The vision of the body in the Augustinian model and in the Thomistic model: two registers at the service of clinical awareness in the integrated psychotherapy for emotional and psychosomatic regulation (PIREP)

Journal title SETTING
Author/s Vincenzo Caretti, Andrea Fontana, Adriano Schimmenti
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2025/49
Language Italian Pages 13 P. 5-17 File size 77 KB
DOI 10.3280/SET2025-049001
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The vision of the body in the Augustinian model and in the Thomistic model: two registers at the service of clinical awareness in the integrated psychotherapy for emotional and psychosomatic regulation (PIREP) The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the Order of Saint Augustine and theologically trained in the Thomistic tradition, offers an opportunity to reflect on the integration of two classical anthropological models ‒ Augustinian and Thomistic ‒ and their contemporary clinical application. Within the framework of the Integrated Psychotherapy for Emotional and Psychosomatic Regulation (PIREP), this integration is expressed through the recognition of the body both as a site of affective memory and wounding (Augustine), and as a space of intentional, ethical action (Aquinas). The article explores how this dual perspective is embodied in therapeutic practice through the use of somatic countertransference, embodied regulation, and techniques such as Focusing and Role Playing. Drawing on the contributions of Schore, Porges, Bromberg and Taylor, the text proposes a clinical approach that unites interiority and action, compassion and ethical discernment, thus restoring the body to a central role in the healing of contemporary psychic suffering.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Augustinian register, Thomistic register, PIREP Psychotherapy, somatic countertransference, psychosomatic care

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Vincenzo Caretti, Andrea Fontana, Adriano Schimmenti, La visione del corpo nel modello agostiniano e nel modello tomista: due registri al servizio della consapevolezza clinica nella psicoterapia integrata della regolazione emotiva e psicosomatica (PIREP) in "SETTING" 49/2025, pp 5-17, DOI: 10.3280/SET2025-049001