Miriam Schacter

In our sessions, we may opt to combine meaningful dialogue with something termed the sensorimotor approach. Sensorimotor psychotherapy is essentially a form of therapy that includes the practice of mindfulness and a gentle awareness of the body.

“Sensorimotor Psychotherapy blends theory and technique from cognitive and dynamic therapy with straightforward somatic awareness and movement interventions… that promote empowerment and competency.” – Dr. Daniel Siegel, Executive Director, Mindsight Institute

Sensorimotor approaches are often used in treating situational trauma, such as car accidents, assault, abrupt life-transitions and other shocking events. It can also be used in the process of uncovering important resources that may not have been accessed or developed due to developmental and relational-trauma, such as long-term family conflict, abuse, and so on. Clients who have experienced developmental trauma often express feelings of being stuck, overwhelmed, numb, “floaty”, enraged or flooded and hijacked by sensations or “feeling-states” such as fight, flight, submit or freeze. In this form of work, we engage in a safe and slow process of integration and transformation en route to nurturing experiences of stability, centeredness, and healthy vitality.

In the past, I worked as a physical therapy assistant in hospitals and clinics for chronic and acute injury or diagnosis. My training in dance combined with my work in physical therapy eventually lead me to providing consultation for the Arthritis Society, Aphasia Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Dancing with Parkinson’s and University Health Network in the field of dance-rehab and dance-intervention.

Following my work in healthcare and the arts, I trained for 7 years in psychodynamic psychotherapy at The Centre for Training in Psychotherapy. I sought out further education in sensorimotor psychotherapy partly due to my belief in the importance of non-verbal expressions of experience within a dialogue-based approach, but also in effort to continue co-sculpting a comprehensive “tool-box’ for working with clients who seek assistance with traumatic memory, emotional processing, meaning making, and attachment repair.

My practice continues to develop in tandem with the expanding fields of traumatology and interpersonal neurobiology. Moreover, I remain profoundly influenced by the arts as well as ethical humanitarianism. If you have questions or seek further information, Let’s talk.

An initial email or phone call is a good way to connect. We can certainly speak on the phone or meet for a consultation; if we feel we are a strong therapeutic match, let’s work together to slowly and carefully consider your questions and needs.

To schedule an initial talk or session (in-person or on-line for out-of-town clients), please contact me at 416-939-1672 or therapy@miriamschacter.com.
My office is located in Toronto at: The Centre, 316 Dupont St. Toronto, Ontario, just west of Dupont station. For information about availability, fees, and resources please check out my website at www.miriamschacter.com