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Practitioner Profile: Jodi Schwartz-Levy Jodi Schwartz-Levy, PhD is a somatic (body-oriented) psychologist. She holds a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with a Specialization in Somatic Psychology from The Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. Somatic PsychologyDr. Schwartz-Levy is one of a distinguished group of psychologists worldwide in the pioneering field of somatic psychology—making her an expert in mind/body integrative health. She advocates that the majority of individuals live solely from the analytical mind, leaving many people depleted for they are not using their wealth of somatic and spiritual resources. Dr. Schwartz-Levy works to help align individuals to their core truth, while acting as an educator for holistic health—living more in greater accordance with one’s soul purpose. Movement TherapyFor over a decade Dr. Schwartz-Levy has been leading people into movement for health. She began in 1998 as the only Nia (mind/body/spirit fitness) instructor in Pennsylvania (www.nianow.com). She also spent several years developing her own work entitled Soma Dance, encouraging people to release negativity and embody the change they desire. She has led people into movement in a multitude of setting including: fitness and art centers, inner city schools, universities and with corporate employees. Massage Therapy and BodyworkA certified massage therapist and somatic educator from Moving on Center in Oakland, CA, Dr. Schwartz-Levy is trained in Swedish massage, Thai bodywork and several forms of energy healing (Reiki, Magnified Energy Healing and Igili). Currently, the majority of Dr. Schwartz-Levy’s work is hands off, in which she guides her clients to sense and release somatic tension on their own. A trained birth doula, she also acts as a childbirth coach and advocate. ExpertiseEating Disorders and Body Image IssuesDr. Schwartz-Levy’s clinical experience as a movement, group, and individual therapist at The Renfrew Center for the treatment of eating disorders and her doctoral dissertation provide her with expertise in eating disorders and body image issues. Her dissertation entitled, “The Somatic Experience of Bulimia Nervosa: A Qualitative Investigation of Embodiment and Regulatory Functions of the Binge and Purge” is a unique contribution to eating disorders research. Her primary thesis points to society’s lack of somatic awareness, which results in high levels of anxiety and bodily objectification with a greater susceptibility to eating disorders. Dr. Schwartz-Levy’s research reveals core contributors to the development of bulimia, which informed the treatment protocol for bulimia that she created. Domestic ViolenceMost recently, Dr. Schwartz-Levy worked as a therapist in Philadelphia’s only domestic violence shelter with women and their children. This experience enabled her to work more intensely with complex trauma and the effects of multifaceted abuse. A mother of two young children (2 and 3 years old), Dr. Schwartz-Levy has also learned a great deal about the challenges of parenthood which informs a great deal of her work. Current GroupsCurrently, Dr. Schwartz-Levy teaches embodiment groups at The Resiliency Center both for health care practitioners and the general public. Her life-long dedication to deepening her understanding of healing enables her to integrate psychological, emotional, energetic, and somatic interventions into her work as a clinician and an educator. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Jodi Schwartz-Levy, contact her at jodilevy@mac.com or 215-370-7878, or visit her website at www.somaticpsych.com. |
602 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002 • Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County & the Philadelphia Area Individual and Group Counseling | Somatic Psychology | Domestic Violence Survivors | Trauma | Eating Disorders | Body Image Issues | Massage Therapy | Bodywork | Movement Therapy Copyright 2010 The Resiliency Center, Your Place for Healing, Education & Community |
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