Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is an approach to therapy that integrates the body and mind to treat unprocessed traumas and their resulting symptoms. There are six guiding principles to this approach, each of which contributes to its effectiveness and transformative power.
- Organicity: The first principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is organicity. This principle recognizes that individuals have the capacity to grow, change, and heal themselves, rather than the therapist being the one to “heal” the client. In this approach, the therapist is there to offer guidance and support for the client’s self-exploration and empowerment.
- Non-Violence: The second principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is non-violence. This principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding criticism and pathologizing during the therapeutic process. Instead, symptoms are viewed as signals of internal systems, and the focus is on creating a safe and accepting environment for clients to explore their experiences.
- Unity: The third principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is unity. This principle recognizes that individuals are part of a larger living organic system of interdependent parts. By promoting exploration of the individual self and improving self-perception and self-advocation, clients can achieve a more unified and holistic sense of self and improved personal welfare.
- Mind-Body-Spirit Holism: The fourth principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is mind-body-spirit holism. This principle recognizes the interconnectedness of emotions, thoughts, and the body and emphasizes the importance of addressing them together rather than in isolation. Through this approach, clients can gain insight into how different parts of their experience affect each other and work towards a more profound and cohesive sense of growth and healing.
- Mindfulness/Presence: The fifth principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is mindfulness/presence. This principle emphasizes the importance of turning one’s awareness to the present moment with curiosity and compassion. By paying attention to specific aspects of their experience, clients can gain insight into their patterns, responses, and habits. Additionally, clinicians use mindfulness to attend to the client’s body language and breathing patterns to gain insight into how the body responds to specific thoughts, emotions, and memories.
- Relational Alchemy: The sixth and final principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is relational alchemy. This principle recognizes the impact of relationships on our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. By exploring and transforming the felt sense of these beliefs, clients can begin to transform their connections to self and others and cultivate long-lasting change.
In conclusion, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a body-inclusive approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of emotions, thoughts, and the body. Its six guiding principles—organicity, non-violence, unity, mind-body-spirit holism, mindfulness/presence, and relational alchemy—rovide a framework for a safe and effective therapeutic approach to addressing unprocessed traumas and their resulting symptoms.
Disclaimer: This blog shares general information only, not professional advice or recommendations. Consult healthcare providers for personal guidance. Decisions based on content are the reader's responsibility. Thank you.
