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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
We have unconscious stories about ourselves and the world held in our mind/body. Learn how becoming curious about your body can have a huge impact on your sense of self. Body attunement + conscious reflection (left/right, top/bottom integration) are hallmark markers of secure functioning. Tap into your own body as a deep and abiding source of information and means of finding self-understanding and closer connection through sensorimotor psychotherapy.
Guest Dr. Pat Ogden is a pioneer in somatic psychology, co-founder of Hakomi, founder of the Sensorimotor Institute, and author of several book on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (see show notes for links). She joins co-host Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP in a discussion of the principles of sensorimotor therapy which is informed by the richness of developmental psychology, neuro-affective research, and mindfulness. Very importantly, they also get into a thoughtful discussion of multiculturalism and implicit unconscious majority bias in the mental health field.
The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. –Hippocrates
The body always leads us home . . . if we can simply learn to trust sensation and stay with it long enough for it to reveal appropriate action, movement, insight, or feeling. — Pat Ogden
0:00-15:00
Intro, Pat’s initial interest in psychotherapy, somatic therapy and the polyvagal theory
Rhythm and attunement through yoga and dance
The importance of mindfulness in relation to the body, posture as an indicator, philosophical principles
15:00-30:00
The body as a source of knowledge and information
Interconnectedness of principles, understanding “unity” across different cultures
Gene expression, cortisol levels upon waking and collapsed/immobilized posture
Understanding trauma from a white dominant perspective and marginalized perspective
30:00-45:00
“Window of tolerance”, the modulation model, finding the middle ground between hyper arousal and threshold of any arousal
Trying not to stick with formula when understanding an individual
Implicit bias, identifying racism
Key principles
45:00-60:00
Decoding humility as therapists
Advice for non-therapists
Identifying ailments in your body and actually doing something to correct it rather than just hoping it’ll get better (e.g. posture, breathing, etc.). Keeping mindfulness in the body in the moment. Become curious about your body.
Wrap up and outro
Like this and want more? Dive deeper by checking out the resources below:
Resources:
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Interventions for Trauma and Attachment by Pat Ogden & Janina Fisher
Trauma and the Body A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy by Pat Ogden et al
Sensorimotor Institute – articles and resources, Pat Ogden Director and Founder
Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve Self-Help Excersizes for Anxiety Trauma Depression and Autism by Stanley Rosenberg
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