Somatic Experiencing
“A body-orientated approach to resolution of trauma and other stress disorders.”
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE) ?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a powerful therapeutic approach that focuses on resolving trauma and other stress disorders by working directly with the body's nervous system.
Unlike traditional therapies that primarily address the mind, SE emphasizes the importance of sensory awareness and the body's innate ability to heal from trauma.
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE integrates various disciplines, including neuroscience, stress physiology, attachment theory, and somatic therapies, to offer a holistic path to recovery.
A Deep Understanding of the Nervous System
Somatic Experiencing operates on the understanding that trauma is not merely an event but a disruption in the nervous system's natural arousal cycles. When these cycles become chronic, they manifest as debilitating symptoms of trauma. SE helps individuals complete these unresolved survival responses, restoring balance and promoting healing. By focusing on the body's sensations rather than re-experiencing traumatic memories, SE provides a safe and manageable way to address trauma.
Key disciplines integrated into SE include:
“Trauma is not in the event,
it is in the Nervous System.”
Peter A. Levine
Is Somatic Experiencing Right for You?
If you're struggling with the lingering effects of trauma, SE offers a unique approach to healing. Consider whether any of the following resonate with you:
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Do you feel constantly on edge and unable to fully relax?
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Have you experienced a traumatic event that has fundamentally altered how you feel in your body?
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Do you suffer from chronic pain or digestive issues without an apparent cause?
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Do you feel emotionally overwhelmed when recalling a traumatic event?
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Are you dealing with sleep disturbances, including nightmares or insomnia?
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Do you feel like your body is perpetually stuck in a 'stress response' mode?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Somatic Experiencing could be a beneficial approach for you.
Somatic Experiencing offers several benefits that can help you overcome the symptoms of trauma and stress:
How Somatic Experiencing Can Help
Resolve Symptoms of Trauma and Stress
SE helps to release the accumulated stress and trauma stored in the body and nervous system, leading to a significant reduction in symptoms.
Reconnect with your Body
SE allows you to safely reconnect with your body, helping you feel more comfortable and at ease within yourself.
Restore Balance to the Nervous System
SE promotes healthier sleep, digestion, and overall bodily function by bringing balance to the nervous system.
Enhance
Self-Awareness and Confidence
Through SE, you can improve your self-awareness, build confidence, and develop the capacity for change and healing.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can originate from acute stress, such as a perceived life-threatening event, or from cumulative stress over time. Both forms of trauma can severely impair a person’s ability to function with resilience and ease.
Common sources of trauma include:
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Accidents
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Invasive medical procedures
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Physical or sexual assault
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Emotional abuse
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Neglect
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War and natural disasters
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Loss
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Birth trauma
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Chronic stressors such as fear and conflict
The Nervous Systems Response to Trauma
Our nervous system is designed to respond hierarchically to threats, based on the severity and immediacy of the danger. However, chronic stress or unresolved trauma can cause individuals to become stuck in survival responses, leading to feelings of being out of control and overwhelmed by emotions.
Somatic Experiencing is not about reliving traumatic events but about taking small, manageable steps to complete and integrate the body's response to trauma. This gentle approach helps individuals heal by restoring their nervous system's natural rhythms and promoting a sense of safety and well-being.
Somatic Experiencing helps to restore balance by addressing these dysregulated responses through the following key processes:
"Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the Gods."
Peter A. Levine
Noticing
1.
In therapy, you'll start by understanding your autonomic nervous system and its role in your trauma response. This knowledge can be empowering, especially if you've felt confused or ashamed about your reactions during traumatic events. I will guide you in increasing awareness of your bodily sensations and physical symptoms.
Resourcing
2.
SE therapists use "resourcing" to help you tap into your innate strength and resilience. This involves recalling positive things, people and experiences in your life - which can help you stay grounded and present when confronting trauma-related sensations or memories.
Titration
3.
This gradual process involves slowly revisiting the trauma and associated sensations, allowing you to integrate the experience at your own pace. Titration prevents you from becoming overwhelmed, enabling you to process the trauma safely and effectively.
Pendulation
4.
In SE, the discharge of trapped energy might manifest as physical sensations like shaking, crying, or shivering. I will help you move from an aroused state to a calmer one, often using techniques like resourcing or relaxation exercises. Over time, this "swinging" back to calm will become more natural.
Healing With Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a powerful, body-oriented approach that offers a unique pathway to healing from trauma and chronic stress. By focusing on the body's natural ability to resolve trauma, SE provides a safe and effective way to restore balance to the nervous system, improve self-awareness, and foster lasting change.
Whether you are dealing with recent trauma or long-standing stress, Somatic Experiencing can help you reconnect with your body and reclaim your life.
For more information on how Somatic Experiencing can benefit you, contact me using the below form.