SENSES Paradigm – Unravelling SENSES Through Embodied Compassionate Curiosity

ABSTRACT The SENSES paradigm is a relational and embodied framework that invites readers to consider the dominant Western systemic position, which emphasises cognition, verbal dialogue and linguistic coherence. Instead, SENSES invites our whole selves into the therapeutic space. The use of SENSES helps to examine the preverbal, what co‐arises through shared sensation, and to invite other ways of knowing as part of relational reflexivity; therapy with a foster carer whose sensory expressions, particularly those related to smell, shaped patterns of connection, resistance and attachment with a child. A poem expanded into a case narrative illustrates how sensory experiences can foster relational safety, curiosity and connection by examining sensory communicative acts, all of which invited me to pivot towards Embodied Compassionate Curiosity and sensory systemic practice. A discussion follows, highlighting how sensory and embodied awareness can deepen relational work.