Resources

Specific benefits are as individual as each client, but can include the reduction of pain (both emotional and physical) from trauma and attachment wounds; the reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms; the reduction of anxiety disorder symptoms; increased ability to regulate emotions like anger, fear, or sadness; physical alignment; increased capacity for intimacy and fulfilled relationships; a greater sense of and ability to set boundaries; integration of dissociative parts; and an overall feeling of being more in tune with oneself.

The success of the method depends upon a client’s ability to sustain inner attentiveness, so this method may not be as affective with client’s whose ability to be mindful is affected in some way, such as by age, disability, extreme distress, or active substance addiction. However, this method is very adaptable to the individual, and can be modified based on a client’s difficulties, strengths, capacities, and goals.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a “bottom up” “phase oriented” method. This means therapy generally begins in the first phase – developing resources to regulate arousal. The second phase of therapy addresses memories and emotions, and the final phase is focused on moving forward through expressing emotions, addressing relationships, and widening the window of tolerance. The phases of therapy do not necessarily happen in order, and phases or skills learned within a phase may be revisited as needed. In a typical first session, the therapist provides psychoeducation on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, assess the client’s abilities and goals, and evaluates which phases, if any, the client has already worked in. The therapist and client create a plan to reach the client’s goals.

During sessions in Phase 1, the client is guided to become aware of her current inner experience (such as memories, images, emotions, thoughts, and bodily patterns), and helped to access a state of consciousness called “mindfulness,” a self-reflective state, cultivated by gently focusing one’s attention inward. Using simple verbal & physical experiments, unconscious patterns are brought to consciousness where they can be examined, understood, and addressed. For example, a client may be asked to “notice what happens” as they recount a recent fight with their spouse. The client may then notice that they tighten their shoulders, furrow their brow, and feel their heart race. Using mindfulness, client and therapist explore the triggers and body signals of excessive or dysregulated arousal and work to increase awareness of how posture, movement, and gesture affect arousal and well-being. The therapist guides the client in identifying survival resources that were used to cope in the past, and helps the client to assess and develop strengths, talents, and competencies, and discover natural somatic resources. This investigative phase focuses on cultivating a connection to and understanding of the body that is used in later phases to address memories, thoughts, and beliefs.

In Phase 2 sessions, the client and therapist begin to identify the effects and signs of implicit memories (such as sensations, sensory intrusions, emotions, movements, and thoughts) and the client develops new resources to help integrate the painful events of the past. The therapist instructs the client in the use of “dual awareness” to address slivers (or small pieces) of state specific memories without having to reliving the past. The client participates actively, verbalizing their inner experience; painful hidden memories and beliefs may be revealed, and strong emotions expressed. Simultaneously, the dual-focus on the present moment experience and therapist’s prompts to use resources keep the client from becoming too dysregulated during this memory work. The client gets a sense of completion as they practice empowering actions that couldn’t be used in the past, and addresses dysregulating arousal and emotions that are related to animal defenses. This phase focuses on repairing the lasting effects of past trauma and attachment inadequacies in a way that is manageable, integrative, and confidence-building.

Phase 3 sessions continue to call upon the skills learned in phases one and two to address the legacy of a client’s relationship history, including early attachment relationships with caregivers. The client is guided in discovering limiting beliefs, such as, “I will never be good enough,” and their effect on the body. The client begins to explore connecting with and expressing emotions that have been missing or suppressed. By practicing movements and physical actions, the client can increase connections and intimacy, explore boundary setting, and assess her gait and explore new ways of walking. The therapist helps the client to increase positive emotions and pleasurable activities, and increase their capacity to play. Through guided, healthy risk-taking, the client is challenged to tend to previously neglected areas of life and widen their window of tolerance. The final stage of therapy helps the client to cultivate a sense of self, improve relationships, and achieve a sense of contentment and well-being in life.

No licensing for this method exists at this point. However, SPI recognizes those who successfully complete the Certification Training and who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy skills as “Certified Advanced Practitioners.”  Use our Therapist Directory  to search for a therapist trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. The therapist directory is organized by geographical location and practitioners are listed according to the highest level of training completed. Please contact each therapist directly for more information regarding their practice. The directory is not inclusive, as it is an opt-in benefit available to those who wish to publish their contact information. SPI cannot recommend individual practitioners, cannot guarantee treatment outcomes, and is not liable for the actions of those listed in the directory.

The specific results of treatment depend on the therapist’s skill, experience, and previous somatic training, and on the client’s readiness, needs and goals.  We suggest that clients and practitioners interview one another, seeking a good “fit”, before committing to a course of therapy.  Clients should ask important questions like:

1. What level of training have you completed in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?
2. What licensures do you hold?
3. How long have you worked in this field?
4. How will we assess my progress?
5. What should I do if I don’t feel better?
6. How much will treatment cost?

Healing requires a delicate balance of safety and risk, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy will inevitably evoke memories, strong emotions, body responses, and survival defenses that can temporarily exacerbate symptoms, discomfort, feelings of distress, and even prompt states of hypo- or hyper-arousal. Clients will be challenged to take risks that explore uncomfortable territory and try new things that expand the boundaries of what feels comfortable, easy, or familiar. While working with a therapist, is important to be attentive to the internal signals that dictate how fast or slow to go. As in any relationship, difficulties can occur between client and therapist. These misunderstandings and mis-attunements can be uncomfortable and challenging, but often offer an opportunity to address a difficulty related to an old pattern by addressing the conflict together and making a new ending to an old story.