Sensorimotor psychotherapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) is a body-centred talk therapy, created by Dr. Pat Ogden. It blends traditional psychological concepts with somatic awareness, and draws upon the natural wisdom of the body (posture, movement, and the nervous system) to tap into the innate drive in all of us to heal, adapt, and develop new capacities.
The effects of trauma, neglect, and abusive or emotionally painful relationships with childhood caregivers are held in our nervous systems, posture, and movement habits, as well as in unresolved painful emotions and limiting beliefs. To change these patterns, clients learn to mindfully follow the natural intelligent processes of body and mind. New information that often remains unnoticed in conventional therapies is revealed by paying attention to both aspects - body and mind.
The SP therapist will help you become aware of the way your body holds the problems you have come to therapy to resolve. As the client, you are in control of what you explore. SP is most commonly used to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, for addressing and healing from childhood developmental trauma and attachment wounds, for the treatment of anxiety, depression, numbness and dissociation, and for anyone that wants to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.
Core Concepts of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy:
Bottom-Up Approach: Healing starts in the body and nervous system before moving to thoughts and emotions.
Physical Memory: Traumatic events stay trapped in physical tension, posture, and automatic movement patterns.
Window of Tolerance: Therapists keep clients inside a safe zone of emotional activation to prevent overwhelm.
Key Techniques:
Somatic Tracking: Noticing physical feelings like tightness, heat, or trembling in real time.
Mindful Movement: Exploring gestures and postures to complete interrupted physical defence responses (such as, fight or flight).
Titration: Processing painful memories in very small, manageable pieces.