Sensorimotor Techniques to Enhance Trauma Therapy

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.

Published: Jan 2023

Format

Online Course

Credits

6.0

Instructor

Jennifer Sweeton, Psy.D.

Price

$ 119

Course objectives

Sensorimotor Techniques to Enhance Trauma Therapy

  • Describe the function of mirror neurons.
  • Name at least three techniques for building the alliance..
  • State at least two techniques that can help clients reconnect with the body.
  • Explain the purpose of the vagus nerve, and name one way to activate it.

Instructor

Jennifer Sweeton, Psy.D.

Jennifer Sweeton, Psy.D. is a clinical and forensic psychologist and was originally trained as a neuroscientist. She is a best-selling author and internationally-recognized expert on trauma and the neuroscience of mental health. She is the author of the Trauma Treatment Toolbox, Eight Key Brain Areas of Mental Health and Illness, and the forthcoming Traumatic Stress Recovery Workbook .
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 personality psychology (with an emphasis in affective neuroscience) from Stanford University, and studied behavioral genetics and psychopathology at Harvard University. She is a JD Candidate (class of 2024) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Dr. Sweeton resides in the greater Kansas City area, where she owns a group private practice. Dr. Sweeton 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 and the Oklahoma Psychological Association.
Dr. Sweeton offers coaching, consultation, trauma-focused psychotherapy, and forensic assessment services to clients worldwide. She is the developer of Neural Desensitization and Integration Training (NDIT), an evidence-informed, module-based psychotherapy for PTSD. Dr. Sweeton has trained more than 15,000 mental health professionals in all 50 US states and over 20 countries.

Course Lessons

How It Works

  • View the presentation. Classes are broken into small video segments of less than 30 minutes, so you can come and go as you please.
  • Take the quiz. Answer a few questions after each lesson before you move to the next lesson.
  • Complete the course evaluation.
  • Print your certificate and you're done!

We Make It Easy

  • Handouts from the class are available as PDF files to view or print.
  • Once you've purchased a class, you can view it as many times as you like.
  • Login with your email address and password. It takes you to your personal library/dashboard of all classes you have purchased.
  • Over 90% of professionals report being absolutely satisfied with their online experience!

Levels of Classes

All of our classes are offered at the intermediate level unless otherwise indicated. All classes are designed for experienced mental health professionals.

Test Policy

You need a score of 75% or higher in each lesson/module to move to the next lesson/module. Most people pass on their first attempt. You have up to 3 attempts to pass each module. After 3 failed attempts, you need to contact our office and we will reset the quiz for one more attempt. 

Refund Policy

We offer a no-risk guarantee for our online courses. You can view any class for three days, and if not satisfied, contact PPS and we will refund your money in full. This refund offer does not apply if you have completed the class and passed all of the lesson/module quizzes.

Technical Support For On-Demand Courses

Please call 877-777-0668, Monday-Friday from 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time or email info@psychsem.com.

Questions, Special Needs & Grievances

If you would like additional information, require special accommodations, or have a grievance, please contact Professional Psych Seminars at: toll-free phone: 877-777-0668, phone: 805-371-9443, fax: (805) 371-7443 or email us: info@psychsem.com.

On Demand Course FAQs

How long to I have to complete this class?

There is no time limit. You can take as long as you'd like to complete the class.

Can I sign-up for a class now, even though I don't want to take it for some time in the future?

Yes. Customers often do this when we are running a special, offering you a discounted price.

I lost my certificate. What do I do?

Log in to your account, navigate to the course, and view/print your Certificate.

Do I have to take the entire class at one time or can I stop and come back another time?

You can sign in and out anytime, from any computer, to continue the class. We break our classes into segments of 20 to 30 minutes. You can watch one segment and then come back later. You can even fast forward within a segment.

I am concerned about having to remember everything to take the test. Will this be a problem?

No. We ask you 2 to 3 questions after each 20 to 30 minute video lesson. Answer the questions after each lesson and save your answers. You can come back later and watch another video lesson when you have time. You don't have to remember more than one video lesson at a time. Also, most of our questions are very straight forward. You should have no problem answering them if you've watched the video lesson.

Can you print out the handouts for my on-demand class and send them to me?

No. You can view them online or print them out yourself.

My certificate won’t print. Can you help me?

Hold down the keys Ctrl + P at the same time to access the print screen on your computer.