Dirk Marivoet, MSc., is a Belgian psychotherapist, physiotherapist, and internationally recognized expert in the field of Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy and Bodymind Integration. He is the founder and director of the International Institute for Bodymind Integration (IBI) and its educational branch, the Institute for Somatic Psychotherapy (ISP), based in Ghent, Belgium.
After earning his MSc. in Physiotherapy at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Dirk specialized in Psychomotor Therapy (postgraduate KU Leuven) and later in Psychotherapy , receiving the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). His early career (1984–1994) was shaped by his work as a clinical staff member in psychiatric hospitals, where he trained psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and psychomotor therapists. During this period, he was immersed in diverse traditions—ranging from psychoanalysis and phenomenology to diagnostic and trauma-focused approaches—laying the groundwork for a truly integrative vision.
Founder of Core Strokes™ and the Neurofascial Approach
With over 35 years of clinical experience, Dirk developed his own method: Core Strokes™ — an integrative approach that bridges fascia-based bodywork, psychodynamic process, and energetic transformation. His teaching emphasizes fascia, breath, emotion, character structure, and relational presence, supported by insights from trauma healing, neuroscience, and polarity dynamics. He is also the creator of the Neurofascial Transformation Process™ and the Energetic Breath Cycle™, foundational tools in the Core Strokes™ method.
Published Author and Scientific Contributor
Dirk is the author of several articles published in peer-reviewed journals, where he contributes to the evolving field of somatic psychotherapy, integrative bodywork, trauma healing, and fascial science. His writings bridge academic rigor with experiential depth, integrating clinical insight, neuroscientific understanding, and transpersonal perspectives to support a truly holistic vision of healing and transformation.
He is also co-founder and current chairperson of the Core Science Foundation, an international initiative promoting research and professional standards in body-oriented psychotherapy.
