Gerda Boyesen, the founder of Biodynamic Psychology and Psychotherapy,
was born in 1922 in Bergen, Norway.
In 1947 she studied psychology at Oslo University and in 1951 was certified
as a clinical psychologist. She went on to study physiotherapy and was
certified as a physiotherapist in Oslo. While completing her psychology
degree Gerda underwent analysis with Ola Raknes, a Freudian analyst
who was closely associated with Wilhelm Reich during Reich's years in
Norway. Gerda Boyesen gained many insights during her analysis that
proved pivotal to her developing theories.
While working as a clinical psychologist, and later as a physiotherapist in psychiatric
hospitals in Norway, under the supervision of Dr. Trygve Braatoy (psychiatrist and
psychoanalyst), Mrs. Boyesen studied an innovative method of massage,
"Neuro-Muscular-Massage", from Adel Bulow Hansen (physiotherapist).
She discovered, that the unconscious mind and repressed emotions could be
affected by this innovative massage method.
The basis of Gerda Boyesen's therapeutic approach is the inseparable connection and
interaction between the mental, emotional and physical processes. Gerda Boyesen was
one of the forerunners of body psychotherapy after Dr. Wilhelm Reich, the originator of
body psychotherapy.
She was the first woman to create her own body psychotherapy method, Biodynamic
Psychology and the first to establish an independent school for body psychotherapy
in Europe.
In 1999 Gerda was made an "Honorary Member' from The European Association
for Body Psychotherapy EABP.
Gerda Boyesen 1922-2005
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