What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine to help individuals process and heal trauma. It is based on the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological experience but also a physiological one, meaning it gets stored in the nervous system and body.

How Does Somatic Experiencing Work?

SE works by gently guiding a person to track their bodily sensations, impulses, and emotions in a slow and controlled manner, rather than reliving traumatic memories in an overwhelming way. The goal is to help the nervous system restore its natural capacity to regulate and discharge stress.

Here’s a breakdown of its core principles and process:

1. The Trauma Response & Nervous System Regulation
   SE is grounded in the idea that trauma occurs when the body's instinctive fight, flight, or freeze responses become stuck in the nervous system. Rather than resolving naturally, like they do in animals, these responses can remain trapped, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, dissociation, chronic pain, or hypervigilance.

2. Tracking Sensations (Interoception)
   Clients learn to tune into bodily sensations (e.g., tightness in the chest, tingling in the limbs, warmth, coolness) in a mindful, curious way. This helps them develop a greater connection with their body and the subtle physiological shifts that accompany emotional experiences.

3. Pendulation: Moving Between Safety & Activation
   Instead of diving directly into traumatic material, SE uses a process called pendulation, where the therapist helps the client move between a state of regulation (safety and calm) and small amounts of activation (trauma-related energy in the body). This back-and-forth movement allows for gentle nervous system release without overwhelming the client.

4. Discharge & Completion of Stuck Energy
   SE facilitates the completion of survival responses that were interrupted during the traumatic event. This can involve subtle bodily movements, spontaneous trembling, heat release, deep breaths, or even emotional expression like crying or laughing. These physiological responses help the body restore balance.

5. Titration: Breaking Trauma Down into Manageable Pieces
   Rather than re-experiencing trauma all at once, SE works bit by bit (titration). This prevents retraumatization and allows for incremental healing, ensuring the body can process and integrate each small release of energy safely.

6. Resourcing & Building Capacity
   A major part of SE involves strengthening internal and external resources, such as grounding techniques, positive memories, supportive relationships, and a sense of safety. This helps create a foundation of resilience before processing trauma.

Why Does Somatic Experiencing Work?

• Addresses Trauma at the Nervous System Level – Instead of focusing solely on thoughts and emotions, SE directly engages the body's autonomic nervous system (ANS), where trauma is often stored.

• Respects the Body’s Natural Healing Process – It follows the body's innate intelligence, allowing for slow and sustainable recovery.

• Minimizes Overwhelm – By using titration and pendulation, SE ensures that processing trauma is gentle and not retraumatizing.

• Promotes Embodiment – Many trauma survivors experience dissociation or numbness. SE helps reconnect them with their body in a safe, gradual way.

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Experiencing?

SE is effective for:

• PTSD & complex trauma

• Anxiety & panic disorders

• Chronic stress & burnout

• Developmental trauma

• Autoimmune conditions & chronic pain

• Emotional dysregulation & dissociation

Curious if Somatic Experiencing is right for you?

If you would like to explore specific exercises or ways to integrate SE into your healing journey, Schedule a Consultation or Contact Me for more information.