“The body speaks clearly to those that know how to listen”- Ogden & Fisher, 2015
What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?
Our minds and bodies are effected by, and store knowledge of our experiences. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is an approach that prioritizes and works toward integration of the mind, emotions, and body. It is a type of psychotherapy that is geared toward integrating both the mind and body in response to ongoing stress, distress and trauma.
It involves finding ways to gain an understanding of both your body and mind, and find resources to support and strengthen your sense of stability, safety, and calm.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is…
Informed by Research
There is a growing substantive body of research in neuroscience, psychology and physiology that supports mind-body approaches in mental health therapy. Research supports the idea that we store memories, experiences and emotions in our bodies.
Collaborative
A sensorimotor psychotherapist, provides a framework and ideas but decisions are made together to discover tools and process any distress at a pace that works for you.
Integrated and holistic
Sensorimotor psychotherapy looks at your life, mind, body, and behaviour in context; we’ll work to find ways to support you to cope and thrive in your life and community.
Open, curious and compassionate
There isn’t a single right answer or way to find healing. We can try on different ways of being, moving, and thinking with curiosity and compassion for what feels like a good fit for you.
What does it look like?
Often times the body communicates to us different layers of our experience that can offer new insights.
This might look like us noticing that you rationally understand and can explain what is happening to cause you distress or triggering a difficult memory. However, the thoughts might not seem to match with the emotions you feel or the sensations in your body.
We’ll test different resources or tools to see how to support you in feeling more connected and in tune with your whole self.
Sensorimotor psychotherapy can help you process and move through trauma and developmental wounds.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can be beneficial for people with:
anxious or depressive symptoms
ongoing stress or distress
physical illness or pain conditions
recent and/or developmental trauma, including PTSD, disassociation
frustration that traditional talk therapy was not effective
a desire to take a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy