Psychomotor therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health condition that may occur after traumatic events. Given its body- and movement-related features, psychomotor therapy (PMT) may be a valuable treatment option for PTSD. PMT employs body- and movement-oriented activities to reduce psychiatric symptoms, enhance mental health, and improve psychosocial functioning. The potential merits of PMT for individuals with PTSD are reviewed, combining evidence from a systematic literature search and insights from an expert panel. Body-oriented psychotherapy professionals are informed about how PMT can address trauma-related mental health conditions and provide a theoretical background for its implementation. Various interventions tailored to diverse populations within the trauma spectrum are included. Common factors across these interventions, which may underpin PMT’s working mechanisms, include developing adaptive interoceptive awareness, regulating arousal, and improving interpersonal functioning. The reviewed literature indicates that PMT may be beneficial in both the diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related conditions.