How is Chi for Two like Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP)?

Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) was created in 1961 by dancers Albert Pesso and Diane Boyden-Pesso. Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) is a therapeutic system that facilitates emotional re-education or reprogramming. 

In 1991, Chi for Two originator Dee Wagner began studying with Gus Kaufman, a long-time Psychomotor expert and current senior trainer in PBSP. Wagner, who was both getting a degree in counseling and studying dance/movement therapy, was intrigued that the founders of PBSP were dancers.

PBSP heals past emotional deficits using unique processes called Structures, which help clients to identify emotional deficits and create ‘new memories.’ These ‘new memories’ provide symbolic fulfillment of basic developmental needs PBSP refers to as place, nurture, support, protection and limits. Similarly, Chi for Two partner practices provide a symbolic redo of major developmental infant/parent interactions.

The major difference between PBSP and Chi for Two is that Chi for Two was inspired by polyvagal theory—scientist Stephen Porges’ new understanding of nervous system anatomy. With a focus on nervous system patterning, Chi for Two embodiment coaches appreciate the work of child psychiatrist Judith Kestenberg and colleagues who identified infant developmental rhythms. These rhythms alternate between ones they call “indulging” and ones they call “fighting.” When the “indulging” rhythms get met by parental figures, the “fighting” rhythms help infants discover their preferences.

Infant “fighting” rhythms facilitate individuation within the dance of relationship. Over time due to multi-generational trauma patterning, the “fighting” rhythms often become inhibited. Current understanding of trauma helps us recognize how any inhibited movement expression will awaken with an intense feeling of “Is this okay now?!” This intense feeling that accompanies the awakening of a movement expression can result in a socially harmful targeting of that movement expression.

In 1982, Kaufman helped to found a social change organization called Men Stopping Violence. Over the years, Kaufman and Wagner have shared thoughts about the “fighting” rhythms and the symbolic healing interactions that reintegrate movement expressions that contain those rhythms.

Kaufman and Wagner also discuss the societal harm caused by gender role messaging.Chi for Twoinvites helping professionals to recognize the harm caused by gender role messaging as it relates to infant development. Gender role messages affect the energetic dance between infant and parent, often taking parents away from the present moment. Mindful parenting facilitates the energetic dance of relationship, especially when infants express themselves using the “fighting” rhythms.