Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing, or SE, is a body-centered approach to therapy designed to release the traces left by previous traumas and adverse experiences. The practitioner helps “resource” the client by connecting them to their strengths and teaching them to activate these positive inner resources when needed. Negative and symptom-related memories are not so much talked about as the distress in the body associated with them are identified and released. This form of therapy was developed by a trauma pioneer named Peter Levine, who noted the “freeze” response animals have when they experience trauma is also experienced by humans. The resulting tightness and undischarged energy can be carried by a person unknowingly for years, causing physical symptoms like chronic pain as well as emotional distress that makes life challenging. Somatic Experiencing helps release these traces of trauma in order to rediscover emotional well-being and move forward with less emotional obstruction, unstuck and better able to experience the fullness of life. Somatic Experiencing International notes on their website that

“The Somatic Experiencing approach facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of thwarted survival energy bound in the body, thus addressing the root cause of trauma symptoms. This is approached by gently guiding clients to develop increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions.”