FamilyForward’s S.M.A.R.T. Room
In 2023, FamilyForward introduced the first Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) Room at the Developmental Trauma Center to help children struggling with emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal regulation due to complex trauma.
What is SMART Therapy?
SMART therapy is a groundbreaking approach designed for children who have experienced complex traumas, such as abuse and neglect, to help them with emotional, behavioral, and relational regulation. It uses specialized therapeutic equipment like weighted blankets, balance beams, swings, fitness balls, textured fabrics, and large cushions to engage children’s sensory, motor, and limbic systems. Through activities like climbing, swinging, and making music, SMART therapy helps children process traumatic experiences, build attachments, and regulate their emotions in a supportive, embodied way.
Why Did FamilyForward Implement the SMART Room?
We’re committed to using innovative therapy techniques to address the effects of complex trauma. The SMART Room enhances our ability to support children who have faced abuse and neglect by offering an alternative form of therapy to traditional talk therapy. This approach gives children a unique tool to express feelings they may struggle to put into words, ultimately improving their emotional and relational outcomes.
How Does FamilyForward Use the SMART Room?
Four of our licensed therapists have completed specialized SMART training to become certified in this method, which focuses on engaging a child’s sensory-motor systems—how the body processes sensory input and reacts through movement. Our therapists prioritize safety, follow each child’s lead, and use full-body, interactive play to help them develop new skills and work through trauma. Each SMART Room session is recorded and our therapists use video case reviews and reflections with caregivers to identify the underlying causes of behaviors. This collaborative approach strengthens both clinical skills and team cohesion, ensuring the best outcomes for each child.
FamilyForward is proud to have received support from the St. Louis Fund Against Child Abuse and the Holekamp Foundation, making the SMART Room a reality. With their help, we are able to offer this transformative therapy to the children we serve.