Sensorimotor therapy is a body-centered approach that treats the symptoms of unresolved trauma stored in the body. While traditional talk therapies use words, sensorimotor therapy uses body experiences designed to increase awareness and improve well-being.

Sensorimotor therapy practitioners believe that traumatic experiences become trapped deep within the body. Those who are affected may be unaware of the existence of unresolved trauma and talk therapies may fail to uncover these unconscious issues. Therapists trained in sensorimotor techniques can assist an individual in healing by helping them to re-experience the physical sensations associated with a traumatic event in a safe environment. These techniques include clay therapy, sensory drawing, yoga, movement and drumming.

Sensorimotor Therapy

Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages the expression of emotions through artistic activities such as painting, drawing or sculpture. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing and can help people explore their thoughts and emotions in a unique way. Art is used as a primary means of communication. Art Therapy helps to communicate emotions that may otherwise be difficult to express in talk-only therapy. This can be useful for those who find it difficult to verbalize their feelings. Experience or skill in art is not necessary, as your work will not be critiqued- it is about the emotions expressed and felt throughout the process. Art therapy is a three-way process between the client, the therapist and the art itself, offering an opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

Art is a shortcut to the unconscious where your wealth of inner wisdom awaits you. Creating art that relates to an event or experience invites you to think and feel deeply about the experience, transforming the event into symbols or metaphors. By creating your own symbols and metaphors you enter the process of inquiry, discovery, relationship and integration. Only you can know and explain what these symbols and metaphors represent; the therapist serves as a guide to deeper levels of inquiry and discovery.

Psychoacoustic Therapy

Known popularly as Sound Healing, Psychoacoustic Therapy is an effective and proven modality that uses vibrational sound to help reduce stress, alter consciousness and create a deep sense of peace, well being and better health. Psychoacoustics is the study of the perception of sound. This includes how we listen, our psychological responses to sound and the physiological impact of music and sound on the human nervous system. Research on the neurological component of sound is currently attracting many to the field of psychoacoustics to examine the neurological and psychological effects of resonance and frequencies on the human body. Research has found that sound gets routed quickly to the pre-cortical area, the part of the brain that deals with basic functions and is not part of the wiring for conscious thinking. This is the place where emotions are generated. Sound creates a sacred space in which people can heal. Psychoacoustic Therapy has been found to help with:

Sleep disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management
PTSD
Pain management

Sound has been shown to be a vital part of the healing process for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and side effects, especially for pain relief management.

Art Therapy

Susan Merletti, LPCC

Insight Therapy

Psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapy, sometimes also called "talk" or insight therapy, helps clients find solutions to specific symptoms and also to difficulties at work, in their social lives and with self-esteem. People often avoid psychodynamic psychotherapy because they think that it won't help with immediate problems and they fear committing to years of an expensive, time-consuming and unproductive process. Today's psychodynamic therapy is much different than psychoanalysis.

Clients don't lie on a couch talking while a therapist who looks like Jane Lynch asks, "How do you feel about that?" And they don't have to commit to four or five sessions a week for the rest of their lives. During Insight Therapy clients get an opportunity to explore and broaden their range of feelings. This exploratory process helps the client to understand subtle emotions and manage strong or uncomfortable feelings. Research confirms that psychodynamic psychotherapy is more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy or antidepressant medication.

Creative Center

Creative Arts Psychotherapy (626) 623-3111