Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Most people don’t realize trauma and stress are stored in both the mind and body. We’ve all felt it—the racing heart during anxiety or that unmistakable “gut feeling” when something isn’t right. Traditional talk therapy often focuses solely on thoughts and emotions, which leaves your body’s wisdom untapped in the healing process. That’s where sensorimotor psychotherapy is different.
This body-inclusive approach can be particularly effective if you’ve tried traditional therapy but still feel like something is missing, or if you find it difficult to put your experiences into words.
At Hawkins Counseling Center, we understand that recovery happens through both the mind and body, and our experienced therapists can help you access both on your path to healing.
What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?
Sensorimotor psychotherapy combines traditional therapeutic approaches with direct attention to your body’s responses and experiences. This method recognizes that trauma and stress live not just in your memories and emotions, but also in your physical responses, posture, and movement patterns.
Its creator, Dr. Pat Ogden, developed this approach after observing how her clients’ physical responses told a crucial part of their story—one that words alone couldn’t fully express.
She noticed that even after traditional talk therapy helped people understand their experiences, their bodies still held onto trauma responses. These responses showed up as chronic tension, difficulty relaxing, problems with boundaries, or challenges staying present in the moment.
During sensorimotor psychotherapy, your therapist works with both your thoughts and your physical experiences. You’ll learn to notice and understand your body’s signals, develop new ways to feel safe and grounded, and process difficult experiences through both mind and body awareness.
This dual focus helps create lasting change because it addresses both the mental and physical impacts of trauma.
How Does Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Work?
During sensorimotor psychotherapy, your therapist helps you pay attention to your body’s moment-to-moment responses as you discuss your experiences. You might notice physical sensations like tension in your shoulders, changes in your breathing, or an impulse to move in a certain way.
Your therapist will guide you to:
- Track physical sensations in your body while talking about important experiences
- Notice patterns in how your body responds to stress or memories
- Learn to regulate your nervous system through mindful body awareness
- Practice new ways of moving and being that support your healing
- Process difficult experiences through both physical and emotional awareness
The approach is gentle and collaborative. Our Boynton Beach therapists respect your pace and help you stay within your comfort zone. Many of our clients find this body-based approach helps them process experiences that have felt stuck or unresolvable through talk therapy alone.
For example, if you often feel “frozen” in stressful situations, sensorimotor psychotherapy helps you notice the physical signs of freezing. You’ll learn ways your body can move out of this state naturally, which become practical tools for daily life.
Who Can Benefit from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?
Sensorimotor psychotherapy has been shown to be particularly effective for those who experience:
- Chronic stress and tension
- Trauma and PTSD symptoms
- Anxiety and panic responses
- Difficulty with emotional regulation
- Unresolved trauma from childhood
- Depression with physical symptoms
- Challenges staying present in your body
- Relationship issues linked to past trauma
- Problems with boundaries or physical space
- Physical symptoms that persist after medical treatment
Feeling that you intellectually “understand” your experiences yet are still affected by them is another clear indicator that sensorimotor psychotherapy may be the right fit. This method is also effective for people who find it hard to talk about their experiences or who feel disconnected from their physical sensations.
Through this gentle, body-based approach, you can discover new pathways to healing without pressure to verbalize every single thing you’re feeling.
What to Expect in a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Session
Your initial session focuses on getting to know you and your goals. Your therapist will explain the process and answer your questions. This session helps establish safety and comfort, which is essential for body-based therapy work.
Beyond the first one, each session begins with a brief check-in and grounding exercise. Your therapist creates a calm, supportive environment where you can tune into your body’s experiences at a comfortable pace and “settle in” for the work you’re about to do.
During the session, your therapist will:
- Guide you through simple body awareness exercises
- Help you notice physical sensations, movements, and impulses
- Support you in exploring how your body responds to different topics
- Teach you practical techniques for emotional regulation
- Respect your boundaries and comfort level throughout the process
You remain fully in control of your experience. No physical touch is involved. Your therapist uses words to help you discover what’s going on in your body and unlock your capacity for healing past traumas.
Benefits of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Research has demonstrated numerous benefits of this body-oriented therapeutic approach:
- Reduced symptoms of trauma and PTSD
- Increased sense of safety in your own body
- Decreased muscle tension and physical pain
- Improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia
- Greater ability to regulate emotional responses
- Reduced physical symptoms of anxiety and stress
- Improved resilience to stress and challenging situations
- Better emotional boundaries and a sense of personal space
Many clients report these improvements persist long after completing therapy. Current data suggests the approach creates lasting positive changes in both mind and body.
Start Your Journey to Whole-Self Healing at Hawkins Counseling Center
Taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming, especially when past therapy experiences haven’t provided the complete relief you’re seeking.
Our experienced Boynton Beach therapists understand the deep connection between physical and emotional well-being. We offer a safe, supportive environment where you can discover your body’s natural capacity for healing.
You don’t have to continue living with the physical and emotional impacts of past experiences. Our Boynton Beach team specializes in helping people just like you find relief through sensorimotor psychotherapy.
Ready to learn more about how sensorimotor psychotherapy can help you? Contact Hawkins Counseling Center today at (561) 316-6553. to schedule your first session.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy FAQs
Is sensorimotor psychotherapy evidence-based?
Yes, sensorimotor psychotherapy is evidence-based and highly endorsed by experts across the globe. However, this modality is newer when compared to traditional talk therapy, which dates back to Ancient Greece.
More research is done every day into this approach, and current data suggests it’s extremely effective.
Are there risks or side effects to sensorimotor psychotherapy?
Sensorimotor psychotherapy is generally considered a safe therapeutic approach. Like any form of trauma therapy, working with difficult memories and bodily sensations can temporarily increase emotional intensity or physical discomfort.
But know that this method is specifically designed with safety in mind. You can pause or stop during a session at any time, and your therapist is trained to help you feel stabilized throughout your work.
How do I find a psychotherapist near me?
If you’re located in Boynton Beach or any part of Palm Beach County, FL, you’ve already found a psychotherapist near you! Here at Hawkins Counseling Center, our therapists have decades of combined experience helping people just like you.
If you’re ready to learn more about whether psychotherapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for, contact us today at (561) 316-6553.
