One of my first coaching clients vividly described her struggle with an overactive mind, similar to a car speeding at 100mph, with her body desperately trying to catch up. The consequences of this relentless pace often manifested in physical ailments or sheer exhaustion. Meditation, she found, felt like abruptly pulling the handbrake on that speeding car – jarring and unsettling. Her preference was clear: she needed to ‘do something‘, to engage in movement that could gradually bring her mind and body into a harmonious, slower rhythm.
This is where the unique blend of my multidisciplinary approach comes into play. Drawing from my background in physical therapy, trauma and mindset coaching and Tai Chi, I utilize a variety of techniques to help people like her. One such technique is drawn from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), particularly the concept of ‘anchoring’. In NLP, anchoring involves creating a sensory association with a particular emotional or mental state. This can be leveraged in numerous ways, but in the context of Tai Chi, it’s particularly potent.
In my trauma-informed Tai Chi classes, the slow, deliberate movements serve as a physical anchor. With specific guidance and practice, these movements become a trigger for the calm, centered state often experienced during Tai Chi practice. When faced with stress, anxiety, or even depressive episodes, a simple Tai Chi movement can be the key to reactivating this calm state. It’s like having a tool at your fingertips, ready to transform turmoil into tranquility.
This approach dovetails neatly with the psychological concepts of ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ methods. The ‘top-down’ approach involves using our cognitive capabilities to affect our emotional and physical state, while the ‘bottom-up’ approach in psychology and psychosomatics starts with changing our physical state to influence our emotions and thoughts. Tai Chi embodies the bottom-up approach, using body movements to regulate and balance the mind. This is particularly effective for those who find traditional meditation challenging.
Tai Chi’s impact extends into the realm of psychosomatics – the interplay between mind and body. By achieving a state of physical balance and ease, we send signals to our brain that all is well, which in turn helps to alleviate mental stress and anxiety.
My multidisciplinary background allows me to serve clients in a unique way, blending physical movement, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques. This holistic approach not only fosters immediate relief but also equips individuals with tools for lifelong resilience and self-mastery.
In conclusion, the journey with Tai Chi is more than just physical exercise; it’s a pathway to mastering your mind and body, a practice that brings calm and control within easy reach. Whether it’s through anchoring calmness in movement or harmonizing the top-down and bottom-up processes, Tai Chi offers a gateway to a more balanced, peaceful life.
Interested in a free in-person Tai Chi Class? Send an email to info@ for more info.