Aikido and Psychotherapy
Patrick Faggianelli, PhD 90 minutes
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that has the stated aim of resolving conflict without violence and in such a way that no one gets injured. Aikido literally means the way of harmonizing (loving) energy. One of the important aikido philosophies is that one must “embrace one’s opponent with love.” In terms of this workshop, if anxiety and worry is “one’s opponent” the aiki approach is to love one’s anxiety and worry. Embedded in the practice of aikido are many concepts including physical self defense, the nature of the universe, the importance of partnership practice, the importance of developing a practice designed to align oneself with the energy of the universe. This seminar will explore underlying contextual elements which inform aikido and discuss, as well as experience, how those principles and practices can be understood and utilized in the practice of Existential, Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology and psychotherapy particularly in relation to the ability to befriend anxiety and worry.
