About Rosen Method Bodywork

Rosen Method Bodywork is a gentle form of bodywork that aims for greater relaxation and the development of a deeper awareness of the body. It is a gentle, yet potentially powerful process that blends touch, listening, and dialogue.

In a Rosen session the practitioner's hands 'listen' rather than manipulate as in some other forms of bodywork. This 'listening' touch is used to explore the level of tension in the muscles. The practitioner may focus on a particular area of tension and wait to see if the body begins to respond. When the tension changes or relaxation deepens, a range of feelings, attitudes and memories may become apparent to the client.

To increase the awareness in the client, the practitioner sometimes may respond verbally to bodily changes in muscular tension or breathing. This in turn may lead the client to recognise what has been held down by muscle tension. The client may choose to talk, or to remain quiet. Every session is different.

Rosen Method thus supports healing by bringing to awareness chronic muscle tension and restricted breathing. As relaxation occurs, practitioner and client explore the underlying sources of physical and emotional 'holding'. The combination of touch, active listening and reflection of the body's truth promotes awareness, growth and release of unnecessary tension. Rosen Method provides a safe context for opening to the wisdom and feelings in the body. This allows for the integration of an emerging physical, emotional, and spiritual awareness.

During this unfolding process, the origins of habitual patterns may be recognised and chronic tension may be released. The client may feel more aliveness, recognise new choices available to them in their life, and experience an increased sense of well-being.

Who can benefit from Rosen Method Bodywork?

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.

The client lies on a massage table, normally dressed only in underwear, or such additional clothing as feels comfortable or secure. 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. 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 and to allow contact with recaptured feelings to be developed.

Judith Nicholson, the first certified Rosen practitioner in Australia, described her first Rosen Session in her article Changing Course: A Leap from Law to Bodywork.

What is Rosen Method Movement?

Set to music, these unhurried movements are designed to improve alignment and flexibility. They also increase range of motion, ease of breathing and deepen awareness of the body. The movements are done individually as well as in a circle or with partners. 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.

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