Somatic Experiencing
Summary
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals to release the physical and emotional tension that is stored in their bodies as a result of traumatic experiences. The SE approach was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, and it is based on the idea that trauma is not just a psychological experience, but it is also stored in the body.
SE therapists work with clients to help them tune into their body sensations, and to release the physical tension and energy that is stored in their bodies as a result of traumatic experiences. This is done through a variety of techniques, including gentle touch, movement, and verbal guidance.
The goal of SE is to help individuals to release the tension and energy that is stored in their bodies, and to restore their natural ability to self-regulate and heal. By releasing the physical and emotional tension that is stored in the body, individuals can experience a greater sense of ease and well-being, and can move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
SE can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced a wide range of traumatic experiences, including physical or sexual abuse, accidents, medical procedures, or natural disasters. SE can also be beneficial for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression, as well as those who are looking to improve their overall well-being.
Overall, Somatic Experiencing is a body-centered approach to therapy that focuses on helping individuals to release the physical and emotional tension that is stored in their bodies as a result of traumatic experiences, and to restore their natural ability to self-regulate and heal.
Who would benefit from Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced traumatic events or situations that have resulted in physical and emotional tension being stored in their bodies. This can include experiences such as accidents, medical procedures, natural disasters, physical or sexual abuse, or other types of trauma.
SE may also be helpful for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional or physical conditions that may be related to trauma or chronic stress.
SE can be beneficial for people of all ages, including children and adults, and can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapeutic approaches.
Overall, if you are experiencing physical or emotional tension or symptoms that may be related to trauma or chronic stress, then Somatic Experiencing may be a helpful therapeutic approach for you. It is important to speak with a qualified SE therapist to determine whether this approach is right for your specific needs and goals.
What to expect during Somatic Experiencing session?
During a Somatic Experiencing (SE) session, you can expect to work with a trained therapist who will guide you through a process of tuning into your body sensations, and releasing physical and emotional tension that may be stored in your body as a result of trauma or stress.
SE sessions typically involve a combination of talk therapy, gentle touch, and movement exercises. Your therapist will help you to tune into your body sensations, and may use techniques such as tracking bodily sensations, breathing exercises, or gentle touch to help you release tension and restore your natural ability to self-regulate and heal.
Your therapist may also guide you through a process of exploring and resolving any emotions or thoughts that are related to your trauma or stress. This can help you to gain insight into your experiences, and to develop strategies for coping with any ongoing symptoms or challenges.
Overall, you can expect SE sessions to be a gentle and supportive process that helps you to release physical and emotional tension, and to restore your natural ability to self-regulate and heal. Your therapist will work with you to create a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment, and will tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals.
Why solution-focused brief therapy over other approaches?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach that offers a unique and effective way of working with trauma and stress. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider SE:
- SE is body-centered: SE focuses on the body and its physical responses to trauma and stress. It recognizes that traumatic experiences can be stored in the body and can affect physical, emotional, and mental health. SE works to release the physical tension and energy that is stored in the body and restore the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and heal.
- SE is non-invasive: SE uses gentle touch and movement exercises to help individuals release physical tension and trauma-related stress. It does not involve re-living traumatic events through talk therapy or exposure therapy, which can be difficult for some people.
- SE is time-limited: SE is a short-term approach to therapy, typically lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. This means that it can be a practical and effective option for individuals who are looking for a focused and efficient way of working with trauma and stress.
- SE is effective: Research has shown that SE can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and stress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- SE is client-centered: SE is a client-centered approach to therapy, which means that it is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. SE therapists work collaboratively with their clients to create a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment, and to develop strategies for coping with ongoing challenges.
Overall, Somatic Experiencing can be a helpful therapeutic approach for individuals who have experienced trauma or stress, and are looking for a non-invasive, time-limited, and effective way of working towards healing and well-being.
Getting support
Are you struggling with the effects of trauma or stress in your life? Do you feel like your body is holding onto tension that you just can’t seem to shake? If so, Somatic Experiencing (SE) may be the therapeutic approach you need to help you find relief and healing.
SE is a unique and effective approach to therapy that focuses on the physical responses to trauma and stress. By working with a trained SE therapist, you can learn to release physical tension and restore your body’s natural ability to self-regulate and heal.
Unlike other therapies that may involve re-living traumatic events or exposure therapy, SE is non-invasive and gentle. Through gentle touch and movement exercises, SE helps you to tune into your body sensations and release physical and emotional tension.
Research has shown that SE can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and stress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. And because SE is a time-limited approach to therapy, you can expect to see results in a relatively short amount of time.
At Pacific Integrative Therapy, we offer compassionate and client-centered SE therapy to help you find relief from the effects of trauma and stress. Our trained therapists work collaboratively with you to create a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment, tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Don’t let the effects of trauma or stress continue to hold you back. Contact us today to learn more about how Somatic Experiencing can help you find relief and healing.
