Description
A book for clinicians and clients to use together that explains key concepts of body psychotherapy.
The body’s intelligence is largely an untapped resource in psychotherapy, yet the story told by the “somatic narrative”– gesture, posture, prosody, facial expressions, eye gaze, and movement — is arguably more significant than the story told by the words. The language of the body communicates implicit meanings and reveals the legacy of trauma and of early or forgotten dynamics with attachment figures. To omit the body as a target of therapeutic action is an unfortunate oversight that deprives clients of a vital avenue of self-knowledge and change.
Written for therapists and clients to explore together in therapy, this book is a practical guide to the language of the body. It begins with a section that orients therapists and clients to the volume and how to use it, followed by an overview of the role of the brain and the use of mindfulness. The last three sections are organized according to a phase approach to therapy, focusing first on developing personal resources, particularly somatic ones; second on utilizing a bottom-up, somatic approach to memory; and third on exploring the impact of attachment on procedural learning, emotional biases, and cognitive distortions. Each chapter is accompanied by a guide to help therapists apply the chapter’s teachings in clinical practice and by worksheets to help clients integrate the material on a personal level.
The concepts, interventions, and worksheets introduced in this book are designed as an adjunct to, and in support of, other methods of treatment rather than as a stand-alone treatment or manualized approach. By drawing on the therapeutic relationship and adjusting interventions to the particular needs of each client, thoughtful attention to what is being spoken beneath the words through the body can heighten the intimacy of the therapist/client journey and help change take place more easily in the hidden recesses of the self.
100 illustrations
All Disheveled (verified owner) –
This book is an accessible, interactive, and integrative guide to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and a fun read. While Pat Ogden’s first book, Trauma and the Body, focused primarily on the dense and complex nuances of the method, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy puts the principles and science of the method to practical use in the context of clinical therapy. Though the authors specify that this book is intended to be used with a trained therapist for the treatment of trauma and attachment disturbances, the body-based interventions are invaluable beyond the therapy room. Easily adaptable to a multitude of contexts and groups, couples, parents, teachers, and others outside the field of mental health will find the chapters and exercises useful in their professions, relationships, and everyday life. The case examples are real and easy to relate to, and help to clarify the complexities of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. The chapters are written in such an unbiased way that they make it easy to identify and address personal strengths and challenges without evoking any shame or anxiety about what is right or wrong. The reader can approach their challenges in a curious way, with a a book full of resources at hand, that makes growth engaging and satisfying. The worksheets are at times complex, but they support a deep and genuine understanding of the topics (which range from orienting to working with difficult memories to exploring boundaries in relationships). I had particular fun with the worksheets that involved somatic resources and movement, like exploring different ways of breathing and different ways of walking, and trying on different postures to see how they affect my thoughts and emotions. This will be a book I revisit time and again for both personal and professional purposes.
Jeff S. (verified owner) –
INCREDIBLE RESOURCE! 823 pages of text charts drawings etc. AWESOME!
matthew l krane (verified owner) –
This book was well worth the wait and I recommend it for anyone who has found themselves working with a client and feeling like they just needed some more ways to deepen the client’s resources and healing. So often I have found myself wishing I knew massage or bodywork; though I attended a terrific Hakomi training with Ron Kurtz several years ago, I do not have the time and support of client friends/family in session to do this work adequately – Pat’s book has practical, easily usable ideas and techniques. I am thrilled to have this as a super useful tool to add to my toolbox. My only recommendation is that a CD with the handouts be included to simply use. Thank you for this gem! Cindi Krane, MS, NCC
Mary Louise Gannon (verified owner) –
Took Level I and II of sensorimotor psychotherapy training and the book is excellent in clearly explaining theory and providing exercises for client and describing principles of specific aspects of therapy to the therapist and client
Gayle E. Burdick (verified owner) –
An amazingly clear and thorough treatment of this complex subject. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is extremely potent work, and Pat Ogden as its creator is a brilliant teacher, therapist, and writer.
jer (verified owner) –
i have no complaint with service nor product
donna mckellar (verified owner) –
Excellent resource for the library and as a counseling tool.
bonnie mark goldstein (verified owner) –
This comprehensive book offers a wonderful foundation for both for mental health professionals and for readers who are looking for tools to enhance wellbeing. Through Dr. Ogden’s clear and detailed descriptions, a blueprint was provided for understanding and working with the wisdom of the body and integrating concepts of interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory. The wonderful handouts that accompany each chapter provided a working-model upon which I could bring concepts into reality, making this book unique and reader-friendly.
Moliviad (verified owner) –
This is an amazing resource! As a therapist it gives me tool for both trauma and developmental issues that are clinically supported and developed from years of refinement with clients. Pat Ogden is the leader in the field of somatic therapy and has integrated the leading scientific advances in neurology, attachment theory and trauma work all in one practical and effective somatic model.
Joanna Lauber (verified owner) –
eXCELLENT
VH (verified owner) –
I am really happy I read Pat Ogden’s new book. As a clinician, with MBSR training, I have worked with my clients primarily through a mindfulness lens and focus. This book further drove home to me the power of the body based experience, as it manifests in the session, between patient and therapist. It has helped me better understand my role in the therapeutic relationship as well as the client’s present experience, as it occurs during our dyadic work. The handouts have been tremendous in helping illustrate each chapter, and have been so very helpful as I try to help my clients understand our work together. For clinicians favoring mindfulness interventions and approaches to treatment and healing—I could not recommend this book more!!
K Haglund (verified owner) –
This workbook is great. Useful, clear, and supportive. I am already using many of the exercises in my private practice and am impressed with how the exercises delineate the power of integrating somatic approaches and attachment work. As a Somatic Experiencing practitioner, this book is helping me to widen the lens of my work and is adding new tools to the way I approach traumatic treatment and issues of early childhood attachment disruption. All therapists should have these tools.
Erin Cantwell (verified owner) –
This was an amazing book. Although at the beginning it offers you the possibility to skim through it, I read it cover to cover. I’ve been blessed to hear Dr. Ogden speak and her book was an amazing demonstration if this important work. It inspired me to sign up for the training at the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. I recommend this book highly!
Stephen Roe (verified owner) –
Very pleased!
Satisfied customer (verified owner) –
Excellent resource. Very practical. Client exercises are very effective. Well done!
lgi (verified owner) –
Pat Ogden is a genius and an amazing role model. The book is filled with practical guidance. It is a workbook for use with clients.
Mary H Hunt (verified owner) –
Great! Long awaited and worth the wait.
mickeybrown eyes (verified owner) –
This is really a textbook filled with important information, worksheets and didactic material about how to do body-oriented psychotherapy from a sensorimotor perspective. It is deeply intelligent and an excellent reference book for anyone interested in Pat Ogden’s point of view. As a body-oriented psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience I consider Pat in the very forefront of integrating the body into psychotherapy. As a student of sensorimotor psychotherapy it is a must read – although it is dense and I have to admit I have not yet worked my way though the whole book! It is extremely complete and as a practitioner,I highly recommend it!
Monique E Proffitt (verified owner) –
This book was truly amazing! And I was so happy to find out I could get the worksheets sent to me via PDF. If you haven’t done that yet, reach out to SPI, they were very quick to send them out!
ALH (verified owner) –
Very accessible in turning years of clinical experience (e.g., somatic, psychodynamic; trauma) and a variety of theories and research (developmental, attachment, trauma, neurobiology, mindfulness, to name some major ones), into a book that clinicians will find helpful and useful. I am already using some of the worksheets and some of the info for the balance of psychoeducation as well as therapeutic work. Whenever sensorimotor psychotherapy lands for clients, they want more of the sensorimotor work! They may not understand it (yet), but their organic experience would simply lead them to say, with mindful reflectiveness, “This is good…I want more…” A much appreciated thanks to Pat Ogden and Janina Fisher for putting together such rich and relevant material!
