What is Somatic Experiencing®
Somatic Experiencing® is a gentle, body-orientated approach to resolving symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma that accumulate in our bodies and nervous systems. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE helps us identify when we are stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn and then release these patterns allowing us to recover and gain resiliency. What makes SE different from talk-based forms of therapy is its emphasis on the physiological effects of stress and trauma. Traditional talk therapy privileges cognitive and emotional experiences while SE focuses on physical responses and patterns.
Somatic Experiencing® is a gentle, body-orientated approach to resolving symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma that accumulate in our bodies and nervous systems. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE helps us identify when we are stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn and then release these patterns allowing us to recover and gain resiliency. What makes SE different from talk-based forms of therapy is its emphasis on the physiological effects of stress and trauma. Traditional talk therapy privileges cognitive and emotional experiences while SE focuses on physical responses and patterns.
What to expect in a Somatic Experiencing® session
SE sessions will begin with a grounding exercise to orient to what sensations are occurring in the body that day. In this initial phase we will work on building stability and finding resources, both internal and external. From there we can work with sensations we uncovered in the body or with specific content - thoughts, feelings, or events from our lives. Somatic Experiencing® does not require a client to retell or relive past events and there is no pressure to do so. We allow the nervous to lead the way and move at a pace that works within the capacity of the client in that moment. As we track these inner sensations I may suggest gentle movements or exercises from my SE training. When appropriate, I might also draw up on my training in Heart Centered Therapy and study of parts work to help deepen the client's experience or move through stuck points. Clients are also encouraged to follow the inherent wisdom of their body, whether means allowing for certain movements or sounds, assuming various positions including laying down or standing up, or simply moments of stillness and reflection.
SE sessions will begin with a grounding exercise to orient to what sensations are occurring in the body that day. In this initial phase we will work on building stability and finding resources, both internal and external. From there we can work with sensations we uncovered in the body or with specific content - thoughts, feelings, or events from our lives. Somatic Experiencing® does not require a client to retell or relive past events and there is no pressure to do so. We allow the nervous to lead the way and move at a pace that works within the capacity of the client in that moment. As we track these inner sensations I may suggest gentle movements or exercises from my SE training. When appropriate, I might also draw up on my training in Heart Centered Therapy and study of parts work to help deepen the client's experience or move through stuck points. Clients are also encouraged to follow the inherent wisdom of their body, whether means allowing for certain movements or sounds, assuming various positions including laying down or standing up, or simply moments of stillness and reflection.
Benefits of Somatic Experiencing®
SE is great for addressing a range of issues we experience as humans. It can help process unresolved trauma, relieve chronic anxiety or stress, and alleviate physical tension or pain that does not have a clear medical cause. SE can also help us establish better boundaries, stay present in stressful situations, and increase our capacity to self-regulate. Ultimately, it helps us to be more present in the here and now and to be more fully at home in our bodies.
SE is great for addressing a range of issues we experience as humans. It can help process unresolved trauma, relieve chronic anxiety or stress, and alleviate physical tension or pain that does not have a clear medical cause. SE can also help us establish better boundaries, stay present in stressful situations, and increase our capacity to self-regulate. Ultimately, it helps us to be more present in the here and now and to be more fully at home in our bodies.
My approach to Somatic Experiencing®
I bring a curious and compassionate approach to my SE sessions. I firmly believe that everybody has the capacity to heal themselves and that happiness is our birthright. My goal is to hold space for clients as they navigate their healing journeys at a pace that is right for them. I will not, nor can I, diagnose clients with anything or interpret a client's experiences for them. I draw upon my years as a bodyworker and yoga teacher, as well as my experiences with qi gong, meditation, and studying Taoism and may share the ways I have benefitted from them.
I bring a curious and compassionate approach to my SE sessions. I firmly believe that everybody has the capacity to heal themselves and that happiness is our birthright. My goal is to hold space for clients as they navigate their healing journeys at a pace that is right for them. I will not, nor can I, diagnose clients with anything or interpret a client's experiences for them. I draw upon my years as a bodyworker and yoga teacher, as well as my experiences with qi gong, meditation, and studying Taoism and may share the ways I have benefitted from them.