Could You Benefit from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?
While most people understand that trauma can leave a lasting impact on your mental well-being, research has also shown that the effects of trauma can linger within the body. Sometimes, those effects can be stored for years, creating somatic symptoms like discomfort, or even a dissociation from the body.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a form of somatic, or body-informed therapy, is an approach that explores how trauma is held in the body. It blends together cognitive, emotional and behavioral processes with how your body is responding at a given moment. Doing so helps to pinpoint the mind-body connection and learn more about how trauma might be affecting you.
If there’s a possible silver lining to dealing with a traumatic experience, it’s that there are a variety of therapies and treatment options to choose from. So, how might you benefit from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as an option?
What Are the Benefits of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?
Each person who begins therapy will have symptoms that vary in severity and degree. It’s important to work with a therapist who understands your individual needs and will take the time to go through your history before starting the process. If you’ve been on the fence about whether it’s the best option for you, consider some of the biggest benefits.
First, you’ll learn more about how trauma can directly affect your body. If you’ve been struggling with issues like discomfort or dissociation for years, educating yourself on the mind-body connection can provide clarity and give you the answers you’ve been searching for.
You’ll also learn more about your specific triggers and how they can create discomfort. As you become more aware of those triggers, you’ll learn how to work with them effectively. You can reduce the stress levels associated with the experience and feel more in control over how your body responds.
What to Expect From Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Perhaps the most important aspect of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is working with a therapist you feel comfortable with. The goal of this type of therapy is to connect the body with the mind. The ability to tap into a calm state of mind is essential. When you’re dealing with trauma, it's hard to trust people, so finding a therapist who can facilitate that sense of calm is essential.
I will begin your sessions with a brief meditation, inviting you to close your eyes, focus on your breathing and see what is calling for attention. As you focus on a specific memory or feeling, I may ask if you feel discomfort anywhere in the body. It could be something like pain in the muscles or joints, a headache, or even nausea.
Becoming aware of the activation in your body can make it easier to work through the effects of trauma. You’ll develop a better understanding of how your triggers can affect your physical health so you can take care of your overall well-being by tackling the traumatic effects from within.
Is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Right for You?
This type of therapy is a safe and effective solution that can provide a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.
However, you have to be open to it. It requires you to be willing to operate in a state of mindfulness. That’s not easy for everyone, but it’s also a practice that can be learned and something you can get more comfortable with by leaning into the process and allowing them to guide you. If you’re ready to step into sensorimotor therapy or you want to learn more about it, please contact me for information.