Level 1:
​​​​​​​SP for the Treatment of Trauma

Tuition
| $3,300 – $3,600 | £2,450 – £2,700 | €3,300 – €3,750 |

We’re so glad you’re here. Beginning Level 1: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma is a powerful step toward expanding your clinical skills and supporting clients in new ways.

In this training, you’ll explore how the body holds and expresses the impact of trauma, and you’ll learn practical interventions that help clients find greater safety, connection, and a more grounded sense of self.

Level 1 introduces accessible, body-oriented skills for tracking, naming, and safely engaging with trauma-related somatic activation. Students learn how to identify and work with limiting behavioral and postural patterns, disturbed cognitive and emotional processing, and the fragmented sense of self that trauma often produces, using a present-moment, mindfulness-based approach that supports integration and new competencies.

This page will guide you through what you need to know as you begin so you feel prepared, supported, and ready for the path ahead.

 
 What will I learn in Level 1?​​​​​​​

Students learn foundational SP skills to:

  • Track, name, and work safely with somatic activation

  • Identify and shift limiting somatic patterns

  • Support cognitive and emotional processing

  • Foster new competencies and a restored somatic sense of self

By the end, students can apply basic SP techniques with distressed and traumatized clients and adapt skills to more complex cases.

The training includes 78 total hours and is offered in two formats:
Hybrid: 39 live hours + 39 self-paced hours
Fully in-person or fully online: 78 live hours

Modules are spaced 4–6 weeks apart, and most students complete the full training in approximately 12 months.

For Hybrid students, we recommend planning for 2–3 hours per week during the self-paced modules to read, review material, and prepare for each training meeting. This pacing helps you stay on track and complete all course requirements by the end of the program.

For fully in-person or fully online students, all formal learning takes place during scheduled modules. However, many students find it helpful to set aside time between meetings to read, reflect, and integrate the material at their own pace.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Topics
SP Foundations
Describe the four concepts that make up the SP Foundations: 6 guiding principles, non-pathologizing perspective, body as resource, and experimental attitude.

Theory and Maps
Explain the theoretical and therapeutic maps that underpin the SP method, including procedural learning through “bottom-up” therapy, the organization of experience, the five stages of the process, and a phase-oriented approach to treatment.

Trauma, Resourced States, and the Body
Identify examples of resiliency and resourced states along the SP Experience Continuum.

Container Stage
List and describe the seven tasks associated with the container stage of the process.

Tracking
Describe and demonstrate the SP technique of tracking.

Contact
Describe and demonstrate the SP technique of making contact.

Framing
Describe and demonstrate the SP technique of framing.

Mindfulness
Define and compare mindfulness directives
​​​​​​​ and mindfulness questions.

Steps to Mindfulness
Describe and demonstrate the SP technique of Steps to Mindfulness.

Experimenting Together
List and practice two types of experiments: verbal and physical.

Accessing and Processing Stages
Identify and compare the tasks associated with the accessing and processing stages of the process.

Modulating the Effects of Trauma
Describe the effects of trauma on the brain and body and explain the Modulation Model.

​​​​​​​Phase 1: Developing Resources
Identify a variety of somatic resources and SPI’s PEACE Resource Protocol.

Transformation and Integration Stages
Identify the skills associated with the transformation and integration stages of the process.

Common Challenges in Phase 1
Identify common challenges encountered in Phase 1 of treatment and examine strategies for meeting them.

Phase 2: Processing the Effects of Trauma
Describe different types of trauma and differentiate between implicit and explicit memory.

Orienting and Instinctive Defenses
Demonstrate bottom-up interventions to address orienting and instinctive defenses.

Sensorimotor Sequencing
Describe and demonstrate the SP technique of Sensorimotor Sequencing, including how to access a sliver of memory to activate state-specific memory.

Common Challenges in Phase 2
Identify common challenges encountered in Phase 2 of treatment and examine strategies for meeting each challenge.

