Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-based approach to healing trauma.
Somatic Experiencing was founded by Dr. Peter Levine, who through decades of research and study, developed this method as a way of restoring balance to the nervous system after the effects of traumatic experiences. SE is based on the notion that traditional talk therapy, which engages the higher analytical functions of the brain, does not fully take into account the place where trauma is most commonly held: the body.
Somatic Experiencing® helps us access the thwarted fight/flight energies of a traumatic event and facilitates the completion of self protective responses, such as healthy aggression. Through a gentle, collaborative process with an SE practitioner, clients learn the language of their bodies and tools for self regulation. This allows for a fuller range of emotional and physical expression, in a balanced manner and a more embodied way of being.