Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented way of releasing trauma. It was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine in the 1970s and focuses on the body's physical sensations, as well as our thoughts and emotions. It is not just a body work process, it is Integrative. 

It may start with physical sensations, but sometimes a memory or an emotion may arise. We gently stay with the experiences without getting overwhelmed. Your nervous system starts to complete old survival responses. The body releases stored survival energy and the mind updates its understanding of the experience. 

SE works with the whole system at once — nervous system, physical sensations, emotions, and meaning-making.

It helps us complete the natural, but sometimes interrupted, survival responses (fight, flight, freeze) that can become "stuck" in our nervous system. 

When we speak of trauma through a Somatic Experiencing lens, we say trauma is a loss of relationship with one's body, and in turn the world around us.

Somatic Experiencing gives us the tools to bring a sense of safety and regulation back into our bodies because when we are regulated, we can be in the world and operate in a much more open-minded and open-hearted way. We can feel less hypervigilent, less fearful, less stuck or paralysed. 

What can Somatic Experiencing be used for;

Treating trauma in all it's forms

Treating medical trauma

Reducing anxiety, depression or hypervigilence

Managing chronic stress

Releasing physical symptoms like chronic pain, muscle tension, and digestive issues

Helping individuals who want to feel more connected to their bodies and to the world around them

Helping people feel more open-hearted, more open to connection with others

Helping people be more creative and more in their natural flow energy