was during the 12 months prior to my mother dying and I know that Rosen allowed my body to deal with issues that did not require any effort for me at a time when I needed emotional release and had no energy left over to work on myself. Rosen did the work and I relaxed and allowed my body to release. It was fantastic, a life saver possibly."

Rosen Method Movement

Set to music, a range of unhurried movements are designed to improve alignment and flexibility. Moving like this, in a non-pressured way, increases your range of motion, ease of breathing and deepens your awareness of your body.

The movements are done individually at first and then in a circle and then with a partner. A class finishes with a segment on the floor, allowing time to rest and integrate what has come before. Rosen Method Movement is enjoyable and easy!

Marion Rosen developed this form of exercise to prevent physical difficulties before they arise and to help her clients feel better and age gracefully. The movements may be adapted for those who experience pain or have physical limitations. It's great for people who are returning to movement and need a first stage.

Rosen Method Movement creates the experience of relaxation and well being in action. Participants find new vitality, joy and ease in their bodies.

In Australia, Rosen Movement is usually included in Rosen Bodywork workshops. In the future it may be available as a separate course. A book about Rosen Method Movement is available.