Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) is a somatic, or body-based, therapy developed by Dr. Pat Ogden. It integrates principles of neuroscience, attachment theory, and mindfulness to help individuals process trauma not just through words, but through awareness of physical sensations, posture, and movement. 

Trauma can often leave people feeling “stuck” — physically tense, emotionally disconnected, or unable to feel safe in their own bodies. SP offers tools to bring gentle attention to these physical experiences, allowing the body and mind to work together in healing. 

When someone experiences trauma, the body’s survival responses — fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — can remain activated long after the event has passed. This can lead to chronic tension, anxiety, hypervigilance, or emotional numbing. 

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps clients recognize and safely explore these body responses, developing new patterns that restore a sense of safety, regulation, and resilience. Through mindful awareness of the body, clients can release long-held trauma responses and reconnect with a sense of calm and empowerment. 

Each session is tailored to your unique needs and comfort level. Therapy may include: 

• Mindful awareness of breath, posture, or sensations 
• Exploring how emotions show up in the body 
• Tracking impulses or tension that arise during discussion 
• Practicing grounding, movement, or boundary-setting exercises 
• Integrating new, body-based ways to support safety and self-regulation 

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is always guided by safety, collaboration, and choice. It is not about re-enacting trauma or performing physical tasks — rather, it offers gentle, mindful awareness to support your healing process. 

This approach can help those experiencing: 

• Complex trauma (C-PTSD) or early childhood trauma 
• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from the body 
• Anxiety, depression, or chronic stress 
• Relationship or attachment difficulties 
• Somatic (body-based) trauma symptoms 
• Difficulty feeling safe, grounded, or present

Because SP connects the body, emotions, and mind, it is especially helpful for individuals who feel “stuck” in their healing journey or who struggle to talk about their experiences.