As a psychotherapist, I am often asked about the different types of therapy I offer. One of those is sensorimotor psychotherapy, which is based on six principles. In this blog post, I will discuss those six principles and how they can help patients heal from trauma. Sensorimotor psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD, so if you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, read on to learn more about this type of therapy.
The body and mind are interconnected.
Sensory Motor Therapy, or the combination of mindful practices with physical activity, is becoming increasingly popular as a way to understand the connection between our body and mind. The core idea of Sensory Motor Therapy is that stress, emotions, and trauma are held in parts of the body and that physical movement can help unlock and clear away these built-up feelings. That being said, Sensory Motor Therapy focuses on freeing the body from stored tension and helps individuals become more aware of their emotional state. By enhancing this mind-body connection, we can achieve emotional regulation and overall mental health.
The past is stored in the body as well as the mind.
Sensory Motor Therapy (SMT) is a growing psychological tool that invites people to reconnect with their body memory from the past. Our earliest experiences are often embedded in our limbic system and can influence how we respond to stress and other triggers. SMT encourages us to become aware of this bodily memory by using physical sensation as an access point, often allowing us to release unhelpful patterns or behaviours stored in the body. With SMT, we can access these forgotten memories of our past and learn how they continue to shape the present moment.
The present moment is always available to us through our senses.
Embracing the present moment can provide a sense of inner peace and calm amidst all the chaos of life. Every sound, scent, and sight we encounter daily can be a reminder to be present within ourselves. Our senses are always ready to connect us to the world around us; all we have to do is approach each experience with an open heart and mind. Taking some time to step back and feel in the moment can have both immediate and long-term benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By allowing ourselves to truly experience each moment for what it is, we can cultivate greater mindfulness, acceptance, and contentment within our lives.
Our bodies have wisdom that can guide us towards healing.
Every day, our bodies work hard to keep us healthy and balanced. Unfortunately, due to life’s stresses, we often feel blocked off from accessing this wisdom. Fortunately, several practices can help us tune into the natural intelligence of our bodies, such as yoga, qi gong, or guided meditation. Having a better understanding of how the body works and communicates helps us listen more carefully to its messages so that we can feel connected and heal meaningfully. Our bodies are immensely powerful: when we tap into the natural intelligence within, our lives are sure to transform for the better.
Change happens through relationships.
Successful change often comes when relationships between individuals, teams, or communities are formed and nurtured. In these relationships, people develop trust and understanding of each other’s concerns and interests. This open communication fosters coordination among different organizations and helps ensure a plan of action is effective and feasible in the long run. Through these relationships, the broader community can be made aware of existing problems and solutions can be generated to address those issues collaboratively. When done correctly, such relationships create a safe space for people from all walks of life to come together, agree on what needs to change, debate new ideas openly and honestly, and then reach a consensus about an action plan for our shared future. Properly executed relationships can empower us with movement toward meaningful transformation.
The therapist-client relationship is crucial for healing to occur.
The quality of the relationship between a therapist and their client is one of the most important elements for making positive gains in therapy. In order to achieve meaningful healing, trust must be established between both parties, as well as a genuine understanding of the client’s life experiences and emotional states. Therapy requires an environment that invites difficult conversations for which honest feedback has the potential to facilitate revelations about patterns leading to discomfort. The success of the therapeutic process hinges on the patient-personnel alliance because, without it, neither party can work together to explore the depths of concerns shared in the session. Even though each individual treads on his or her own path towards psychological improvement and behavioural change, it is only through forming strong connections with therapists that clients can begin this journey towards personal growth.
In conclusion, the body and mind are deeply intertwined; our bodies hold the wisdom of our past as well as the hope for our future. The present moment is always accessible to us through our senses and can provide a gateway for healing. It’s important to understand that change does not happen in isolation. It happens through relationships with friends, family, colleagues and most of all, with a therapist. Through these relationships, we gain access to practices and strategies that empower us to make positive changes in our lives. It’s only when we view ourselves holistically—body and mind—that real healing has a chance to occur.
