Derived from the Greek word "soma," meaning "living body," Somatic Experiencing™ emphasizes the profound and natural relationship between humans and the living world. This practice recognizes that our bodies are not just vessels but are intricately connected to our emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. As somatic practitioners, we guide individuals in rediscovering their connection to themselves, others, and nature by fostering awareness of bodily sensations and the wisdom that lies within. Through this deepened connection, individuals can unlock the body’s innate capacity to heal, release trauma, and restore balance in their lives.
Our work centers on helping people regulate their nervous systems and fully inhabit their bodies. We understand that chronic stress, trauma, or injury can create lasting imbalances, often pushing individuals into a state of survival mode. This survival mode is an instinctual response that is designed to protect us in times of acute danger, allowing us to react quickly and decisively to immediate threats. Living constantly in this heightened state of alert is neither healthy nor sustainable, as it prevents the body from returning to a state of calm and balance. Our approach helps individuals restore equilibrium by teaching them how to process and release stored tension, enabling them to live more fully and peacefully in the present.
Through somatic practices, we assist individuals in shifting out of this survival physiology, which often keeps the body trapped in a constant state of tension and hyper-alertness. By guiding individuals to become more aware of their bodily sensations and emotions, we help them release the built-up stress that has been stored in the body. This process allows them to return to a more balanced, long-term way of being, where the nervous system is able to function in a state of ease and resilience. Rather than reacting from a place of fear or defense, individuals can reconnect with their innate capacity for relaxation, peace, and wholeness, leading to improved emotional health, better relationships, and a greater sense of well-being.
In SE™ sessions, we recognize that each time a person recalls an event, their body can re-experience it. To help clients process this, we move at a pace that allows for safe integration of intense emotions and sensations. While talking is always welcome, the focus is on "tracking" what arises in the body—such as sensations, images, emotions, and thoughts—moment by moment.
Clients don't necessarily have to go into lengthy discussions about distressing events. Instead, by simply noticing and being present with these bodily experiences, supported by a practitioner attuned to their needs, they can begin to release the intensity and find relief from symptoms.
As clients continue this process, they often find that their relationship with their emotions and body becomes more harmonious. Over time, the nervous system learns to regulate itself more effectively, leading to improved emotional resilience and greater physical ease. This ongoing shift supports a more grounded sense of well-being, where clients can respond to life’s challenges with increased clarity and balance.
This mindful attention helps restore the natural, sustainable life force within the body.
In our approach, moving gently and at the appropriate pace is the most effective way to reintegrate survival energy back into the body. We don’t aim for dramatic, cathartic releases in sessions. Instead, by working steadily, clients rebuild their capacity for regulation—the ability to return to a state of balance, both physically and emotionally, after stress.
As their physiological stability improves, clients often feel more connected in relationships, develop healthier boundaries, and experience a greater sense of safety in their surroundings. This creates a foundation for them to authentically be who they are meant to be in the world.
With each session, the nervous system’s resilience increases, allowing clients to face daily challenges with a more balanced and calm outlook. They begin to feel more empowered in their decisions and interactions, leading to a greater sense of self-trust and confidence.
This gradual process helps to shift the focus from past trauma to present well-being, creating a sense of peace and harmony in their lives. Clients often report feeling lighter, more centered, and capable of living in a way that reflects their true, authentic selves.
Dr. Peter Levine, founder of the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education, observed that wild prey animals, despite facing constant life-threatening situations, rarely become traumatized. In contrast, humans are highly susceptible to trauma.
Interestingly, both humans and animals share similar brain- and body-based survival mechanisms. In all mammals, the autonomic nervous system controls survival responses, activating the fight, flight, or freeze reactions when faced with danger. During these moments, large amounts of energy are mobilized to defend against threats. Once the danger has passed, wild animals instinctively release this excess energy, allowing their nervous systems to reset and return to balance.
This natural ability to discharge built-up survival energy gives wild animals a kind of immunity to trauma. They are able to regain normal functioning after intense experiences. Somatic Experiencing™ takes inspiration from these innate processes, helping people safely release trapped survival energy and facilitating recovery and healing.
SE™ does not require the traumatized person to re-tell or re-live the traumatic event. Instead, it offers the opportunity to engage, complete, and resolve — in a slow, gentle and supported way — the body's instinctual fight, flight, freeze and collapse responses. Individuals locked in anxiety or rage can then relax into a growing sense of peace and safety. Those stuck in depression can gradually find their feelings of hopelessness and numbness transformed into empowerment, triumph, and mastery.*
*Source: Somatic Experiencing™
If you’d like to learn more about Somatic Experiencing® or the Nervous System, please see our programs.
If you’d like to schedule a session, please contact us. We have several Somatic Experiencing Practitioners.
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