What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?

Posted on July 5, 2018 by JoAnne

For years in the Western culture, the body has been left out of the talking cure for individuals seeking therapy. Psychotherapists and psychiatrists have been trained to listen to the language and emotion of the client. In addition, they monitor physical symptoms, using medications when warranted. Sensorimotor psychotherapy is an approach that builds on traditional psychotherapeutic understanding but includes the body as central, helping clients to deepen their understanding of how their body either aids or hinders them in growth and healing. Specifically, this method teaches clients to become attuned to inner body sensations, postures, and generally how the body holds information. It is an approach that teaches mindful awareness of the process of the body as it protects, heals, grows and resources itself. It can also support the collaborative team of therapist and client in exploring more effective ways of managing anxiety responses. In this method the body is used as an entry point for healing, so it is most helpful with clients who either are comfortable with the body or are willing to gently explore this as an option for health and healing.

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