Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) Study

This study will investigate the use of SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment) with adults experiencing symptoms related to PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In addition to the more well-known symptoms of PTSD (e.g., intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, and emotion dysregulation), chronic traumatic stress seems to overwhelm the brain's capacity to make sense of sensory information, affecting how traumatized people experience their own bodies and their surroundings. SMART builds on the sensory integration theory of intentionally engaging the senses via movement, touch, body awareness, and balance. The SMART protocol has been used effectively to treat children who have experienced psychological trauma, and the investigators will be investigating its use with adults. Participants enrolled in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions - i) SMART, or ii) wait list (i.e., delayed treatment). Study participation will involve 8, 1-hour sessions of SMART, as well as pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up assessments. For those assigned to the wait list condition, the same 8 SMART sessions will be offered after the 3-month follow-up assessment is complete, with no further assessment required.