Revolutionary Approach in Trauma Treatment

Traumatic experiences can have profound sensomotoric reactions, including intrusive images, sounds, smells, bodily sensations, physical pain, tenseness, and a feeling of numbness. An effective treatment approach requires a holistic mind-body approach. Pat Ogden, a pioneer in somatic psychology, has combined the theories and techniques of traditional psychotherapeutic methods with body-oriented, or sensomotoric, psychotherapy, leading to a breakthrough in trauma treatment. With her extensive expertise, Ogden explains how movement and awareness of bodily sensations can be utilized to heal traumatic wounds.

Theoretical Foundations and Interventions

This book is divided into two parts: theory and treatment. The first part delves into the theoretical framework and rationalization of the interventions of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, drawing from the fields of trauma treatment, neuroscience, attachment, affect regulation, and dissociation. It explains how traumatic experiences disrupt the physiological and emotional regulation of the body, and explores working with defense systems, self-regulation, and the client's adaptive responses to help them reconnect with their bodies on a felt level.

Practical Application and Techniques

The second part focuses on the practical aspects of treatment, detailing the underlying principles, techniques, and skills of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy through case descriptions. These chapters present a three-phase treatment approach: (1) developing somatic tools for stabilization, (2) processing traumatic memories, and (3) achieving somatic integration. The methods provided enable clients to become more aware of their own bodies, perceive and track their bodily sensations, and gradually engage in physical actions that foster self-reliance and competence.

A Well-rounded Resource

This book is the Dutch translation of the first book written by Pat Ogden and co-authors. Ogden has also published "Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment" (jointly with Janina Fisher) to make Sensorimotor Psychotherapy more accessible for use in therapeutic practice. Pat Ogden, the founder and director of education at the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, boasts over 45 years of experience in guiding clients and teaches Sensorimotor Psychotherapy worldwide. Co-founder of the institute, Kekuni Minton is an experienced trainer and maintains a private practice. Clare Pain, a university professor at the University of Toronto's Department of Psychiatry, serves as director of the Psychological Trauma Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital.

With the comprehensive guidance and expertise shared in this book, clinicians can enhance their therapeutic practice and help individuals heal from the debilitating effects of trauma through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.