061: Our Body Keeps Score with Erica Hornthal

In this episode, we explore the transformative concept of body wisdom and its critical role in enhancing personal and professional growth. I’m joined by Erica Hornthal, a board-certified dance movement therapist, who sheds light on how accessing our body's inherent wisdom can lead to profound insights and healing. Through the lens of dance movement therapy, Erica provides a fascinating perspective on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotion.

Erica Hornthal, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, board-certified dance/movement therapist, and the CEO and founder of Chicago Dance Therapy. Since graduating with her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago, Erica has worked with thousands of patients aged 3-107. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You,” Hornthal is changing the way people see movement with regard to mental health.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Essence of Body Wisdom: Dive into understanding what body wisdom is and how we can tap into the knowledge our bodies hold about our experiences, emotions, and the stories of our lives. 🧘‍♀️
  
  

• Sensations as Language: Learn about the significance of tuning into our body's sensations, the neurological underpinnings, and how they can guide our decisions and enhance our understanding of ourselves. 🌟
  
  

• Embodied Knowledge and Leadership: Explore how embodied knowledge can influence leadership styles, decision-making processes, and the cultivation of conscious work environments. 🏢
  
  

• Practical Exercises for Accessing Body Wisdom: Erica shares simple, accessible ways to begin incorporating body awareness into daily life, emphasizing the role of movement in processing emotions and fostering personal growth. 🌈

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 05:34 What is body wisdom

• 07:59 What are sensations and what are some examples of them

• 10:49 Why should we pay attention to these sensations

• 15:35 The impact our bodies have on each other for communication and connections

• 19:48 How do you lean into sensations and use them?

• 22:28 How to use this practically in the work space

• 28:22 The term mental health keeping us stuck in our head, so how to build literacy around wellness

• 35:48 What happens when you let your body give you wisdom

• 39:50 Why she created her product and what she hopes people use it for

• 45:52 Is there a purpose to the color delineation with her cards

• 50:02 Rapid fire questions
  
  

🌈 Closing Thoughts:

Our conversation with Erica Hornthal offers profound insights into the value of reconnecting with our body's wisdom. The episode invites listeners to consider the ways in which embodied knowledge can enhance not only personal well-being but also professional efficacy and leadership. We delve into practical strategies for integrating body awareness into our lives, inviting a holistic approach to health and leadership. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions about embracing body wisdom, and join us in redefining wellness and leadership.

#BodyWisdom #LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulnessInBusiness #OrganizationalCulture #PersonalGrowth

 

Connect with Erica

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.therapist.who.moves.you   

• www.ericahornthal.com 

• Purchase the The Movement Therapy Deck  

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• Twitter: ​​https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected]