Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Founded in 1981 by Dr. Pat Ogden, the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (SPI) is a professional educational organization dedicated to providing the highest-level trainings and services to mental health practitioners and the public at large. SPI's mission is to deliver an unparalleled state-of-the-art somatic psychotherapy worldwide through education, practice, and research. Our vision is to harness the innate wisdom of the body to liberate human potential.

Our Principles

At SPI, we are guided by several core principles that inform our approach to somatic psychotherapy. These principles include Organicity, Unity, Mind/Body/Spirit Holism, Non-Violence, Mindfulness/Presence, and Relational Alchemy. These principles are rooted in the recognition of the inherent wisdom of the body and the interconnectedness of all living systems.

The Founding of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Dr. Pat Ogden, the founder of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, was inspired to develop this modality in the early 1970s while working as a technician and yoga/dance teacher at a short-term psychiatric hospital. She recognized the disconnection between her clients' bodies and their psychological issues and began to develop the foundations of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy by combining somatic therapy and psychotherapy into a comprehensive method for healing this disconnection.

What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) is a therapeutic modality that welcomes the body as an integral source of information for guiding resourcing, accessing, and processing challenging, traumatic, and developmental experiences. SP is a holistic approach that includes somatic, emotional, and cognitive processing and integration. This approach enables clients to discover and change habitual physical and psychological patterns that impede optimal functioning and well-being.

Our Services

SPI offers a range of services, including training programs, continuing education, financial aid, and certification for professionals in the mental health field. Our trainings cover topics such as trauma, attachment, and developmental issues. We also offer workshops, webinars, and conferences on topics relevant to the field of somatic psychotherapy.

Conclusion

The Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute is dedicated to providing education, training, and resources to professionals and the public at large. Our mission is to deliver a state-of-the-art somatic psychotherapy that harnesses the innate wisdom of the body to liberate human potential. Whether you are a mental health professional or an individual seeking to improve your well-being, SPI is here to support you on your journey of growth and self-discovery.