Beyond Talk Therapy: Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine to support trauma healing and chronic stress relief. Unlike traditional talk therapy, SE is rooted in neurobiology and focuses on how trauma can become “stuck” in the body and disrupt our sense of safety. By gently engaging with these sensations, SE helps release stored trauma energy and allows the nervous system to return to a balanced, regulated state. Through SE, you’ll learn to reconnect with your body, access inner resources, and cultivate resilience, paving the way for a greater sense of calm, presence, and ease.
SE is a specialized modality that requires an intensive three year training program for its practitioners. I am currently an Intermediate Training Candidate in the SEP program trained by Dr. Glyndie Nickerson, Dr. Abi Blakeslee, Jeanna Gomez-LCSW, and Mahshid Hager-LMFT.
How Somatic Experiencing Works
The body often holds onto trauma, keeping it stored in unresolved fight, flight, or freeze responses. SE recognizes that trauma is not just a story we tell, but a physiological experience that can be released through bodily awareness and mindful engagement. SE techniques, which are designed to restore your body’s natural ability to self-regulate, include:
Tracking and Awareness: Noticing and becoming mindful of bodily sensations, such as tension, warmth, or a feeling of release, to build awareness of the body’s stress responses.
Resourcing: Cultivating internal strengths and identifying external sources of support to create a foundation of safety within the body.
Titration: Carefully exploring traumatic memories or sensations in small, manageable doses to avoid overwhelm, allowing you to release stored energy without re-experiencing trauma.
Pendulation: Moving gently between states of discomfort and feelings of safety to expand your capacity to tolerate and release distress, ultimately helping the nervous system discharge traumatic energy.
Through this structured yet gentle process, SE promotes gradual healing and restoration of balance, helping you feel empowered and connected to your body.
Benefits of Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing can bring about profound shifts in how you feel, respond, and engage with the world. By addressing trauma at its roots, SE often leads to:
Enhanced Resilience: Building the capacity to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence, knowing you can recover from stress.
Improved Self-Regulation: Gaining better control over physiological and emotional responses, allowing for a calm and balanced way of engaging with everyday stressors.
Reduced Symptoms of Trauma and Anxiety: Alleviating stress-related symptoms, such as chronic tension, restlessness, and even physical pain.
Increased Presence and Groundedness: Feeling more connected to yourself and the present moment, which brings about a greater sense of fulfillment and peace in daily life.
What to Expect in Sessions
In SE sessions, you’ll be guided in noticing and exploring the sensations and responses in your body. The process is gentle and attuned to your comfort, ensuring you remain within a “window of tolerance,” where the work feels safe and supportive. You might start by becoming aware of subtle sensations, tracking areas of tension or ease, or focusing on bodily responses to certain thoughts or emotions. Over time, you’ll learn how to shift attention between sensations of discomfort and safety, helping your body discharge accumulated stress.
Somatic Experiencing is designed to be a safe, compassionate process that respects your pace and personal boundaries. The work we do together honors the wisdom of your body and its ability to heal, ultimately leading you toward greater freedom, resilience, and a fuller presence in your life.
Get started:
step one
Start by filling out the contact form to book a free 15-20 minute consultation. I will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours and set up a consultation time to get a sense of how we might work together. This is a time for us to connect, discuss your goals, and address any questions you may have.
step two
Once we determine working together is a good fit, we’ll schedule your first session. In this session, we’ll dive deeper into understanding what brings you here and identify the areas you’d like to focus on. Together, we’ll explore your needs, set meaningful intentions, and develop a tailored plan to support your healing and growth.
step three
To start, we’ll meet on a weekly basis, whether virtually or in-person. These sessions will allow us to understand your experiences and challenges in a meaningful way. As we move forward, session frequency can be adjusted to suit your evolving needs, whether that’s staying weekly or shifting to a bi-weekly rhythm.