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The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine

International Society for Arts and Medicine (ISfAM)
18.-20.06.2026
Berlin

Meeting Abstract

Intuition-based decisions in Eurythmy Therapy interventions

Katharina Gerlach - Alanus University of Arts and Social Science

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Background and question: Eurythmy Therapy (EYT) is a movement-orientated Mind-Body intervention within Anthroposophic Medicine. Exercises in the therapeutic process are generally chosen from a traditional catalogue. In addition, the exercises can also be selected spontaneously and according to intuition. So far, we don’t know, which role intuition-based decisions play in the field of EYT-interventions; how often and with which result do they take place, and how do therapists define and understand intuition in their practice?

Material and Methods: Over a period of five months therapists documented and evaluated exercises in general and those chosen by intuition. Later an even larger expert-group participated in a survey on intuition in therapy.

Results: 59% reported making intuition-based decisions often, 65% reported that they act on their intuition always, and 62% stated that intuition-based decisions were proved correct. Definitions of intuition varied considerably among therapists, ranging from embodied knowing to spiritual guidance, indicating a lack of consensus on the concept.

Discussion and Conclusion: Intuition plays a significant role in the EYT treatment process, with the majority of therapists regularly relying on intuitive decision-making and reporting positive outcomes. However, the presented data doesn't draw a detailed picture; we don't know yet how intuition is systematically integrated into clinical practice, which specific factors influence intuitive choices, or how therapists distinguish between intuition and clinical experience. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying intuitive decision-making and to develop quality standards that honor both evidence-based practice and the intuitive dimensions of therapeutic work.