Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a somatically-oriented, trauma-informed model that integrates the wisdom of the body with traditional talking therapies. Developed by Pat Ogden, this approach helps clients process traumatic experiences and attachment wounds by tracking bodily sensations, posture, movement, and nonverbal patterns that emerge in the therapeutic space.
This introductory CE course provides clinicians with a foundational understanding of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and its applications in treating trauma, developmental wounds, and emotional dysregulation. Participants will explore core principles of the model, including the use of mindful awareness of bodily experience, the role of the autonomic nervous system, and the importance of implicit memory and procedural learning in trauma recovery.
Through didactic instruction, clinical demonstrations, and somatic exercises, mental health professionals will learn how to support clients in developing body-based resources, tracking internal experience, and shifting ingrained survival responses.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the core principles and theoretical foundations of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
- Identify how somatic patterns and implicit memory contribute to trauma symptoms and emotional dysregulation.
- Demonstrate at least two clinical techniques from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to support regulation and body-based awareness in clients.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Welcome and Overview
Objective #1: Describe Core Principles and Theoretical Foundations of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Define the three core principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: mindful awareness, autonomic nervous system (ANS) tracking, and implicit memory integration.
- Explain the historical and theoretical roots of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, including somatic psychology, neuroscience, trauma therapy, and mindfulness.
- Discuss how Sensorimotor Psychotherapy complements traditional talk therapy by integrating body-based awareness.
Objective #2: Identify and Work with Somatic Patterns in Trauma
- Recognize common trauma-related somatic patterns such as posture changes, breath holding, muscle rigidity, and movement avoidance.
- Explain implicit memory and procedural learning and their role in maintaining trauma responses.
- Observe and interpret nervous system states using ANS cues within the polyvagal framework.
- Practice orientation and grounding techniques as foundational regulation skills.
Objective #3: Demonstrate Key Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Clinical Skills
- Learn and practice three core SP techniques:
- Contact Statements – descriptive, non-interpretive observations.
- Movement Experiments – exploring posture and movement to shift state.
- Sequencing – completing protective responses in a safe and controlled manner.
- Engage in guided experiential exercises, including breath awareness, sensation mapping, and anchoring safe states.
- Reflect on personal and client responses to somatic interventions.
Objective #4: Apply Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in Diverse Clinical Contexts
- Understand how to integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with other modalities such as EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness.
- Adapt Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for telehealth, including observation of cues and guided movement online.
- Incorporate cultural and contextual considerations in body language interpretation and regulation practices.
- Use Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with a variety of presentations, including PTSD, complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, and developmental trauma.
Objective #5: Analyze Case Examples and Plan for Clinical Integration
- Review case vignettes illustrating Sensorimotor Psychotherapy techniques in action.
- Discuss pacing, safety, and client readiness when introducing somatic work.
- Identify opportunities for integrating Sensorimotor Psychotherapy into current clinical practice and supervision.
Key takeaways/Q&A
- Key takeaways and reflections
- Open discussion and final thoughts
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Samantha Silverberg-Stout, Ph.D., L.P.C.
Recording Date: September 4, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com