Somatic Experiencing Therapy
The type of somatic work I offer is called Somatic Experiencing (SE). This is a body-based method of working with trauma and other stress disorders. This approach works with the body’s stress response to help repair the injury that happens after a traumatic event, and to restore our ability to process stress appropriately moving forward. Ways of working with the body includes dialogue, imagery, mindfulness, engaging in slow movements and becoming aware of the body.
This practice is based on the idea that animals in the wild routinely experience trauma yet are rarely traumatized as they can discharge this powerful survival energy. For many humans, the survival energy gets stuck in the body. SE is a gentle way to work with the body so that these stuck energies can be released. In this practice, we slow down and become better attuned to what is happening in the nervous system, learning to find balance, self-awareness and confidence.
Below is a more in-depth explanation of this type of therapy. Example provided by the founder of Somatic Experiencing, Peter Levine.
Courtesy of Somatic Experiencing International YouTube Page