Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in Washington, D.C. and Virginia

Tired of carrying the weight of your past?

You feel “off” physically and emotionally.

When you experience sadness, anger, or disappointment, you feel it, almost literally, in your bones. You know deep inside that your body is carrying “stuff,” but you may not know what that “stuff” is.

No matter how much you try to think your way out of them, these feelings linger. That’s because stress and trauma aren’t just stored in your mind—they live in your body. Maybe you notice tightness in your chest when you’re stressed, a knot in your stomach when you’re anxious, or an ache and heaviness in your shoulders that never seems to go away. Perhaps it’s recurring flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.

You’ve tried talk therapy but just aren’t seeing the progress you were hoping for. You know your mind AND body need healing.


Relief starts here.

What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a body-based therapy that helps you connect with how your emotions show up in your body. If you’ve experienced trauma, anxiety, or depression, you may notice tension, discomfort, or other physical sensations tied to those feelings. In sessions, we’ll focus on those sensations and use movement or other body awareness techniques to help you release stuck emotions and reframe past experiences.

    This approach goes beyond just talking about your issues—it helps your body and mind heal together, leading to lasting emotional relief.

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms, particularly those linked to trauma, anxiety, and depression. It helps you process trauma by connecting emotions to the physical sensations stored in your body.

  • Yes, I often combine Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with EMDR and IFS, as they work seamlessly together to address trauma from multiple angles—body, mind, and emotions. In my practice, I integrate these approaches to provide a more comprehensive and personalized treatment. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you release tension and emotional blocks stored in the body. EMDR helps process and reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories, while IFS brings deeper self-awareness and compassion, healing parts of you that may feel stuck. By combining these methods, I’m able to tailor treatment to your unique needs, offering a holistic approach that promotes faster, deeper healing and helps you feel more grounded, connected, and empowered as you navigate your journey.

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy differs from traditional talk therapy by focusing on the connection between the body and mind. Instead of just talking through issues, it helps you become aware of physical sensations, posture, and movement, which often hold emotional and traumatic memories. This body-centered approach can be more effective for deeply rooted trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem issues, allowing you to heal at a deeper, more holistic level, beyond just verbal insight.

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing both focus on the body’s role in processing trauma, but they differ in their approach. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy combines body awareness with verbal processing, helping you understand how physical sensations are tied to emotions and thoughts. This integrated approach allows for deeper exploration of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and trauma, making it effective for clients who need both emotional and physical healing.

    Somatic Experiencing, by comparison, focuses more on the release of trauma through bodily sensations without as much emphasis on cognitive or verbal processing.

    Sensorimotor Psychotherapy offers a balanced approach, blending bodywork with reflection, which can be especially helpful for clients looking to address trauma from multiple angles.

The Magic of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a powerful blend of talk therapy and body awareness that’s woven into a relational approach. In our sessions, I’ll guide you to notice how emotions show up in your body—tension, discomfort, or other sensations—and use movement and body-focused techniques to release them.

As you do this work, you may feel less physical tension and emotional stress, finding more relaxation and balance in daily life. Symptoms start to dissolve, and you feel more present and at ease.

It’s the magic of healing through your body.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can help you with…

Chronic Tension or Stiffness

Trauma often shows up as tightness or stiffness in areas like the shoulders, neck, or back. These physical sensations are your body’s way of holding onto emotional distress. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps release this tension, helping your body feel lighter and more at ease.

Dissociation or Feeling "Out of It"

If you often feel detached or “spaced out,” like you're watching yourself from a distance, this is a common response to trauma. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you reconnect with your body and the present moment, reducing feelings of emotional numbness or disconnection.

Flashbacks or Intrusive Memories

Flashbacks or unwanted memories can feel overwhelming. These memories are often stored in the body and can be triggered by certain sensations. This therapy helps desensitize the emotional charge of these memories, so they no longer feel as disruptive.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety can manifest physically as tightness in the chest, racing heartbeats, or shallow breathing. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you become aware of where anxiety is stored in your body, allowing you to release the tension and calm your nervous system, reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

Difficulty with Grounding or Feeling Present

If you often feel disconnected, like you're “spacing out” or can’t focus, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you feel more grounded in your body. Grounding techniques help you reconnect to the present moment, making it easier to stay focused and emotionally secure.

Shame or Negative Self-Image

Negative beliefs about yourself, often rooted in past trauma, can be stored as tightness in your chest or gut. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps release this emotional and physical tension, promoting a more compassionate and positive sense of self.

Chronic Pain or Unexplained Physical Symptoms

Emotional stress can manifest physically, causing chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy works by addressing the mind-body connection, releasing physical pain by resolving underlying emotional blocks.

Overactive Nervous System (Hyperarousal)

If you're constantly on edge, experiencing symptoms like heart palpitations, shallow breathing, or hypervigilance, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can help. By tuning into your body’s sensations, this therapy helps regulate your nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.

Emotional Numbness or Disconnection

Trauma can lead to a sense of emotional numbness or feeling "out of touch" with yourself. This often shows up physically as a heaviness or blankness in the body. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you re-engage with your body and emotions, allowing you to feel more connected and alive.

Sleep Problems (Insomnia or Nightmares)

If you struggle with sleep due to anxiety or unresolved trauma, you may experience insomnia or nightmares. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy calms your nervous system, releasing stored emotional tension, so you can experience more restful, peaceful sleep.

Difficulty in Relationships

Emotional wounds from the past can impact your ability to connect with others. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you process and release these wounds, allowing you to engage more fully in relationships without carrying emotional baggage.

Give your body the healing it needs.

You don’t have to carry the weight of past trauma alone anymore. Your body holds the wisdom to heal, and together, we can unlock it.

FAQs about Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

  • Yes, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can absolutely be done virtually! While the in-person experience can feel more immersive, virtual sessions are still highly effective. You’ll be guided through body-awareness techniques, grounding exercises, and emotional processing in the comfort of your own space. In fact, many clients find that virtual sessions allow them to feel more at ease and focused. Whether you're at home or in a private, comfortable setting, the tools and strategies used in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can be just as powerful online as in-person, helping you release tension and heal trauma from anywhere.

  • In a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy session, we’ll start by discussing what’s on your mind, any challenges you’re facing, or areas you’d like to work on. We’ll then bring awareness to how your body is responding, using gentle techniques to help you notice physical sensations, tension, or emotions that might be linked to past experiences. You’ll never be pushed beyond your comfort zone.

    I often integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with other modalities like EMDR and IFS to create a personalized, holistic approach, making the healing process feel more seamless and supportive.

  • No, you don’t need to be physically active or do any specific movement in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, unless you feel comfortable doing so. The focus is on bringing awareness to your body’s sensations, which can be as subtle as noticing tension or changes in posture. Movement may naturally arise as you process emotions, but it’s always at your pace, and you’ll never be asked to do anything that doesn’t feel right for you.

In-person therapy in Washington, D.C.

 

Virtual Therapy: Healing from the Comfort of Home

Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That’s why I offer virtual therapy—a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.

Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting our session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.

Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. You can save time, avoid transportation hassles, and focus entirely on your healing. Our sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.