Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented method for healing trauma and the physiological symptoms of traumatic stress. It was developed by Peter Levine, PhD, and is based on the understanding that trauma symptoms are the result of thwarted protective responses in the nervous system. SE guides individuals through the release of stored energy and the completion of defensive responses, restoring ease, calm, and resilience.
Trauma is a fact of life.
It does not have to be a life sentence.
-Peter Levine
How is Somatic Experiencing different from "normal" talk therapy?
Body-centered Healing. Somatic Experiencing recognizes the wisdom of the body and the valuable information we can learn by tuning into what is happening throughout the entire body. We put our attention on physical sensations, energy, movements, and much more. And as we do so, these elements guide us on our healing journey from one moment to the next.
Resolving Stuck-ness. Sometimes individuals feel as though they’ve gotten all they can out of talk therapy and they still feel “stuck.” In Somatic Experiencing, we approach that stuck feeling in a very different way, exploring how emotions or challenges might be locked in our body or nervous system. We bring compassionate awareness to all dimensions of the experience, creating space for the release of stuck energy and bringing about a new sense of emotional freedom.
Healing Stored Trauma. When we experience trauma, the memories don’t simply stay in our mind—they remain stored in our nervous system. When we’re feeling triggered, we notice the sensations in our body, and we might even experience things like digestive problems, high blood pressure, skin disorders, or other physical symptoms. Somatic Experiencing addresses the root cause of the trauma and guides individuals through a process that gently returns the nervous system to a state of balance and ease, which can lead to the resolution of other related physical symptoms.
Inviting Movement. Traumatic experiences in the past stay trapped in the nervous system in the form of incomplete and thwarted survival responses. In Somatic Experiencing, we slow down and patiently place our awareness on impulses in the body. We invite movement into our sessions, guided by each individual’s nervous system and the impulses that are present. These movements allow the nervous system to discharge the stored energy in a safe manner, which gently brings the system back into healthy self-regulation.
Focus on the Present. Most traditional talk therapy methods require an individual to share details about traumatic events or experiences in the past, which can be a difficult for trauma survivors. Somatic Experiencing explores the nervous system activation that is present today, and by diffusing tension and restoring balance today, we are able to heal what happened in the past.
If you're curious or would like to know more about SE,
feel free to reach out.
Phone
301-678-9289