The Non-Linear Movement Method®

The Non-Linear Movement Method® (NLMM) is a powerful embodiment practice that will bring you back into your body. It has changed my life immeasurably. I am now able to be with emotions, feelings, and sensations without putting a story to them or needing to give them meaning. They just are.

It is a tool for self-inquiry that helps us be with all sensations of the body in the present moment. This absolutely non-force method is simply giving movement to what you are feeling  and helps to sensitize you to your inner landscape. This facilitates the letting go of tension patterns in the body, allowing you to reconnect to the self in a way that is nourishing and healing. 

NLMM is designed to support your nervous system by facilitating release and integrating mind, body, and emotion.

I offer Non-Linear Movement as an added tool in my 1:1 coaching program, Remembrance, as well as online classes.

Move. Release. Feel. Respond.

This method has many deep, powerful applications:

  • Regulates the Nervous System

    The demands of modern life create stress and tension in the body and an overactive mind. NLMM encourages the identifying and unwinding of patterns of contraction. Through gentle, non-force movements bodily tension and underlying mental loops are relieved. The result is a systematic, self-guided unburdening of the nervous system.

  • Processes and Identifies Emotions

    As the body unwinds and the mind relaxes its pressured pace, the emotions associated with these contractive patterns become apparent and can be dissolved through the movement. You can note recurring emotional loops for further processing and at the same time allow emotions to simply arise and let go.

  • Releases Trauma Patterns into Flow

    One of the common results of traumatic experience (fresh and old alike) is “freeze”, a state in which body, mind and emotions are stuck in a state of numbness. Often “freeze” is falsely perceived as a feeling of “calm/nothing”, which results in an inability to release the experience and ease the bodily patterns of hold. NLMM facilitates a continued movement, which gently opens the freeze pattern and allows for recognition and release of the underlying bodily and emotional patterns.

  • Unites Mind and Body in Intimacy with Physical Sensation

    Through continued engagement with release of contraction and facilitation of emotional awareness, the ingrained patterns become both more apparent and less pronounced. Over time, physical sensation can be more fully engaged with, and the acceptance as well as tolerance of all sensation increases. Intimacy with whatever is present is possible. Body, Emotion and Mind can align to support an integrated approach to feeling and understanding existing behavioral patterning.

  • Creates High Bodily Responsiveness

    NLMM educates the body how to release and process contractions, stress and emotional tension while at the same time sensitizing you to your internal landscape. This is called “Interoception”, the ability to feel what is “inside”. Via the body we become highly attuned to all sensations and can note, react or release fluidly and without having to attend to traumatic or suppressed backlog.

  • Opens Access to Bodily Wisdom

    By putting emphasis on movement and circumventing the analytical mind and loops of tense thinking the natural intelligence of our bodies is accessed. Through gentle guidance the mechanisms of “freeze” and refusal to feel are being loosened and our innate bodily wisdom can create the necessary actions and releases.

  • Awakens Vital Energy and Sensual Sensation

    As tension, contraction, and emotion are being released, the body becomes sensitized and we are able to feel deeper. One of the marked results of this sensitization is an ability to feel increased pleasure and well being. Participants report an increased ability to connect through their body, both with themselves and others.

non-linear movement practice

How does it work?

NLMM is facilitated on a mat or blanket. You can dress similar to a Yoga or Dance Class, in comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.

Classes are hosted on Zoom so you can practice in the comfort of your own space. You can have your camera off so you can engage with your own processes without being observed. This helps you stay in your body and not worry about what you look like.

The method can be practiced at any age, fitness level and mobility. The movements are designed to be self-regulating and can be done in any position, including laying down.

History of Non-Linear Movement

The Non-Linear Movement Method® is a powerful somatic modality developed by Michaela Boehm over the past 2 decades of instruction and practice and now offered internationally.

The method is rooted in her early somatic training and has been developed and refined within her extensive clinical experience, both while working within a demographic with severe trauma, addiction and personality disorders, as well as in her private counseling practice.

NLMM was further refined and adapted for a broader use in her experiential workshops, as a means of connecting students with their inner landscape, exploring and releasing physical contractions, withholds and emotional closures. New modalities were added to train interoception, responsiveness, as well as locate pleasure and aliveness within the body. 

The method is specifically designed as a “no force/no imposition “ somatic modality and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of physical health, ability, fitness level or age.