Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Our feelings are held in our bodies. For that reason, talking about our problems and gaining insight often is not sufficient for significant improvement. Somatic Experiencing is a method developed by Peter Levine which focuses on the nervous system and is particularly helpful for trauma, shock, and stress, which disrupt the nervous system.
This method addresses the fight, flight, and freeze responses that manifest after trauma. It is not necessary to reexperience the trauma to release it from the body. SE takes a gradual approach that builds safety and stability using titration, which allows you to bite off only as much as you can chew at one time. You can determine the pace of the process.
By tuning into what you notice in your body, whether sensations, images, feelings, or thoughts, SE helps you increase your awareness of your body. This can also mean paying attention to your breath and posture, while slowing down and focusing on the present moment. This provides helpful information to process the feelings and energy than can become stuck in your body, hindering your experience and engagement with other people and the world.
Through what is called “pendulation,” you are guided to find resources that support you and shift, making it possible to release whatever your body is holding onto, and then integrate the feeling. Moving between moments of relative ease and moments of discomfort allow the energy to move and helps come from a healthier, more grounded and resilient place.
I completed a 3 year training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, taking time to thoroughly learn tools to approach trauma in a gentle but healing way, allowing you to regulate your nervous system.
