The Practice of Embodying Emotions: A Guide for Improving Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes Paperback – March 22, 2022

As a psychotherapist trained in Somatic Experiencing, I was familiar with how our bodies process trauma and how to help clients access and metabolize difficult emotional experiences. Dr. Selvam's book (I also trained in his modality Integral Somatic Psychology before the book was written) has deepened my understanding of emotional embodiment and has helped me both personally and professionally to support this process.I found it easy to read, unlike some, I don't like text books and never would even call it that. I think even if you are not a therapist but wish to understand more about how to process and feel (embody) your emotions i highly recommend this book. It is well written, clear and enjoyable to read!

Grounded in extensive scientific research, Raja’s methodology has helped me and my clients I’m working with and releasing difficult emotions from the body like grief, rage, loss, anxiety, etc. Raja’s book is the missing link in the field of somatic psychology and provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between emotions, the body and how to work with emotions in the body! A must read for all therapists and clients who are interested in personal growth.

Developing a capacity to successfully deal with deep and difficult emotions is a missing element in many forms of therapy, trauma therapy, and spiritual work. Navigating this territory is essential for maturation and overcoming and healing deep levels of trauma. This book offers an entirely fresh perspective on working with emotions by offering a simple but effective approach: by removing physical defenses against emotions and expanding the emotional experience throughout the body, something shifts in the client’s experience. A deep level of integration can take place that seems otherwise very difficult to achieve. It is written by a skillful clinician with a long history of researching and teaching this method. Not often do I come across a book in psychotherapy that is such a delight to read. It is at times deeply personal and presents well-researched science to back up its claims. Personally, I have been stuck with chunks of unresolved trauma. This new approach is offering me an insight into how to get unstuck and advance my personal development and emotional maturation. I'm amazed it took so long for a book like this to emerge. What a gift.

This is a powerful methodology I use with my clients. This book, especially the last four chapters, has helped my clients integrate the method into a self-help one, they can call upon as needed. We are all embodied nervous systems, and this book helps us harness the power of an aligned, grounded, regulated nervous system, and invaluable gift!

The content of this book is excellent. I highly recommend it. But I hate this narrator (unfortunately, it's not read by the author). So I really recommend you read it rather than listen to the Audible version. Sadly, so many psychology audiobooks are narrated by readers who sound robotic and vaguely like a pharmaceutical commercial. Additionally, I happen to have heard 2 books now with this same narrator who pronounces "craniosacral" wrong repeatedly. As I'm a craniosacral therapist, this is highly distracting.I am very excited that this book gives instructions on how to feel your emotions and discusses what we know about resonance and how our bodies read each others' heartfields. I was very surprised by how many people he's seen have relief from physical ailments once they learn to embody their emotions better.It's clear the author is really trying to emphasize "throughout the brain and body physiology" are where the emotions are felt... Because this phrase is repeated endlessly in the book. FINALLY at one point the author wrote he'd just say "physiology" for the rest of the chapter -- and I nearly cried with relief. My sense is this isn't so bothersome when reading this with ones' eyes - but in the audiobook, it wasn't long before I was gritting my teeth every time this repetitious phrase was needlessly repeated.I was really hoping there would be some kind of guided meditation or exercise included - so many times, they are WRITTEN in books and you are advised to "record them for yourself" (I'm positive nobody ever does this!) But that is not included here. However, I do see that the author has a series of meditations on his website that are available. Oh, how I wish he'd included at least one here, so I could see if I enjoyed them!

This is an outstanding book that has helped me both professionally as a psychologist to help clients and personally to relate to my emotions with more skill and empathy.

Powerful insight thoroughly developed. Would highly recommend for every therapist.

I read a lot of the neuroscience and neurophysiology behind emotions, trauma, and the ways our body reacts to those experiences. However, there is limited to no research to support things promoted in this book, such as remembering your own birth trauma, experiencing “almost developing cerebral palsy” (what even?), or craniosacral therapy — and some really far out offshoots from it. I also found it unreadable, and I usually enjoy textbooks. This was littered with metaphor and flowery language to hide the fact that it doesn’t have the science. Skip in favor of the direct work of Stephen Porges, Daniel Siegel, Bruce Perry, etc…