Understanding Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Pat Ogden that integrates body awareness into the psychotherapy process. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on thoughts, emotions, and verbal narratives, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy pays close attention to the body's role in psychological experience. Practitioners help clients notice physical sensations, movement impulses, posture, and breathing patterns as sources of important information about their inner world.

The approach is grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, and trauma research. It recognizes that experiences—especially overwhelming or traumatic ones—can become encoded in the body, influencing how we hold ourselves, move, and respond to stress. Through mindful awareness of these bodily patterns, combined with gentle exploration and movement, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy supports the processing and integration of difficult experiences in a way that engages both body and mind.

Many people who engage in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy report developing a greater sense of connection with their bodies and increased awareness of how physical sensations relate to their emotional experiences. This body-mind integration may support people in processing traumatic memories, reducing chronic tension, and developing new capacities for self-regulation.

The approach often helps people who feel stuck in repetitive patterns or who notice that their bodies hold stress in particular ways. By working with the body directly, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy may offer pathways to healing that complement or enhance verbal processing. People frequently describe feeling more grounded, present, and resourced after working with this modality. The mindfulness components can also support ongoing self-awareness and resilience beyond the therapy room.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy may be helpful for a wide range of people, particularly those interested in exploring the connection between their physical and emotional experiences. The approach is often sought by people working through trauma, including developmental trauma, single-incident trauma, or complex trauma histories. It may also support those experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or difficulties with emotional regulation.

People who feel disconnected from their bodies, who notice persistent physical tension, or who find that traditional talk therapy alone hasn't fully addressed their concerns may find Sensorimotor Psychotherapy offers a valuable complement. The approach can be adapted to work with diverse populations and concerns. Those curious about body-oriented or somatic approaches to therapy often find this modality aligns well with their preferences for an integrative, holistic approach to mental health support.

Finding a therapist trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy requires some dedicated searching, as this is a specialized modality that requires specific training and certification. First Session has a growing network of practitioners who incorporate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy into their practice. You can browse available therapists, watch their intro videos, and read about their approaches to find someone whose style feels like a good fit.

When searching, you might also look for therapists who describe their work as body-oriented, somatic, or trauma-informed, as these practitioners may use similar techniques or be able to refer you to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy specialists. Many therapists offer free consultations, which can be an excellent opportunity to ask about their training and experience with body-oriented approaches before committing to ongoing work.

Yes, several therapeutic approaches share common ground with Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and may be more widely available. Somatic therapy is a broad category that encompasses body-oriented approaches to healing. Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, focuses specifically on releasing trauma held in the body through gentle attention to physical sensations. Both approaches share Sensorimotor Psychotherapy's emphasis on the body-mind connection.

Trauma-informed therapy more broadly describes any therapeutic approach that recognizes and responds thoughtfully to the impact of trauma. Mindfulness-based approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), incorporate body awareness practices that complement body-oriented psychotherapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is another well-established approach for trauma that some people explore alongside or instead of somatic approaches. Exploring these related modalities may help you find support while the network of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy practitioners continues to grow.

First Session makes it easier to find a therapist who fits your needs by providing detailed profiles, intro videos, and clear information about each practitioner's approach and areas of focus. You can browse therapists across Canada, filter by modality and concern, and get a sense of each therapist's personality and style before reaching out. This can be especially valuable when seeking specialized approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

If you don't immediately find a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy practitioner, First Session can still help you connect with therapists trained in related body-oriented or trauma-informed approaches. You can explore online and in-person options, learn about therapy costs, and read about what makes a good therapeutic fit. All therapists on First Session have had their credentials verified during onboarding, and many offer free consultations so you can determine if they're the right match for your needs.