Structural Dissociation
Assess indicators of structural dissociation and apply interventions.

Putting It Together
Apply the SP Foundations, Maps, and Techniques to clinical choice points across the stages of the process.

Introduction to Phase 3
Describe integrating top-down and bottom-up interventions in Phase 3 treatment and recognize the effects of attachment and developmental experiences on the body.

Consultation with an SPI Approved Consultant​​​​​​​

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Students are required to complete 3 hours of individual or group consultation.
These hours are designed to enrich your learning in ways that the classroom alone may not, providing space for individualized guidance, integration of course material, and deeper support in applying SP to your practice.

💡 Note: Consultation fees are not included in tuition.
Here's a general estimate of typical costs (actual rates may vary by consultant):
  • Group consultation: $20–$80 per hour
  • Individual consultation: $120–$250 per hour
​​​​​​​
You may choose any Approved Consultant, Consultant Intern, or SP Trainer. Consider factors like location, time zone, practice focus, client population, goals, format (in-person or Telehealth), and fees. All are trained to support your integration of SP into clinical practice.

Application Requirements

 Who is eligible to apply? 

Not all journeys look the same, and we recognize that. To apply for a course, you’ll complete an online application with a short questionnaire and a resume or CV upload, which should reflect one of the following:

  • Current licensure in a mental health profession
  • Legal authorization to practice in your state, province, or country
  • Enrollment in a graduate-level mental health program at an accredited institution
  • A post-graduate degree and active steps toward becoming legally authorized to practice

Not sure if you qualify? If you believe your background meets the criteria, we welcome you to apply and have your experience reviewed through the standard process.

Upcoming Level 1 Trainings

Online

Coming Soon...
Eastern Time Zone
Greenwich
​​​​​​​Mean Time
Pacific Time Zone
Central Time Zone
Coming Soon...

In-Person

New York City,
​​​​​​​New York
Dublin, Ireland
Los Angeles, California
Denver, Colorado
Toronto, Ontario
Boston, Massachusetts

 Enrollment & Application Overview

1. Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required with your completed application and résumé/CV to formally apply. Paid by debit or credit card.

​​​​​​​⚡ The payment method used for your application fee will also be used for any transactions upon acceptance.

2. Tuition, Deposits & Payment Plans

Step 1 — Choose Your Deposit Option

During your application, select your preferred deposit option:

  • Pay upon acceptance
  • Pay later (processed 30 days before the training begins)
    • ​​​​​​​The $500 deposit counts toward your total tuition.

Step 2 — Choose Your Tuition Balance Option

Select how you want to pay your tuition balance:

  • Pay balance in full upon acceptance
  • Pay balance in full later (processed on the training start date)
  • Pay via a monthly payment plan

3. Payment Plan Details

  • Available in 3-month increments up to 24 months
  • Equal monthly payments after deposit, discounts, and financial aid are applied
  • Includes a one-time, non-refundable admin fee of $100
  • Monthly payments will run on the first day of your training

💡 Important: If applying for a scholarship, do not select “balance in full upon acceptance,” as this will process the full tuition balance before any awards can be allocated.

Looking for financial support? 
Scholarships and discounts are available to help make training more accessible.
​​​​​​​Discover opportunities here.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Once accepted, you can review your payment schedule and billing information anytime:

  1. Log in to the [user portal] and click Account in the upper right corner.
  2. Scroll down and select your training invoice to view details.

​​

*All amounts are listed in the currency of the training (USD, EUR, or GBP) and will be processed accordingly.​​​​​​​
⚠️ In order to fill our limited trainings, we reserve the right to remove students from the roster who have not paid a deposit.

How to Apply 

 
 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1. Create Your Account

Get started by creating an account →​​​​​​​

Already have an account? 

2. Submit Your Application
Go to your preferred training's details page.
Click "Apply for Training."

3. What to Expect When Applying
For Level 1 applicants, the application process includes answering a few questions and submitting a résumé/CV to help us better understand your background and interests.

