Somatic Experiencing Therapy
What Is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered approach to resolving trauma and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) which was developed by Dr. Stephen Levine in the 1970’s. SE is considered a leading-edge treatment for trauma and widely used by helping professions all over the world including mental health providers, medical providers, bodyworkers, first responders, educators, and clergy.
SE explores how traumatic experiences get stuck in our bodies holding onto the stress and tension from past experiences, even when our minds have moved on.
With the guidance of a trained SE practitioner, you’ll learn how to release distressing memories in a safe and gradual way.
The Origins Of Somatic Experiencing
SE originated in Dr. Levine’s observations with animals in the wild. He noticed that, under life-threatening situations, animals in nature appeared to easily recover from the intense stress they’d been under without developing any symptoms of trauma.
He became curious as to why this was not the case for humans under even less threatening conditions.
Drawing on his observations, as well as his studies in psychology, biology, and neuroscience, Dr. Levine concluded that, unlike animals, humans tend to regularly get stuck and fixated in fight, flight, or freeze responses.
Traumatic experiences that become "stuck" in the body's nervous system, leads to a range of common physical and psychological symptoms.
Dr. Levine's approach is rooted in the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological phenomenon but also a physiological one, affecting the nervous system and bodily responses.
He developed specific techniques and interventions aimed at helping individuals release the pent-up energy and tension stored in their bodies as a result of trauma, allowing for a gradual and gentle resolution of symptoms.
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What Is The General Format And Structure Of A Somatic Experiencing Session?
SE sessions do not follow a prescribed format but instead practitioners utilize a variety of techniques to help you manage overwhelming emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations associated with trauma. Some of these techniques include:
Body awareness: Learn skills to develop greater awareness of your bodily sensations to support you to recognize early signs of stress in your body.
Titrating: Learn how to break down overwhelming experiences into smaller and more manageable parts.
Pendulating: Learn how to access sensations of safety while incrementally working with small doses of stressful material which will help your nervous system to learn to manage distress.
Resourcing: Learn how to connect with internal and external positive experiences and emotions which will support you in establishing a sense of safety and stability in yourself.
Is Somatic Experiencing Right For Me ?
For individuals who have tried traditional talk therapy to treat trauma and have not found relief, SE can provide a welcome alternative. SE does not require extensive nor full retelling of the traumatic events which is highly appealing to many.
Other reasons clients appreciate SE include:
Embodied Healing: By focusing on bodily sensations and experiences, SE allows clients to access deeper layers of emotional and physiological information, leading to more holistic and integrated healing.
Gentle and gradual approach: SE takes a gentle and gradual approach to trauma resolution, prioritizing the client's sense of safety throughout the therapeutic process.
Non-Verbal Expression: Many clients find it challenging to share their thoughts and emotions verbally, especially when it comes to traumatic experiences. SE provides alternative avenues for expression through non-verbal techniques allowing clients to communicate and process emotions in a more intuitive and experiential way.
Empowerment and Self-Regulation: Clients are empowered to take an active role in their own healing journey by learning skills, techniques, and awareness practices which can be applied in their everyday lives to manage stress, navigate triggers, and foster resilience.
What Issues Can Somatic Experiencing Help With?
SE can help with a wide range of issues, particularly those related to trauma and PTSD.
Some specific issues that SE can effectively address include:
“Big T”traumas such as: Rape, sexual abuse, exposure to violence, death, loss, divorce, being assaulted, being robbed, natural disasters, accidents with serious injury, war or acts of terrorism, serious illness of self or a loved one, medical procedures, childhood illnesses, pregnancy/birth issues, surgeries, or separations in infancy.
“Small t” traumas such as:
Having parents that were neglectful or emotionally absent, being unwanted, being adopted, growing up among drugs, alcohol abuse, poverty, racism, sexism, discrimination, homophobia, being shamed/criticized, being bullied/picked on, and intergenerational trauma.
How Effective Is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) has been in existence since 1970 and Dr. Levine, the founder of SE, began teaching SE to therapists in the late 1980’s. Today, there is a network of more than 50,000 practitioners who have been trained in SE across multiple disciplines in more than 45 countries.
One study on the effectiveness of SE worth mentioning offered a single 75-minute session to 204 survivors of the 2004 tsunami in southern India. Out of the 150 participants who completed the follow-up assessments 4 and 8 months later, 90% of the participants reported being completely free of many of the major symptoms of PTSD.
Why I Got Trained In Somatic Experiencing And Why I Love Using This Approach With Clients
The somatic approach is one of the most profoundly healing and transformative experiences I’ve had both as a client and practitioner of this work. In fact, I was so moved by the effectiveness of the SE I received as a client in the early 2000’s I chose to purse my Master’s degree at Naropa University in Somatic Psychology.
I recently decided to deepen my skills in somatic work by pursuing a certification in Somatic Experiencing. Currently, I am in year 2 of a 3-year program. Overall, clients have appreciated it’s gentle and respectful nature, it’s focus on the body’s wisdom, and its capacity to foster deep and lasting transformation.
Are You Ready To Liberate Yourself From The Grip Of Past Trauma And Embrace An Approach To Healing Which Honors The Interconnectedness Of Mind And Body?
To schedule your first appointment or to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation, please reach out at 210.802.2697.