Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a type of movement therapy that can be used to treat trauma disorders. It works to strengthen the mind-body connection in an effort to relieve the physical symptoms of trauma.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a type of somatic (physical-based) therapy. It was created to treat trauma and trauma-related disorders.

It is considered a body-centered talk therapy. It combines movement and talk therapy to help heal and address deeper emotional issues. It is also known as body psychotherapy.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy can help address the physical symptoms of trauma, which traditional therapy can sometimes overlook. These physical symptoms can include stomach issues and nausea, sleep problems, severe headaches, muscle pains, or even changes in heart rate.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy aims to address the mind, body, and spirit as a whole. Knowing how the body reacts to certain thoughts and feelings can help people address their experiences and eventually move forward.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy can benefit people who have tried more traditional talk therapy and found it triggering or unhelpful.

This form of psychotherapy can have several benefits, including:

  • Improved physical health: Increasing overall movement can reduce pain, improve posture, and have other health benefits.
  • Emotional regulation: Increased physical release can help people learn to manage intense emotions.
  • Trauma release: Movement may be able to release stored trauma from the body, leading to a sense of relief and emotional healing.
  • Stress reduction: Mindfulness and body awareness strategies can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Self-awareness: A deeper mind-body connection can help people better understand their issues and triggers.
  • Cognitive repatterning: Movement may be able to help change certain neural pathways and develop a more balanced emotional state.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy vs. somatic experiencing

Sensorimotor psychotherapy and somatic experiencing are both somatic therapies that can treat trauma and stress. They focus on the body’s role in managing different feelings and behaviors. While these therapies may seem similar, they have some differences:

  • Sensorimotor psychotherapy: This therapy helps people understand how trauma can change their body and mind. This level of body awareness can help them better manage their responses to trauma. It can help them become aware of and become more resilient toward any physical effects due to trauma.
  • Somatic experiencing: This therapy focuses on resolving the physical symptoms of trauma and stress in the body. It helps develop a deeper awareness of the mind-body connection to work through painful or stressful symptoms.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy can be a safe and effective therapy, especially when working with a highly trained therapist. But it can have some possible drawbacks, including:

  • Worsening symptoms: Triggered memories and emotional responses to trauma may increase. This is expected at the beginning of treatment since the focus on the body can reactivate traumatic memories. A qualified therapist can help set an appropriate pace of treatment to help manage the emotional response.
  • Lack of response: Sensorimotor psychotherapy is not right for everyone. It works best with people who are open to body awareness and mindfulness techniques. For those who are resistant to or uncomfortable with body-focused techniques, it may not be a good fit.
  • Very new research: This means that there have been few scientific studies to prove that the therapy works. Yet, it draws from established forms of mental health therapy.

Many different techniques can be used in sensorimotor psychotherapy. A few more common techniques are:

  • Mindfulness meditation: This is a central tool in sensorimotor psychotherapy. It can help you connect to the present moment and organize your internal thoughts. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety without needing to talk about it.
  • Somatic functioning: This technique teaches people how to use their bodies to manage different emotions and physical responses. They learn how posture, muscle tension, heartbeat sensations, and physical positioning can affect their emotions and either incite or calm triggers. This knowledge can help trauma recovery.
  • Regulation of involuntary responses: Using a combination of mind-body awareness and somatic functioning, people may be able to manage their fight-flight-or-freeze reactions, which are common in trauma responses. This could help someone stay calm despite traumatic memories and other symptoms.

How to find a sensorimotor psychotherapist

If you want to find a sensorimotor psychotherapist, an online directory could be a good starting point. It can help you find qualified therapists in your area familiar with sensorimotor techniques.

If you already have a relationship with a different type of therapist, you could also ask if they would be comfortable incorporating sensorimotor therapy techniques into your sessions.

You could also ask them for a professional recommendation for people who are more practiced in the sensorimotor field. Word-of-mouth recommendations from a trusted friend or colleague who may have had similar experiences could be helpful as well.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a physical-based therapy that can be effective in treating trauma and trauma-based disorders. It uses movement and mindfulness techniques to enhance the mind-body connection to release physical evidence of stored trauma.

While this type of therapy may not be for everyone, it can be helpful for those who have physical symptoms of trauma and have trouble talking about their experiences.