What is
Somatic Experiencing®?
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is body-oriented work focusing on the physical sensations in the body rather than a talk therapy approach used in more traditional types of psychotherapy.
SE is based in the understanding that our body’s nervous system accumulates stress, trauma and shock over time leading to physical and psychological symptoms.
This approach is aimed at releasing stuck survival energy in the body through the completion of our nervous system’s natural self-protective responses.
Somatic Experiencing® supports us in….
acute traumas such as a car accident, physical injury, falls, medical procedures
prolonged traumas such as serious illness, hospitalizations, abuse, childhood traumas, war
persistent traumas such as racism and sexism, homophobia
trauma-associated symptoms such as anxiety, panic, depression as well as physical symptoms of pain, stomach issues, headaches, etc.
grief and loss
SE is based on research and stems from an intersection of physiology, biology, neuroscience, and psychology. It can be incorporated into many different professions such as bodywork, occupational/physical therapy, nursing, coaching, teaching, and psychotherapy. It has been clinically practiced for over four decades and is the life’s work of Dr. Peter Levine. You can read more about it at: https://traumahealing.org.
What To Expect…
Slow Process: We move slowly. Although there can be immediate results at times, this is generally a slow process where over time people develop greater capacity within their nervous systems to access and experience emotions.
Orienting to now: In this work we focus on our physical connection to the present, orienting to the moment. This allows us to process more challenging feelings.
Focus on Sensation: We focus on body awareness through developing our felt sense or interoceptive skills (physical sensations).
Support: I will be with you as you move through this work, helping to provide the space and support you need to be able to explore sensations and feelings as they occur at your own pace and in your own way - without becoming overwhelmed.
