Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a somatic (body) focused talk therapy. It involves paying attention to the body and the nervous system. Although it is talk-based, it integrates working with thoughts, emotions, and body/nervous system.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can involve building awareness of physical sensations and how they are connected to your emotions and thoughts/beliefs. A big part of this tends to be finding and building emotional resources, to better manage day to day stressors and triggers. This might look like beginning to notice the effect that an emotion or thought is having in your body and then using body-based mindfulness techniques to help you regulate your emotion. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy could also involve helping you to process a difficult experience or traumatic event through noticing, welcoming and supporting your physiological responses within the session. For more information about Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, start here.

Another way that I use a somatic approach is through Art Therapy. Art therapy is often a helpful way of bridging a safe connection to the body. For example, art therapy can help you tune into your senses by observing the sensory qualities of an art material, which may feel easier for some people. Alternatively, by tuning in to your breathing or posture during an art activity, you can start to feel more comfortable with your body sensations while also experiencing the grounding or relaxing elements of making art. We can also make art about the body, which can be helpful in exploring your relationship with your body in general.