Atheena (verified owner) –
What I like most about this book is the worksheets for clients. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body centered approach, for developmental and event trauma is an amazing tool for clinicians. Whether or not you take the training and if you are a client, this book by two of the most talented clinicians in the field, will be a valuable resource.
Sara A. Rice (verified owner) –
Excellent!!
Sam (verified owner) –
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a fantastic and insightful book. I found it by searching for therapy techniques that have a focus around touch and body to learn more of how I respond to various situations when my response is at odds with my thoughts. Knowing nothing of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, I was intrigued right from the start and as I made my way through chapters and worksheets ideas started clicking and light bulbs went off! The writing is clear and concise, no problems following along or comprehending the author’s intent. I’ve not been able to read the book start to finish as I personally read a bit, mull it over and need to take a break to ground myself. SPI responded super fast on providing the worksheets in PDF. This is valuable to have the ability to do some sheets more than once to see progress and also hone in on tougher areas.
This book is well worth the price and will not become a paperweight!
L. Carlson (verified owner) –
When I want the best resources for myself and my clients – I go to the best. Pat Ogden and her colleagues are consistently top notch. Sound ideas basedin sound practice and research. Cutting edge.
Ben Braaksma (verified owner) –
A great book for psychotherapists. Clear, easy to understand explanations of attachment, trauma, mindfulness and a really wonderful collection of therapeutic interventions.
Ploughman7 (verified owner) –
A very good book on a very interesting subject. A+++++++
H MacDuffie (verified owner) –
Echoing other commenters-this is such an exquisite gem! I am particularly excited to find that it is exactly what I was looking for, a way to structure and support highly traumatized clients in a manner consistent with cutting edge attachment and trauma theory; so effective in practice. I have been looking for a rapid and efficient way to incorporate more Sensorimotor and Somatic Experiencing into my existing AEDP practice, and this is it! Truly excellent, scholarly but also deeply accessible to patients where it needs to be. The book is aesthetically pleasing, the feeling and size of the page, the typeface and font size, all are ample and make it easy to copy a single page as an 8.5×11′ handout. The homework options are extensive and on point. A fantastic contribution to resources for clinical practice in this challenging area.
Sallyann Kempler (verified owner) –
This woman feels, thinks & knows her stuff!
G. Phillips (verified owner) –
I have worked with trauma victims, including foster children and youth, for over 30 years. This is without a doubt in the top five best books I have read in years. Cutting edge. It is extremely comprehensive, well-researched and well-written. You must integrate this approach to do effective trauma work. ‘Talking’ won’t get it done! Also, I emailed SPI and they responded in literally minutes to provide me with a PDF of the worksheets. Both employees I communicated with were exceptionally helpful and responsive. I can’t tell you how many books I have purchased, and money spent, that turned out to be a waste. I assure you this one is not. I have colleagues who use out of the mainstream techniques. I prefer to use evidence-based methods. Dr. Ogden provides that. Buy the book.
Eric C (verified owner) –
I’m a mental health counselor and I was looking for new ways to help my clients. The author provides in depth information useful in understanding and helping clients.
S. Neel (verified owner) –
A must have for any psychological or body worker in understanding trauma. Talk therapy has it’s place, but we also need to consider the body and how it holds and gives messages about trauma. Ogden’s book is practical and understandable.
Ouzola Customer (verified owner) –
Clear, thorough, and instructive.
David Hargreave (verified owner) –
Brilliant! Easy and clear to read.
Ouzola Customer (verified owner) –
This approach has made it possible for me to make a great difference with my clients who have experienced trauma in a short period of time.
