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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a therapeutic modality that welcomes the body as a source of information and vehicle for transformation.
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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a therapeutic modality that welcomes the body as a source of information and vehicle for transformation.

This is because distressing or traumatic experiences are encoded in the body through procedural learning and memory – automatic responses and arousal patterns that are inaccessible to verbal recall.

Only talking about distressing events often reactivates these procedural memories and patterns. Without resolution, they can remain unprocessed and are relived into the future, affecting thinking, feeling, and behaviour.

Through curiosity and mindfulness, awareness of the body can illuminate these patterns and enable integration to promote lasting healing.

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Key Principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

1
The Body as a Resource
During trauma recall, the amygdala becomes highly activated (fear, threat, emotion).

The body is seen not just as a site of symptoms, but as a messenger of learning and wisdom. This somatic information is valued and explored in sessions, allowing for nervous system regulation and the development of internal resources. As part of this, a therapist may help you to notice your:

  • Breath patterns
  • Muscle tension
  • Posture
  • Movement impulses
2
Bottom-Up Approach
In every experience, the body-mind is continuously generating and processing information. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy represents this through five components: cognition, emotion, and on the sensorimotor level: movement, internal sensations, and sensory perception.

Rather than focusing solely on cognition and emotions (top-down), this modality approaches exploration from the bottom-up. This brings to conscious awareness the automatic physical responses associated with your experience, whether in the past or present.
3
Mindfulness
A state of mindfulness is fundamental to discover and shift procedural memories and patterns. This is developed through being aware of what arises in the here-and-now, moment by moment.

As experiences are shared and explored, you can learn to develop dual awareness. This means bringing mindful attention to your internal somatic or bodily experience while staying connected to the present moment.

What Happens in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Sessions?

Each session focuses on exploring a specific experience through the body-mind. This is done at a gradual pace within your window of tolerance, ensuring optimal safety and regulation of your nervous system. As part of this, a therapist might:

Rather than interpreting or intending change, therapists hold an attitude of openness and curiosity. This allows them to collaboratively experiment and discover information alongside you.

Clients report leaving sessions with an increased capacity to connect with their body and integrate resources into their daily life. Over time, this leads to gentle transformation and lasting wellbeing.

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