What is Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to help individuals release trauma, stress, and emotional dysregulation stored in the nervous system. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE works by gently guiding clients to reconnect with their bodily sensations, fostering the natural ability to resolve trauma and restore balance. Unlike traditional talk therapy, SE focuses on the body’s innate wisdom to heal, allowing clients to process traumatic experiences without needing to relive them in detail.

How it works

Trauma often overwhelms the nervous system, leaving individuals stuck in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. SE helps release this trapped energy by working with the body’s natural responses. Through guided awareness of physical sensations, SE allows the nervous system to complete unfinished survival responses, enabling the body to return to a state of calm and regulation. This process is gentle, non-invasive, and deeply empowering.

Key Principles of SE

  1. Body Awareness: SE emphasizes tuning into bodily sensations to access and release stored trauma.

  2. Titration: Trauma is approached in small, manageable doses to avoid overwhelming the system.

  3. Pendulation: SE guides clients between states of tension and relaxation, helping the nervous system build resilience.

  4. Completion of Survival Responses: The body is supported in completing instinctual responses (like shaking or deep breathing) that were interrupted during trauma.

What happens in session?

During an SE session, the therapist gently guides the client to notice subtle physical sensations and internal experiences:

  1. Creating Safety: The session begins with establishing a safe, supportive environment where the client feels comfortable.

  2. Tracking Sensations: The therapist helps the client track bodily sensations, such as tightness, warmth, or tingling, with curiosity and non-judgment.

  3. Releasing Trauma: Through mindful awareness, the client allows stored trauma energy to surface and gradually release without needing to revisit painful memories directly.

  4. Integration and Regulation: The session concludes with grounding techniques that help the client feel more centered and regulated.

Who Can Benefit from SE?

SE is highly effective for individuals experiencing:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Chronic Stress and Anxiety

  • Emotional Dysregulation

  • Grief and Loss

  • Physical Symptoms Related to Trauma (e.g., chronic pain, tension)

  • Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Why Choose SE?

  1. Holistic Healing: SE addresses trauma at the root—within the body—providing deep, lasting relief.

  2. Gentle and Non-Invasive: The process is paced to the individual’s comfort level, ensuring a safe experience.

  3. No Need to Relive Trauma: SE focuses on the body’s experience, not retelling traumatic events.

  4. Restores Nervous System Balance: Clients often experience increased calm, resilience, and vitality.