A Historical Timeline of Influential Therapists and the Evolution of Therapeutic Practices
Therapy, like all human endeavors, is shaped by its cultural, historical, and societal contexts. The pioneers of psychotherapy and somatic approaches developed their theories in response to the needs, challenges, and zeitgeist of their times. This blog explores key figures in the history of therapy, highlighting their contributions, the historical events that influenced their work, and how somatic counselling has emerged as a vital tool in the post-pandemic world.
Key Figures and Historical Timelines
1. Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957)
From: Austria (later the United States)
Therapy: Body-Oriented Psychotherapy
Historical Context: Post-World War I Europe
Contribution: A student of Sigmund Freud, Reich developed the concept of "body armor," which describes how emotional repression manifests as physical tension in the body. His work emphasized the integration of somatic awareness into psychotherapy, breaking from Freud’s purely mental focus.
Correlation: After WWI, Europe faced widespread psychological disillusionment, with many grappling with the trauma of war. Reich’s work reflected the need to address not only mental suffering but also its somatic impacts.
2. Carl Rogers (1902–1987)
From: United States
Therapy: Person-Centered Therapy
Historical Context: Post-World War II Optimism
Contribution: Rogers championed a humanistic approach, emphasizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the client’s agency in their healing. His work emerged during a time of rebuilding and optimism, as societies began focusing on human potential and self-actualization.
Correlation: In the wake of WWII, there was a cultural shift toward valuing individuality and democracy, reflected in Rogers’ focus on personal growth and the therapeutic relationship as a partnership.
3. Fritz Perls (1893–1970)
From: Germany, later the United States
Therapy: Gestalt Therapy
Historical Context: The Counterculture Movement of the 1950s–60s
Contribution: Perls’ Gestalt Therapy focused on the present moment, experiential techniques, and integrating fragmented parts of the self. His approach resonated with the era’s rejection of conformity and emphasis on authenticity and self-expression.
Correlation: The counterculture movement, with its focus on breaking societal norms and exploring new ways of being, paralleled Perls’ innovative and experiential approach to therapy.
4. John Bowlby (1907–1990)
From: United Kingdom
Therapy: Attachment Theory
Historical Context: WWII and its Aftermath
Contribution: Bowlby’s work on Attachment Theory explored how early relationships shape emotional development. His research was influenced by the widespread displacement and separation experienced by children during WWII.
Correlation: The trauma of wartime separations highlighted the lifelong impact of disrupted attachments, shaping Bowlby’s focus on secure and insecure attachment styles.
5. Peter Levine (b. 1942)
From: United States
Therapy: Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Historical Context: Post-Vietnam War Trauma Research
Contribution: Levine developed Somatic Experiencing as a trauma-focused therapy addressing how the body stores unresolved stress. His work was informed by research into PTSD among Vietnam War veterans, who struggled with the limitations of traditional talk therapy.
Correlation: The Vietnam War spotlighted the need for trauma-specific approaches, particularly those addressing the body’s role in holding and releasing traumatic stress.
6. Marsha Linehan (b. 1943)
From: United States
Therapy: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Historical Context: 1980s Mental Health Reforms
Contribution: Linehan developed DBT to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation. Her approach integrated mindfulness with practical coping strategies, reflecting the era’s shift toward outpatient care and skill-based therapies.
Correlation: The deinstitutionalization of mental health care and increased focus on community-based treatment informed Linehan’s emphasis on practical, accessible tools for emotional regulation.
7. Bessel van der Kolk (b. 1943)
From: Netherlands and United States
Therapy: Trauma-Focused Somatic Approaches
Historical Context: The Late 20th Century PTSD Movement
Contribution: Van der Kolk’s research, particularly in The Body Keeps the Score, emphasized the somatic dimensions of trauma. He advocated for body-focused approaches like yoga and EMDR to complement traditional therapy.
Correlation: The recognition of PTSD as a diagnosable condition and its prevalence among war veterans, abuse survivors, and others influenced his focus on trauma’s physical and emotional integration.
8. Stephen Porges (b. 1945)
From: United States
Theory: Polyvagal Theory
Historical Context: Advances in Neuroscience in the 1990s
Contribution: Porges’ Polyvagal Theory explained how the vagus nerve governs emotional regulation and social connection. His work provided a scientific foundation for understanding the body’s role in trauma recovery.
Correlation: The explosion of neuroscience research in the 1990s provided fertile ground for Porges’ work, bridging biology and therapy.
Key Influences on Somatic Counselling
Somatic counselling integrates the insights of these pioneers, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the importance of addressing trauma and stress at their roots—within the body. This approach is particularly relevant in today’s world, where the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped the collective mental health landscape.
Why Somatic Counselling Is Emerging Now
The post-pandemic context has created a perfect storm for somatic counselling to rise in prominence:
Global Trauma: The pandemic brought unprecedented levels of stress, grief, and uncertainty, leaving many people grappling with trauma stored in their bodies.
Increased Awareness of Mental Health: The pandemic normalised conversations around mental health, opening the door to exploring innovative approaches like somatic therapy.
The Role of Isolation: Extended periods of isolation highlighted the need for connection—not just with others but with our own bodies.
Resurgence of Embodied Practices: Practices like yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness saw a surge in popularity during lockdowns, aligning with somatic principles.
Burnout and Dysregulation: Widespread burnout and nervous system dysregulation have made somatic approaches, which focus on restoring balance, especially valuable.
Conclusion
The evolution of therapy reflects humanity’s ongoing struggle to heal in the face of trauma, societal change, and psychological challenges. From Reich’s body armour concept to Levine’s Somatic Experiencing and Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, each era’s needs have shaped the therapeutic tools available to us today.
Somatic counselling is emerging now because it addresses a fundamental truth: healing must include the whole self—mind, body, and nervous system. In the wake of the pandemic, with its collective stress and trauma, somatic approaches offer a path to resilience and recovery that speaks to the challenges of our time.