You will be asked to share:

  • What brings you to our Level 1 training.
  • Why you want to take this course.
  • The type of psychotherapy practice and clientele you work with, including the methods you use.
  • More about yourself as a potential participant in our experiential, body-oriented training.

    Application Review & Billing
    Applications are typically reviewed within a few days. You will receive an automated email once your application has been processed.

    If you don’t hear from us within two weeks, please contact: StudentServices@sensorimotor.org

     💻 Training Access – SPI Learning Online (SPILO) 

    All course materials and asynchronous modules are housed in SPI Learning Online (SPILO)

    🔐 SPILO is not linked to sensorimotor.org or the User Portal—your login credentials will be different.

    To create your SPILO account:

    Here’s a SPILO Tutorial on creating a new account  

    1. Go to https://spi.mrooms.net/login/index.php
    2. Scroll down and select “Create New Account.”
    3. Choose a username and password
    4. Confirm your registration by clicking the link in the email sent by noreply@mrooms.net
    5. Return to SPILO and log in

    💡 Tip: Save your password in your browser and use Chrome for the best performance.


    ​​​​​​​About 30 days before your training begins, you’ll receive a Welcome Letter with your course link and enrollment key. This information will allow you to access your training in SPILO.
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     Continuing Education 

    APA & LCSW
    Provider: CME Outfitters
    Email: info@cmeoutfitters.com

    LMFT, LPCC, & LEP
    Provider: Lifespan Learning Institute
    Email: info@lifespanlearn.org

    Level 1 includes 78 total hours and is offered in two formats:

    • Hybrid: 39 live hours + 39 self-paced hours

    • Fully in-person or online: 78 live hours

    CE Credit (live attendance only):
    39.0 or 78.0 hours of CE credit, depending on the format you attend, approved through:

    • Psychologists (APA) & LCSWs → CME Outfitters (CME)

    • LMFT, LPCC, & LEPs → Lifespan Learning Institute (LLI)

    All other clinicians will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

    Trainings offer 78.0 CPD hours.

    Key Information:

    • CE credit is awarded per module; full attendance is required for the module(s) in which you intend to seek credit.

    • Applications for CE hours will be available through SPILO at no additional cost.

    • To receive CE credit, you must submit all required CE application materials and comply with attendance requirements.

    • It is your responsibility to confirm with your licensing board whether CE credit from CME Outfitters or Lifespan Learning Institute meets your state’s requirements.

      ​​​​​​​  Out-of-state LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and LCSWs should verify if their board accepts CE approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

    Withdrawal​​​​​​​ & Refunds 

     

    We understand that plans can change — here’s what you need to know:
    30+ days before training begins | Full tuition refund, including deposit.
    1–29 days before training begins | Full tuition refund minus deposit. 
    The application fee is non-refundable.
    Asynchronous Modules 
    Asynchronous modules are a core part of SPI Training. Access to these modules constitutes a significant portion of the training experience. Refund calculations will account for the accessibility and usage of asynchronous content, regardless of whether the student has attended live modules.

    📌Important Notes

    • To preserve the learning environment, students may not join cohorts in progress
    • ​​​​​​​Registration transfers are not permitted once a training has begun.

    Please find our Level 1 training refund policies below:

    *Refunds are calculated based on the date of written notice & the last module attended.
    ​​​​​​​[Full Refund Policy]

    🛠️ Need Help?

    For technical support or SPILO access issues:

    📧 support@sensorimotor.org

    📞 (303) 447-3290, option 3

    Accommodations

    Providing a supportive learning experience is our priority. Please let us know prior to the start of the course if you are seeking any learning accommodations by contacting StudentServices@sensorimotor.org  

    CONTACT
    Questions? Call (800) 860-9258
    Email: info@sensorimotor.org
    www.sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org
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