Somatic Psychology with Autistic Clients: Bringing the Body and Embodied Cognition into Therapy
- Speaker:
- Abi Blakeslee, SEP, CMT, MFT, PhD
- Duration:
- 2 Hours 01 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
May 08, 2026
- Product Code:
- POS150769
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
Somatic therapy offers a compassionate path to reconnect with the body and foster sensory awareness as well as interpretations of the nervous system and embodied emotions through images and movements—celebrating identity, regulation, well-being, and agency from within.
You’ll learn:
- Sensory, image interpretation, and externalized movement for somatic tracking without overload
- Recognition of dissociation, shutdown, and sensory flooding patterns
- Body-based tools that build awareness, communication, and regulation
- Guided practices and case demonstrations for applied learning
Credit
Speaker
Abi Blakeslee, SEP, CMT, MFT, PhD Related seminars and products
Dr. Abi Blakeslee is a leading voice in Somatic Psychology and an internationally acclaimed educator. She is the founder of Implicit Psychotherapy and Up-Level Dream Work. Dr. Blakeslee holds a PhD in Clinical and Somatic Psychology and an MA in Counseling and Depth Psychology. She is senior faculty at Somatic Experiencing International, bringing decades worth of experience to her teaching and clinical interventions. She is featured at Psychotherapy Networker, a world premiere therapy conference, and teaches world renowned PESI Somatic Psychology Certification programs and Master Classes. Dr. Blakeslee integrates the study of implicit memory and psychophysiology in clinical research, primary and secondary trauma interventions, neuro-consulting, and the psychobiological principles of attachment and shock trauma. Dr. Blakeslee teaches and consults worldwide. She lives in Bozeman, Montana with her husband and enjoys the snow, mountains, and rivers with their three children.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Abi Blakeslee maintains a private practice and is the founder of Implicit Psychotherapy, and the co-founder of Relationship Repair, She has employment relationships with Somatic Experiencing International and Ergos Institute for Somatic Education. Dr. Blakeslee receives a speaking honorarium and product royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Abi Blakeslee is a member of the American Association for Marriage Family Therapists, the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy, the Women in Neuroscience, and the Society for Neuroscience.
Additional Info
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
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Additional CE Info
For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.
Objectives
- Differentiate patterns of sensory overload, dissociation, and bodily shutdown commonly experienced by autistic clients.
- Integrate somatic tracking, pacing, and movement-based strategies to support regulation and embodied awareness.
- Evaluate how sensory-based interventions can enhance communication, self-awareness, and therapeutic connection across the neurodiversity spectrum.
Outline
Foundations of Somatic Work with Autistic Clients
- Sensory and interoceptive diversity across the autism spectrum
- Regulation through predictability, pacing, and consent
- Creating sensory-safe spaces for embodied exploration
- Matching communication style and tempo to autonomic state
Building Body Awareness Safely
- Somatic tracking and pacing for tolerance of internal cues
- Use of movement micro-doses and “dual awareness” anchors
- Grounding tools for sensory overwhelm and dissociation
- Client-directed choice in awareness of sensation (increase or decrease)
- Limitations of the research and potential risks
Movement, Imagery, and Co-Regulation Techniques
- Movement metaphors for agency, safety, and self-expression
- Image-based body mapping and symbolic gestures
- Co-regulation through mirroring and rhythm-based interaction
- Adaptations for non-speaking or minimally verbal clients
Integration and Application in Practice
- Translating somatic strategies into daily life and routines
- Collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams
- Ethical and sensory-informed boundaries in body-based work
- Case discussions, clinical video examples, and group practice
Target Audience
- Counselors
- Educators
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Reviews
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