The Sensorimotor Approach: A way to treat trauma
One of the more newer approaches to treating trauma is the sensorimotor approach. This sensorimotor approach was created in the 1980’s by Pat Ogden (Fisher, 2011). This recently developed psychotherapy is a therapy that is centered around the both the cognitive-emotional concentration of therapy as well as the bodily and autonomic symptoms of the stress that arises from trauma (Fisher, 2011). The creation of such psychotherapy is based on the previous research that is done on neurobiology and the effects of trauma on it as well (Fisher, 2011). Neurobiology is the study of the brain and all of its parts and complex components within the brain (Rousseau, 2022). This approach also some very important characteristics: backed by research, somatic approach, no need for the person to relive the traumatic experience(s), and addresses numbing and avoidance (Fisher, 2011). With every approach the therapist plays a crucial role however in this psychotherapy, they have a big role in this treatment approach (Fisher, 2011). The roles that the psychotherapists plays are many including teaching the patient to differentiate the past event as not being the present event, allows for patient to reorganize the way they respond to the trauma and mange the activation of it, and helps the patient simulate their dual awareness or observing ego (Fisher, 2011). From the sensorimotor approach, the patient learns many new skills and ways to handle with their trauma. They learn to understand what trauma is and its effects, to get more control over the response to stimuli though different somatic, cognitive, behavioral skills (Fisher, 2011).
The sensorimotor approach seems very encouraging for more uses in the future. With the different approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Pharmacotherapy, there are many options (Rousseau, 2022). Sensorimotor psychotherapy would be a great approach to be used because of the big amounts of research that is known (Fisher, 2011). It is proven to be effective and the way that the therapy is described in the detail in the article cited below, there is much promise for the future of sensorimotor psychotherapy. This approach allows the patients to be able to look at stimuli differently into a way that is not dangerous or threatening but stressful or pleasureable (Fisher, 2011). It seems like the relationship between patient and therapists is very strong as the bond they share is crucial to the success of the sensorimotor approach. If that bond is not good, then the effectiveness of this approach significantly decreases. One limitation of this approach is all based on the motivation and full participation of the patient as well. The patient needs to be fully committed to the approach so that they can better handle the traumatic environmental stimuli around them. With more advocacy, this program can show why it is highly researched and proven to be effective as well. Trauma is very complex topic that needs to be talked about more and by showing people that these approaches are effective, then ititss possible that the sensorimotor approach gets used more.
References:
Rousseau, D. (2022). Module 3: Neurobiology of Trauma. Blackboard.
Rousseau, D. (2022). Module 4: Pathways to Recovery: Understanding Approaches to Trauma Treatment. Blackboard.
Fisher, J. (2011). Sensorimotor approaches to trauma treatment. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 17(3), 171-177. doi:10.1192/apt.bp.109.007054