Sensorimotor Intervention for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: a Pilot Study

The focus of the study was centered around the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which was developed by Dr. Bruce Perry. This theory focuses on the premise that traumatic experiences during childhood disrupt and/or disturb normal brain development, which may cause the brain to continue to develop abnormally. The theory also proposes that it is important to target the area of the brain that was most likely developing at the age of the trauma, and to stimulate this area using sensorimotor methods to promote brain development. The NMT proposes that this can be done through the use of sensorimotor activities, such as drumming, that are performed in a bilateral, repetitive manner. The study incorporated the principles of NMT in interventions with children who experienced complex trauma. Following the intervention, significant results were found, including improvements in positive behavior and emotional regulation.