The body as a path to inner balance through Integral Body Psychotherapy

In everyday life, we often live “in our heads,” while the body and emotions remain in the background. You are probably familiar with the phrase “memory lives in the body.” Our body carries traces of experiences we have had, especially stressful or traumatic ones, even when we think we have consciously understood and accepted them.

Integral Body Psychotherapy (IBP) is based on the idea that body, mind, and emotions are not separate – they constantly communicate and influence each other. Through a safe and structured psychotherapy process, IBP allows for a deeper contact with oneself, increased awareness, gradual conscious recognition of inner experiences, and progressive changes in accordance with the individual's personal rhythm and capacities.

What is integral body psychotherapy?

Integral Body Psychotherapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that integrates elements from different therapeutic directions and knowledge, including talk therapy, work with bodily experiences, and emotional processes. It views body, emotions, mind, and the neurological system as an inseparable whole.

It is based on the understanding that psychological and emotional difficulties are not only “in the head” but are reflected through bodily sensations, tensions, breathing, and movements, and that working with these bodily aspects opens access to deeper parts of the psyche and neurophysiology.

IBP explores how early emotional and interpersonal experiences remain stored in the unconscious and the body, shaping our bodily reactions, inner emotional world, beliefs and patterns that influence perception, behavior, and quality of life. It enables work on deeply stored somatic and emotional patterns, release of suppressed emotions, processing of early trauma and traumatic experiences, and encourages holistic personal development and emotional maturation.

Integral Body Psychotherapy is also a relational therapy, where the therapist and client build a relationship of trust and safety. The therapist is present and supportive, respects the client’s boundaries and emotions, and through guidance and interventions creates space for new, healing experiences.

The work involves:

• mindful tracking of bodily sensations and impulses
• exploring and expressing emotions in a safe setting
• recognizing emotional patterns
• connecting bodily sensations with thoughts and experiences
• developing greater presence and self-regulation
• exploring the roots of difficulties and how past experiences influence bodily reactions and feelings
• learning techniques for self-regulation and bodily awareness
• exploring boundaries, relationships, and personal resources through bodily experience
  

Who is it for?

Integral Body Psychotherapy can be beneficial for individuals who:

• want to better understand themselves and their emotional and bodily processes
• want to manage emotions and stress more easily
• experience tension, exhaustion, or bodily symptoms of stress
• want to improve relationships and establish healthy boundaries
• carry the effects of trauma or difficult emotional experiences
• want to develop a more conscious and gentle relationship with their body
• want to increase energy, vitality, and a sense of joy of life
• already practice yoga, mindful movement, or meditation and wish to deepen this through psychotherapeutic work

Psychotherapy is always tailored to the individual and unfolds according to their needs, possibilities, and pace.

O meni

Hi! I’m Ana Hrešć, a therapist of Integral Body Psychotherapy.

As a therapist, I strive to create a safe, reliable, and supportive space. My goal is to support an environment in which we can develop body awareness, emotional balance, and personal growth. In my work, I accompany people with respect, attention, and the belief that every individual can develop their inner resources for change and growth.

I have completed a six-year education as a therapist at the School of Integral Body Psychotherapy (ITP) and Psychotherapy Propedeutics. I am currently additionally training in Somatic Experiencing and in a Leadership training program at the ITP school, where I also assist in workshops. I am a member of the Croatian Psychotherapy Chamber.

Psychotherapy is my calling and a space where I feel authentic, and working with people brings me joy and a sense of meaning. Outside of therapy, I find inspiration in nature, sports, learning, music, dance, and travel, which enriches my work and life.

I provide online psychotherapy sessions. I work individually with adults in English, Croatian, and Slovenian.

If you feel the need for understanding, support, or a space for personal growth, I will be happy to support you in exploring inner peace, balance, and your own potential.

For additional information and to arrange an appointment, feel free to get in touch via anahresc@gmail.com or at +385 98 929 7835.

Kind regards,

Ana