What Is the Neurosomatic Reset Technique (NRT)?
The Neurosomatic Reset Technique (NRT) is an approach developed by Dr. Amy Serin that combines bilateral tactile stimulation with a structured, easy-to-learn method of guided inquiry, somatic interoception, brief exposure, and biofeedback. The goal is to rapidly reduce nervous system reactivity to stress triggers—often addressing multiple triggers within a single session.
By pairing targeted activation of a trigger with bilateral sensory input and real-time nervous system tracking, NRT aims to create a true pattern interrupt that helps the brain and body update automatic threat responses. In many cases, clients experience immediate relief during session, along with a reduction in the likelihood that the same trigger will produce the same stress response in the future.
After identifying multiple stress triggers, clinicians can use NRT to lower physiological reactivity before engaging in more comprehensive therapeutic processing. Some triggers may resolve fully and no longer require treatment. Others may decrease to a manageable level (e.g., mildly distressing), while certain experiences may remain emotionally significant—especially when they involve ongoing stressors or major life events (such as bereavement, active relational abuse, or trauma associated with PTSD). The clinical intent is to reduce distress as much as possible, restore calm focus, and help clients recognize that they can apply NRT principles in daily life to return to regulation more quickly. NRT can also accelerate progress in therapy and may support spontaneous behavior change without additional effort from the client.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who can use NRT?
NRT is generally safe and accessible because stress activation is a normal part of daily functioning—our “Stress Switch” can be triggered many times throughout the day. For individuals with significant trauma histories or dissociative symptoms, it is not recommended to intentionally provoke high stress responses outside of appropriate clinical support. Instead, NRT can be used in-the-moment, when stress is naturally triggered, to reduce intensity and help desensitize the reaction over time.
How does NRT work?
Stress fluctuations are normal. The challenge arises when triggers repeatedly activate a stress response and the nervous system never receives an effective “update.” Without intervention, the brain tends to repeat what it has learned: same trigger, same reaction.
NRT is designed to provide rapid downregulation and a pattern-interrupting effect—not merely distraction. Conceptually, it aligns with the principles of exposure with response prevention, meaning a person is briefly exposed to a trigger or stressor while the habitual automatic response is altered. This “response updating” is central to trauma recovery.
Many conventional interventions rely primarily on “top-down” processes—thinking strategies, cognitive reframing, breath control, or other higher-order skills. These can be useful, but they are often harder to access when stress is high, because intense arousal narrows attention and reduces flexible, reflective thinking. NRT is a “bottom-up” method that uses sensory input to help shift physiological state quickly and efficiently, creating a true pattern interrupt that can reduce the sting of triggers and restore access to higher-order coping and processing.
Is NRT only for EMDR therapists?
No. NRT can be used by a wide range of clinicians to improve the speed and efficiency of treatment. NRT may produce rapid relief and observable behavior change because it introduces bilateral vibrotactile stimulation at the moment a trigger is activated, supporting new associations and reducing the perceived threat response. When the Stress Switch is lower, clients often regain access to the full range of cognitive and emotional resources needed for deeper processing through their primary therapeutic modality.
Is NRT new?
Elements of exposure, response interruption, and somatic patterning have existed across healing modalities for centuries. NRT applies these principles using precise vibrotactile technology designed to influence the body’s Stress Switch without medication, with outcomes that can be tracked in real time (including via EEG when available). Advances in microvibration technology and measurement tools have supported the emergence of this next-generation approach.
Who uses NRT?
The expert therapists at Canyon Ranch use NRT, and NRT is featured as an integral part of Canyon Ranch Longevity 8 program.
How can I get trained in NRT?
Dr. Serin and her team train practicum students, interns, and post-doctoral residents at Serin Center in NRT. Patients are also taught how to use bilateral vibrotactile stimulation at home to reduce stress between appointments.
If you are interested in becoming NRT-certified, please fill out this form HERE and someone will get back to you. Training programs in NRT are forming now.