sensorimotor psychotherapy

The genesis of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy was Pat Ogden’s experience as a yoga and dance instructor in the 1970s, working with traumatized individuals as a tech in an inpatient facility. 

Dr. Ogden first entered the world of body-oriented healing through her work with somatic healing pioneer Ron Kurtz, co-founding with him the Hakomi Institute in the early 1980s. Over time, she began to develop her ideas and approaches, merging body-oriented healing with psychotherapy. This culminated in the creation of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, a branch of the Hakomi Institute, with a focus on helping people reunite their body and mind.

Over time, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy has integrated somatic therapies such as Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing with leading edge neuroscience research, attachment theories, cognitive approaches, and melded them into an approach that is responsive, flexible, and effective.

Michael and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy training consists of three ‘levels’. In 2017, I completed Level I, which deals with supporting clients in developing greater affect (emotional) regulation, completing ‘thwarted’ survival defenses, and digesting traumatic memories.

Feel free to schedule an initial 20-30 minute phone consult to learn more about how Sensorimotor Psychotherapy might be of help in your healing journey.