Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma developed by Dr. Peter Levine. Rather than focusing on the narrative of traumatic events, SE works with the physiological responses and sensations that trauma creates in the body. The method is based on the understanding that trauma gets trapped in the nervous system when the natural fight-flight-freeze response is not completed.

Animals in the wild experience life-threatening situations regularly but don't develop PTSD because they complete their instinctual survival responses (shaking, running, etc.). Humans often suppress these responses due to social conditioning, leaving the trauma energy stuck in the body. SE helps clients gently reconnect with these incomplete responses and allow the nervous system to discharge the trapped energy.

Through careful attention to body sensations, movements, and autonomic nervous system states, SE practitioners guide clients through a gradual process of releasing trauma without re-traumatizing them. The approach is gentle, client-paced, and focuses on building resilience and capacity rather than reliving traumatic experiences. It's particularly effective for trauma that traditional talk therapy doesn't reach.