Somatic Experiencing Therapy
- Table of Contents: Somatic Experiencing Therapy
- What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
- How SE Works: Your Body's Path to Safety
- Who Needs Somatic Experiencing?
- Why Choose Evolution Therapies for SE?
- Our Unique SE Approach | Evolution Therapies
- What to Expect in SE Sessions
- SE Beyond Sessions | Tools for Life
- FAQs About Somatic Experiencing
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered therapy designed to address trauma and chronic stress by renegotiating the body's physiological responses. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on releasing "trapped" survival energy stored in the nervous system after overwhelming experiences. Unlike talk therapies, which prioritize cognitive reframing, SE emphasizes reconnecting with bodily sensations to restore balance and resilience.
How SE Works: Your Body's Path to Safety
Trauma disrupts your body's natural rhythms. SE uses gentle techniques to complete the survival responses you couldn't finish during overwhelming experiences.
Trigger | Before SE | After SE |
Loud noise | Freeze response, rapid heartbeat | Deep breath, relaxed muscles |
Conflict at work | Anger, shutdown | Calm communication, presence |
Core Techniques:
- Titration: Process trauma in small, manageable doses.
- Pendulation: Shift between discomfort and areas of ease (e.g., "Notice your tense jaw… now feel your steady feet").
- Resourcing: Anchor into strengths (e.g., memories of safety, supportive relationships).
- Somatic Tracking: Follow sensations (tingling, warmth) to release stored stress.
Innovative Integrations at Evolution Therapies:
- Guided Visualization
- Mindfulness/Meditations
- Healing of Inner Child Work
Who Needs Somatic Experiencing?
SE is for you if:
- You're exhausted by anxiety that logic can't soothe.
- Your body feels like a "prison" of tension, pain, or dissociation.
- You've tried CBT or medication but still feel stuck in survival mode.
Conditions We Treat:
- Trauma & PTSD: Childhood abuse, accidents, medical trauma.
- Chronic Stress: Burnout, caregiver fatigue, workplace overwhelm.
- Unexplained Pain: Migraines, digestive issues, autoimmune flares.
- Emotional Numbness: Feeling "disconnected" from yourself or others.
Why Choose Evolution Therapies for SE?
Choose EFT if you:
- Feel stuck in repetitive arguments or emotional distance.
- Struggle to express needs or fear vulnerability.
- Want to heal from betrayal, grief, or past relational trauma.
- Seek deeper intimacy and trust in relationships.
Personalized Trauma Pathways
- Phase 1: Stabilize with grounding tools (breath, movement, resourcing).
- Phase 2: Release trapped survival energy using titration.
- Phase 3: Integrate healing into daily life for lasting resilience.
Beyond Talk Therapy
We blend SE with:
- Polyvagal Theory: Map your nervous system states in real-time.
- EMDR & IFS: Address trauma memories and inner conflicts holistically.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Honor how race, gender, and identity shape trauma.
Evidence Meets Empathy
Our SE specialists are trained in the following:
- Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) protocols.
- Trauma-Informed Mindfulness.
- LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care for identity-based trauma.
Our Unique SE Approach | Evolution Therapies
At Evolution Therapies, we blend SE with holistic practices to support nervous system healing.
Personalized Trauma Recovery Plans
- Phase 1: Stabilization through resourcing and grounding.
- Phase 2: Gradual trauma processing using titration.
- Phase 3: Integration for lasting resilience.
Integrating SE with Complementary Therapies
- Mindfulness : Enhance body awareness and regulation.
- Polyvagal Theory: Map nervous system states to tailor interventions.
- Art Therapy: Express sensations non-verbally for deeper processing.
What to Expect in SE Sessions
First Session:
- Build safety through grounding exercises (e.g., "5-4-3-2-1" technique).
- Identify your body's "safe signals" (e.g., a calming scent, soothing texture).
- Co-create a roadmap for your healing journey.
Typical Session:
- Track sensations in your body (no forced sharing of trauma details).
- Practice gentle movements or breathwork to discharge stress.
- Gradually expand your "window of tolerance" for emotions.
Timeline:
- Short-Term (12–15 sessions): Reduce acute stress or panic.
- Long-Term (20+ sessions): Heal complex trauma or chronic pain.
SE Beyond Sessions | Tools for Life
Daily Practices:
- Grounding and Breathing exercises.
- Guided Meditation.
- Use of daily Affirmation.
Resources We Love:
- Books: Waking the Tiger by Dr. Peter Levine.
- Apps: Nerva (gut-brain healing for trauma-related IBS).
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with any of our therapists today!
FAQs About Somatic Experiencing
What is the difference between sensorimotor psychotherapy and somatic therapy?
Sensorimotor psychotherapy blends body awareness with cognitive techniques, while somatic therapy focuses solely on physical sensations to release trauma.
Can I do Somatic Experiencing on my own?
You can practice self-regulation techniques like mindful breathing and body scanning, but working with a trained SE therapist ensures more profound healing and safety in processing trauma.
Virtual or in-person?
Both! SE works effectively online via breathwork, mindful movement, and sensation tracking.
CONTACT US
For general questions or to learn more about our treatment services, please contact us and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. If you would like to schedule an initial consultation, please get started here.