Overview

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-focused therapeutic approach which helps individuals process and recover from trauma and chronic stress. SE emphasizes the importance of paying attention to your body’s internal sensations as a way to release tension and restore a healthy nervous system response.
For example: Pause for 5 seconds and notice how you are feeling in this moment. Are you relaxed, tense, anxious, in a hurry, etc? Do you sense any muscles that are tense? Do you feel grounded and connected to the earth? Do you notice anything about your breathing? These are some sample SE questions that can help you understand your body's internal landscape in this moment.

Somatic Experiencing focuses on the underlying physiological patterns associated with life's stresses and unresolved trauma. By gently guiding the body out of a “fight, flight, freeze, etc.” state, SE supports you step by step in building resilience and a stronger sense of wellbeing.

Origins & Development

Dr. Peter A. Levine, a biophysicist and psychotherapist, developed Somatic Experiencing by integrating principles from biology, neuroscience, psychology, and indigenous healing practices. He observed how animals in the wild recover from threats, which informed the basis of Somatic Experiencing: that the body holds an innate ability to heal and fully recover from highly stressful (traumatic) experiences.

Since its inception, Somatic Experiencing has gained recognition worldwide for its gentle yet effective approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.

How It Works

As humans, when we have an experience that produces great (mental, physical, etc.) stress, our nervous systems get fired up (fight, flight, etc.) and oftentimes the neverous system never fully recovers from this situation; especially if this event is repeated at any length. In a Somatic Experiencing Session, over several sessions, you will be able to:

• Identify physical sensations associated with past traumas
• Safely “discharge” the energy stored by incomplete defensive responses
• Restore a balanced nervous system capable of responding more flexibly to stress
• Integrate these experiences in a way that fosters emotional and physical healing

In a typical session, a trained practitioner will guide you to tune in to the sensations in your body and encourage gentle movement or expression as those sensations shift. The emphasis is on somatic (body) awareness, NOT on reliving the traumatic event.

Benefits & Applications

Somatic Experiencing can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Chronic stress or burnout
• Unresolved grief
• Chronic pain or unexplained physical symptoms

By focusing on the body’s innate capacity for healing, many individuals find that SE offers a gentler and more holistic alternative—or complement—to other therapeutic modalities. It can also be integrated into existing therapy practices, as it does not require re-telling the traumatic event in depth but rather emphasizes the importance of regulating the body’s responses.

What to Expect in a Somatic Experiencing Session

Every practitioner has their own style, but sessions often include:

• Check-In: You and the therapist briefly discuss how you’ve been feeling, any new or ongoing concerns, and set intentions for the session.
• Body Awareness Exercises: The therapist helps you notice and describe sensations, tension, or areas of comfort in your body.
• Guided Movement or Imagery: You might be asked to move slowly, stretch, or simply imagine certain sensations or scenarios to help release tension.
• Integration: You and the therapist process what happened during the session, noting any shifts or changes in how you feel physically or emotionally.

As with any therapeutic approach, it’s important to choose a professional you feel comfortable with and who has the appropriate credentials and experience.

Does SE and Reiki work togther?

Somatic Experiencing and reiki flow very well together. The very nature of reiki helps to calm the nervous system, which is a shared goal with Somatic Experiencing. Both modalities facilitate emotional release, integration and wholeness while providing a safe space. My goal with combining SE and Reiki together is to empower you to develop more awareness of yourself so you become more capable of self-regulation with a feeling of stability and self-confidence in your day to day life. If there is any stress or trauma that surfaces, we can work through those together. Disclaimer: If you have any major trauma that you are working though, I highly recommend that you also work with a therapist/psychologist.
While you may benefit greatly from one session, it is recommended to have multiple sessions over a period of time (of your choice). As we get to know each other better, we can explore different areas and find a rhythm and pace of healing that works for your nervous system.