Patricia Murphy (verified owner) –
Very informative
Dr. Ryan Henry (verified owner) –
Having been a psychologist and therapist for thirty-five years, I wish this book had bee available earlier. It is very descriptive and helpful.
William (verified owner) –
Good
michael pritchett (verified owner) –
Great text book for that want somatics and trauma in the body.
Toshiki Kono (verified owner) –
This is very useful for clinical setting.
Lee (verified owner) –
Fabulous book with a great deal of very helpful information, that is clearly presented. It’s a wonderful resource for use in my practice. I’m so grateful to Pat Ogden for having written it.
As suggested by several other reviewers, after purchasing the book, I contacted the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute for access to the PDF of the worksheets, and was able to get them without any problem. I simply called the Admissions Dept during business hours, and they were able to help me immediately. But if you want to try emailing, the email listed on the access page for the PDFs is for the Student Services/Affairs department. I hope this info helps others access the PDFs of the worksheets, which are a great resource – and it’s so much easier to have the PDFs, and not have to scan and print the worksheets from the book.
CC (verified owner) –
Excellent!
JoAnn Anderson (verified owner) –
Great resource
Ouzola Customer (verified owner) –
If you have purchased the book, printable PDFs of worksheets can be obtained by request at [email protected].
Ellie Gant (verified owner) –
Great resource for working with clients with extensive trauma. Ogden gets it.
Customer (verified owner) –
Looking forward to reading it.
bella1566 (verified owner) –
If you are a therapist who likes to use handouts with clients, who incorporates mindfulness, cognitive and somatic interventions into your work, this book is a valuable resource. It is well thought out for both the clinician and client’s use. Copying the handouts is a challenge because the book is so large. However, an email to [email protected] will provide you with a pdf version to copy handouts from as other reviewers have mentioned. I received a prompt reply to my request. Book is worth the price.
Big Mac (verified owner) –
Very useful and comprehensive book on the mind/body connection.
katherine (verified owner) –
Super helpful for somatic work
Erin (verified owner) –
Good and lots of interventions
Kwisak (verified owner) –
Great book for any therapist focused on trauma informed care
chuck smith, jr. (verified owner) –
Our bodies carry our history, and to the trained eye reveals details of that history. I’m only a hundred pages into it, but greatly appreciate Pat Ogden’s work and that she has shared with the world the fruit of her research.
Nancy Liu (verified owner) –
A must read good book to help you and your loved one to live in today’s censorship life.
Particularly when stress and bully became trauma in our daily life at classrooms and working places.
L Russell (verified owner) –
My therapist and I have struggled to find therapeutic resources to augment our therapeutic work together in a way that I’ve found meaningful. I’m only 4 chapters into this book, and it’s already been a game changer. Dr. Ogden’s writing is easy to understand and her approach to trauma therapy is not restricting nor is it meant to overwhelm you. In fact, the whole goal is to be able to go to those places you need to go for healing without becoming too overwhelmed. Up until now, I’ve only found books that either pushed to far or restricted me to only working on present day coping not allowing for the necessary work to free me from my past trauma.
This is not a book to do on your own. It is meant to be utilized with your therapist, and I can easily see why that is the recommendation. If you haven’t found any treatment modalities so far that have really helped or resonated with you, I highly recommend you suggest this book to your therapist as a resource you both can utilize in your therapy work together.
amy (verified owner) –
So much straightforward and eye opening information. Not a poor me self help book at all. Tons of great knowledge. You can download just the worksheets alone if you don’t want to use em up in the book first go around.
Mariedtiger (verified owner) –
I love this book. Although the title might bring to mind a book only for psychotherapists, the book itself is an ”inside-out” description of how the legacy of trauma shows up in our everyday life and the steps we can take go heal it. Compassionate, knowledgeable and writing that reflects back how trauma really feels.
Invaluable resource and highly recommended!
amanda (verified owner) –
Full of great info and one of those books that’s just enjoyable to hold/read (appearance and touch)