Lesson – Sensorimotor Therapy Techniques for Trauma Treatment: Practical Skills*

*Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA and Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. (DBA “Online CE Credits”) is neither affiliated nor associated with Pat Ogden, PhD, or her organization.

Research is increasingly showing the importance of working with the body when treating trauma. Sometimes referred to as “bottom-up techniques,” somatic (or body-based) work is often critical when helping clients recover from PTSD and other trauma or stressor-related disorders. However, many evidence-based therapies de-emphasize somatic work, focusing instead on “top-down,” or cognitive techniques. While top-down techniques can be immensely helpful, they can also be ineffective if taught too soon, before bottom-up techniques are mastered. This is because of how the brain is naturally wired, and our clients’ need to first stabilize lower brain regions (such as the amygdala), reconnecting with the body and restoring a sense of safety. When clients can connect with their own experiences, and with others, the traditional top-down approaches become more effective. This seminar helps clinicians integrate somatic, bottom-up work into trauma treatment by teaching several body-based skills that help clients better connect with the therapist, re-establish safety in their body, and regulate their nervous system!

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). Describe the function of mirror neurons.

b). Name at least three techniques for building the alliance.

c). State at least two techniques that can help clients reconnect with the body.

d). Explain the purpose of the vagus nerve, and name one way to activate it.

e). Name at least two ways to integrate sensorimotor skills into other trauma therapy approaches.

f). Describe at least two poses that can be integrated into trauma treatment.

Target Audience:

The target audience for this event includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, MFT’s, psychiatrists and other clinical mental health professionals interested in applying body-based techniques in their treatment of trauma.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA

Material Author(s): Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA

Originally trained as a neuroscientist, Dr. Jennifer Sweeton is a clinical and forensic psychologist, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and internationally-recognized expert on trauma, anxiety, and the neuroscience of mental health. She is the author of the book, Trauma Treatment Toolbox, published by PESI Publishing & Media. Dr. Sweeton completed her doctoral training at the Stanford University School of Medicine, the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, and the National Center for PTSD. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in affective neuroscience from Stanford University, and studied behavioral genetics at Harvard University. Dr. Sweeton resides in the greater Kansas City area, where she owns a group private practice, Kansas City Mental Health Associates, and co-owns Mind Works Professional Education, Inc., a continuing education company. She holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and is a former President of the Greater Kansas City Psychological Association. Dr. Sweeton offers clinical and forensic psychological services, and is a sought-after trauma and neuroscience expert who has trained more than 15,000 mental health professionals in all 50 US states and over 20 countries.

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.