"Traumatic symptoms are not caused by the triggering event itself. They stem from the frozen residue of energy that has not been resolved and discharged; this residue remains trapped in the nervous system where it can wreak havoc on our bodies and spirits."
- Dr. Peter Levine, MD
- Dr. Peter Levine, MD
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING & SE TOUCH
WHAT IS SOMATIC EXPERIENCING
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic model based on a multidisciplinary intersection of physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. SE is based on the principle that a person could get “stuck” in a fight, flight or freeze response after experiencing a traumatic event that pushes their nervous system past its ability to regulate. SE works to release this stored energy though a “body first” approach to healing - addressing bodily sensations first before focusing on thoughts.
HOW IT WORKS
Somatic Experiencing acknowledges the existence of trauma, but it provides clients with the tools to take away the power of trauma over their lives.
The first step in Somatic Experiencing is helping the client gain an awareness of the sensations they are experiencing in their body. Awareness of what’s happening in the body could then lead to creating new experiences that contradict feelings of tension, stress or anxiety. For example, if a client experiences shoulder discomfort, the SE practitioner could guide them to observe other parts of the body that feel more relaxed or neutral. Through this exercise, the client learns how to tolerate the experience and at the same time, develop a sense of control over their body. When appropriate and if the client is comfortable, the practitioner may also utilize Somatic Experiencing Touch. This method uses touch (without movement) to encourage muscles to relax and blood flow to increase, consequently soothing the nervous system. Somatic Touch is conducted fully clothed either sitting in a chair or lying on a massage table.
The first step in Somatic Experiencing is helping the client gain an awareness of the sensations they are experiencing in their body. Awareness of what’s happening in the body could then lead to creating new experiences that contradict feelings of tension, stress or anxiety. For example, if a client experiences shoulder discomfort, the SE practitioner could guide them to observe other parts of the body that feel more relaxed or neutral. Through this exercise, the client learns how to tolerate the experience and at the same time, develop a sense of control over their body. When appropriate and if the client is comfortable, the practitioner may also utilize Somatic Experiencing Touch. This method uses touch (without movement) to encourage muscles to relax and blood flow to increase, consequently soothing the nervous system. Somatic Touch is conducted fully clothed either sitting in a chair or lying on a massage table.
WHAT SOMATIC EXPERIENCING CAN HELP WITH
While SE was initially developed to help overcome trauma, it has also been found effective in supporting people who are struggling with various stressors and helping them find relief through building greater nervous system capacity and regulation.
Somatic Experiencing may be helpful in areas such as anxiety, grief, substance use disorder, PTSD, chronic pain, setting boundaries, intimacy, relationships building, and other emotional difficulties, though it is important to note, that I attend to these issues, through a body-based focus.
Somatic Experiencing may be helpful in areas such as anxiety, grief, substance use disorder, PTSD, chronic pain, setting boundaries, intimacy, relationships building, and other emotional difficulties, though it is important to note, that I attend to these issues, through a body-based focus.
COMMON OUTCOMES
When clients gain the capacity and the confidence to experience sensations and emotions without a sense of overwhelm, they are able to restore a sense of balance, safety and peace in their lives. For many, this leads into feeling more connected to themselves and the world around them. They are able to function with resilience and ease, and rediscover the joy of living in the here and now.
