These are some common questions people often ask about Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy:

What is Somatic Experiencing?

• Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine, is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. The therapy works by focusing on bodily sensations to release stored tension and trauma held in the nervous system. SE is often referred to as a shorter term for Somatic Experiencing.

How is Somatic Experiencing different from traditional talk therapy?

• Traditional talk therapy primarily focuses on discussing thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and their connections to each other. In contrast, SE emphasizes the mind-body connection. During SE sessions, you’ll develop awareness of your bodily sensations and nervous system, learning to track these sensations while releasing stored trauma and restoring balance to the nervous system.

How does Somatic Experiencing help release trauma?

• SE helps release trauma by guiding you to safely access and process physical sensations that have been stored in the body from past traumatic experiences. Techniques like grounding, breathwork, and gentle movement are used to navigate these sensations without overwhelming you. Your therapist will tailor these techniques based on your nervous system’s unique responses.

Is Somatic Experiencing safe?

• Yes, Somatic Experiencing is a safe, trauma-informed approach. The goal is to help you process trauma without re-traumatizing you. Your therapist will work at a pace that feels manageable, ensuring safety throughout the process.

Can Somatic Experiencing help with anxiety and depression?

• SE can be highly effective for managing anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation, especially when these issues are rooted in past trauma. By focusing on physical sensations, SE helps regulate emotional responses, reducing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Can Somatic Experiencing help with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

• Yes, Somatic Experiencing is specifically designed to help individuals process and regain balance from experiences like PTSD. It’s especially beneficial for trauma deeply embedded in the body and nervous system.

What happens during a Somatic Experiencing session?

• During an SE session, the therapist guides you to focus on bodily sensations such as pressure, temperature or movement. You’ll explore these sensations gently, with the therapist supporting you through any discomfort or emotional reactions. Over time, you’ll also learn to track your own nervous system and bodily sensations.

Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail during Somatic Experiencing?

• No, you do not need to relive or discuss the traumatic event in detail. SE allows you to process trauma without verbally recounting the event. The focus is on bodily sensations, which can provide a gentler, less overwhelming way to heal.

How long does it take to see results from Somatic Experiencing?

• The healing process timeline varies depending on the individual and the severity of the trauma. It also depends on how comfortable you are tracking your own nervous system. Healing is typically gradual, and you may begin to notice subtle improvements that grow over time. SE aims to avoid overwhelming the nervous system, so progress may be incremental.

What are the benefits of Somatic Experiencing?

• Benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional regulation, healing from trauma and PTSD, increased body awareness, and enhanced overall well-being. Many clients also experience physical relief from chronic pain and other body-related symptoms.

Do I need to be physically active for Somatic Experiencing to work?

• No, you don’t need to engage in physical activity for SE to be effective. The therapy is focused on increasing awareness of bodily sensations, and physical exercise is not required. However, gentle movements or grounding exercises may be incorporated into sessions to release tension, tailored to your individual capabilities.

Can Somatic Experiencing be used alongside other therapies?

• Yes, Somatic Experiencing can be used alongside other therapeutic modalities, such as CBT, EMDR, or traditional talk therapy. It complements these approaches by integrating the body and mind to support healing. It’s recommended to discuss your plan to incorporate Somatic Experiencing with your therapist.

What should I expect after a Somatic Experiencing session?

• After a session, you may feel more grounded, calm, or emotionally clear. You could also experience physical shifts, like reduced tension or pain. Some people may feel fatigued or emotional after processing deep trauma, but these responses are normal and part of the healing process.

Who can benefit from Somatic Experiencing?

• Anyone who has experienced trauma—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—can benefit from SE. This includes individuals dealing with PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, stress, abuse, or other trauma-related experiences.

How do I find a trained Somatic Experiencing therapist?

• To find a certified SE therapist, visit the official Somatic Experiencing website, here or here. Therapists listed there have completed the required three-year training program (unless indicated as a student). You can also seek recommendations from trusted healthcare providers. It’s important to ensure that your therapist has received extensive training in Somatic Experiencing, as it’s a specialized modality requiring in-depth knowledge and professional development.

These are just some common questions people have about Somatic Experiencing therapy. The responses here are general and may not apply to individual circumstances.

If you’re curious about how Somatic Experiencing could benefit you, I’d be happy to offer a free 15-minute consultation. Schedule your session here, or email me to arrange an appointment.