What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and chronic stress by focusing on the body's natural ability to self-regulate. Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, SE is based on the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological experience but also a physiological one. When we experience overwhelming or life-threatening events, the body's survival instincts—fight, flight, or freeze—can become stuck, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or emotional dysregulation. Somatic Experiencing works to release this "stuck" energy and restore balance to the nervous system, allowing clients to process trauma in a safe and gradual way.

What Can Clients Expect?

In a Somatic Experiencing session, clients can expect a gentle, non-invasive approach that prioritizes safety and empowerment. Unlike traditional talk therapy, SE focuses on bodily sensations, movements, and impulses rather than solely on the narrative of the traumatic event. I will guide you to become more aware of your body's responses and help you track sensations such as tension, warmth, or tingling. This process helps to slowly discharge trapped survival energy and re-establish a sense of safety and resilience. Sessions may include mindfulness exercises, gentle movement, or guided visualization, all tailored to your unique needs and comfort level.

Clients often report feeling more grounded, present, and connected to their bodies after SE sessions. Over time, they may notice a reduction in trauma-related symptoms, an increased capacity to handle stress, and a greater sense of overall well-being. Somatic Experiencing is not about reliving the trauma but rather about creating a new, supportive relationship with your body and nervous system, allowing for deep and lasting healing.