What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine. It has been researched and proven to heal single incident traumas and complex, longer term traumas in individuals and groups. Our nervous system holds onto traumatic experiences and responses if security or safety was lacking at the time. This is what prevents us from processing and moving through incidents and trauma gets stores. Physical sensations such as tension and tightness may be processed and released throughout SE sessions.

Dr. Levine observed that animals in the wild, after experiencing threat or trauma, naturally release the built-up tension from their bodies through behaviors like shaking, trembling, or deep breathing. Humans, however, often inhibit these natural responses, often due to environmental and societal messaging. Somatic Experiencing can people reconnect with their natural ability to release trauma that might otherwise remain stuck in the body.

How Does Somatic Experiencing Help Heal Trauma?

1. Regulate your Nervous System - Tuning In
   Trauma disrupts the body's natural rhythm, leading to states of hyperarousal (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking) or hypoarousal (e.g., numbness, dissociation, exhaustion). Somatic Experiencing helps individuals tune into their nervous system so it can come back into balance.

2. Resourcing and Grounding
   In Somatic Experiencing, "resourcing" refers to identifying internal or external sources of strength and safety such as noticing your surroundings and gravitating towards neutral objects or sounds. "Grounding" techniques help clients reconnect with the present moment and feel secure in their body by noticing neutral sensations in the body and learning what being present feelings like to them as an individual.

3. Titration and Pendulation
   These two techniques are core to the process of Somatic Experiencing:

   • Titration involves approaching traumatic memories in gentle, manageable amounts. We are dipping our toe in, and staying with that experience, rather than diving head first and completely leaving the present moment.

   • Pendulation can feel similar, because we go between two states, one of neutrality or comfort and one of discomfort. This allows the client move slowly and to stay with their experience.

4. Releasing Trapped Energy
   In Somatic Experiencing sessions, the body will release pent up energy as a part of the healing process. You may experience shaking, body temperature shifts, involuntary body movements or vocalizing, and soon, relief.

5. Integrating Somatic Experiencing
   It is encouraged to integrate the wisdom you gain from each Somatic Experiencing session into your week. You will begin to notice your body’s natural rhythms throughout the day, connect with what it needs more clearly, and your intuition will continue to strengthen.

Benefits of Somatic Experiencing include:

• Reduced Anxiety and PTSD/Trauma Symptoms: Many people find significant relief from symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stress simply by allowing the body to release trapped energy.

• Improved Emotional Regulation: Somatic Experiencing supports individuals with becoming more attuned to their internal emotional states and responses, leading to stronger emotional regulation and resiliance.

• Enhanced Body Awareness: Clients often report a greater sense of connection to their bodies, which can improve self-trust and body image.

• Holistic Healing: Somatic Experiencing combines the mind, body, spirit and inner voice, making it a holistic approach to healing trauma.

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing can be effective for people who have experienced a variety of traumatic experiences, such as:

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Accidents or natural disasters

• Violence or sexual trauma

• Grief or Loss

• Medical trauma

• Ongoing stressors, such as chronic illness or financial hardship

It can also be helpful for individuals who may have difficulty talking about their trauma or feel disconnected from their emotions. SE allows people to heal through physical sensations and vocalizing rather than relying solely on talk therapy.

In Conclusion

Somatic Experiencing is a compassionate, gentle, and effective way to heal trauma. Individuals can reconnect with their bodies and release the physical effects of trauma that has been wanting to heal. Somatic Experiencing empowers individuals to reclaim their bodies, voices, and capacity to thrive. If you're interested in exploring Somatic Experiencing, it is important to work with a trained Somatic Experiencing Therapist who can guide you through the process with care and safety.