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Sensorimotor Therapy Edmonton

Whether it’s a clenching of the jaw, stiffness in the shoulders, a belly ache or headache that crops up in stressful circumstances, there is no doubt emotional unrest can result in very real and physical symptoms. Sensorimotor therapy is meant to address these physical manifestations of emotional pain in a holistic approach that combines both movement and talk therapy. Combining modalities allows patients to receive a full spectrum of care that may otherwise leave the physical impact of trauma unaddressed through talk therapy alone.

What is Sensorimotor Therapy?

Sensorimotor therapy is the treatment of physical and emotional symptoms that result from past trauma like childhood neglect, sexual abuse or verbal abuse. According to the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, trauma very directly impacts the physical body.

It is understood that emotional or traumatic experiences can store physical memories and impact your body and the nervous system, making it more difficult for you to mindfully manage your emotions in your everyday life. These physical manifestations can lead to numbing behaviours, addiction issues, and/or trouble processing your feelings in times of stress.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

Typically sensorimotor therapy is delivered in three distinct phases of care: safety and stabilization, processing and integration. Each phase incorporates these components in order to achieve healing and improvement of emotional and physical regulation:

 

1. Dual awareness.

 

You will work with your therapist to become aware of both the emotional and physical symptoms your body is experiencing in tandem. You learn what symptoms may be connected to past trauma and how to continue to be mindful and present and feel safe while experiencing those symptoms.


2. Mindfulness.

 

In this second phase you will be guided to connect to both movement and sensation in the body, practicing to separate past trauma from present experiences.


3. Somatic functioning.

 

You will discover how things like posture, breathing, muscle tension and even your heart rate can impact your emotions. With a deeper understanding of how these elements impact your emotional function you can more easily recover from trauma.


4. Regulation of your autonomic function.

 

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for your fight-flight-response. By practicing mind/body awareness, you can more easily control how the nervous system responds in stressful circumstances.

How Can Sensorimotor Therapy Help?

There are many positive impacts of sensorimotor therapy. This form of treatment can:
  • Get the body out of fight, flight, or freeze and help improve the typical nervous system function
  • Help patients recognize and better regulate their emotions
  • Develop their bodies own ability to heal and manage trauma
  • Respond more mindfully to situations in life that present themselves

Who Should Consider Sensorimotor Therapy?

Sensorimotor therapy works well in treating a variety of mental health struggles, such as:
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Substance abuse and self medication
  • Thoughts of suicide or behaviours of self-harm

At Equinox Therapeutic we have several Edmonton psychologists and counselors who specialize in sensorimotor therapy. If you have questions or if you’d like to set up a consultation, visit our contact page.

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Find out more information about our services.

To figure out if therapy is right for you, talk to one of our registered psychologists or counsellors.