Julie Diamond, Ph.D., worked with analyst/physicist ArnoldMindell (author of Working with the Dreaming Body, The Shaman’s Body, Sitting in the Fire, etc.) as one of the original founders of Process Work (or Process Oriented Psychology). In this interview from January 3rd, 1999, Julie talks about some of the basic ideas behind Process Work and gives examples of how they might be applied in private practice.I began studying Process Work with Arny Mindell in the mid-1980’s as a student of bodywork and body-centered therapies at Esalen. As I did, you will notice where the Process Work perspective differs from our own (for example, the emphasis on the psychological aspects of symptoms and experience), as well as the similarities we share (e.g., seeking the “self-correcting” capacity of the body). My hope is that both the differences and the similarities will prove stimulating and educational. As a Rolfer who also works as a psychotherapist, the dynamic interaction between these two modalities keeps me reflecting, growing, and refining my appreciation for each, in all their disparate and complimentary views, values, and methods.
