Introduction

The Basics

What are Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy?

Somatic comes from the root “soma,” which means “body.” All somatic therapies are rooted in the belief that the mind-body connection is a powerful pathway for healing.

• Somatic Experiencing is a type of body-focused therapy that helps release stress and “stuck” trauma in the body.
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a body-focused form of talk therapy that blends cognitive and sensory approaches to directly process the neurobiological impact of trauma.

Goal

What are the goals of Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy?

Somatic therapies aim to help clients develop skills to regulate emotions and relieve physical manifestations of trauma. Other goals include:

• Understanding the impact of trauma on the mind and body
• Observing and relieving problematic symptoms
• Establishing greater control over trauma responses and other behaviors
• Gaining a greater sense of “distance” from the past
• Increasing confidence
• Developing your sense of identity

Uses

What do Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy treat?

Somatic therapies like somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions and concerns, including:

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Complicated grief
• Compulsions and addictions
• Mood disorders
• Panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem issues

Somatic therapies can also help address intergenerational, racialized, and systemic traumas.

Subtypes

Are there any subtypes of Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy?

In addition to somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy, other subtypes of somatic therapy include:

• The Hakomi method: uses mindfulness and body awareness to help access and process buried emotions or memories
• Bioenergetic therapy uses movement and touch (like “tapping”) to free emotional tension trapped in the body
• Biodynamic psychotherapy focuses on releasing trauma/stress chemicals locked in muscles via techniques like massage
• Brainspotting involves positioning your eyes in specific ways to access neural networks and process trauma
• EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (via eye movements, taps, or tones) to integrate traumatic experiences into your memory, reducing negative impact

Effectiveness

Origins

Who developed Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy, and when?

• The general term “somatics” was introduced by Thomas Hanna in the 1970s, focusing on body and movement in practices such as yoga, Pilates, and judo.
• Somatic experiencing as well as the term “pendulation” was coined by Peter Levine in the 1970s, which initially came from his observation of animals under threat: they can “shake out” or otherwise release stress through the body beyond a “freeze” response.
• Sensorimotor psychotherapy was developed by Pat Ogden in the 1980s and 90s, drawing on the basics from other therapies including the Hakomi Method, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness.

Evidence Base

Are Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy evidence-based?

There is a growing body of research supporting the potential benefits of somatic therapy, with studies showing observable changes in the brain through fMRI imaging, improvements across multiple symptoms, and specific benefits for those experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, PTSD, and chronic pain.

How It Works

Techniques Used

How do Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy work?

In somatic experiencing, a therapist may focus on body sensations with the goal of releasing stored stress, improving a client’s daily functioning, and emotional regulation.

In sensorimotor psychotherapy, a therapist may encourage a client to identify a traumatic moment, to “be with” and observe the bodily experience (rather than getting “caught up” in the events of a story), and to unlock new thoughts, sensations, and meaning.

When it comes to treating trauma specifically, somatic therapies work to resolve unfinished processes related to trauma. During a traumatic experience, you’d ideally fight or flee to protect yourself. When you can’t do either, it can result in “stuck” trauma that has a lasting negative impact. Through somatic therapy, clients can take certain actions to “complete” the fight-or-flight cycle in order to release stored trauma.

Techniques used in somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy:

• Resourcing: Drawing on inner comfort and strength to establish safety during trauma therapy. This skill builds self-reliance and stability when experiencing emotional pain physically, helping you maintain balance during challenging therapeutic work.
• Titration: A careful approach that introduces discomfort in small, manageable doses to build resilience without triggering re-traumatization. Through practice and guidance, you develop the capacity to handle increasing levels of discomfort while maintaining emotional regulation.
• Pendulation: The rhythmic movement between discomfort and regulation in somatic therapies. This practice helps you recognize bodily sensations, build tolerance to trauma-related discomfort, and develop the ability to restore balance when needed.

What to Expect in a Session

What can I expect from a Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Therapy session?

1. At first, a client and somatic therapist often work collaboratively to discuss symptoms, strengths and goals, creating a safe environment to focus on physical sensations.
2. With somatic experiencing, the focus then remains primarily on noticing how thoughts and emotions are connected to body sensations, at times “pendulating” between two ideas or sensations, ultimately integrating those experiences into a stronger sense of self.
3. With sensorimotor psychotherapy, once a client is ready, a therapist may ask a client to recall certain details of a traumatic or stressful experience, with the focus remaining on current body sensations. Throughout the process, a client often works to accept sensations and/or complete a new movement to resolve the trauma somatically.

Treatment Length & Structure

How long do Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy typically take? Is there any set structure?

There is no set treatment length for somatic therapy. An expected timeline depends on each client and provider, and can be discussed at the onset of treatment.

During somatic experiencing, a therapist guides clients through three general phases:

• Phase 1: Establishing safety and stabilization while becoming aware of the mind-body connection
• Phase 2: Exploring and processing to gain empowerment and healing
• Phase 3: Integrating a new, stronger sense of self

Sensorimotor psychotherapy does not have a phased structure, but a therapist operates from six key principles:

• The body and mind are interconnected
• The past is stored in the body and mind
• The present moment is always available
• Our bodies have wisdom that can guide healing
• Change happens in the context of relationship
• The client-therapist relationship is critical for healing

Getting Care

Finding a Therapist

How do I find a therapist who uses Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Therapy?

Alma’s directory has many therapists who specialize in Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Therapy, including: