ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the concept of character structure as originally conceived by Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957) and to demonstrate its use as a framework for the theoretical and clinical understanding as well as the practical application of working with the body in psychotherapy today. I will reflect further on developments in body psychotherapy since Reich, including those that led to the establishment of the Chiron Centre for Body Psychotherapy of which I am a founder and director. Finally I will offer some clinical reflections on working with the different character structures.
