Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine to address and resolve the effects of trauma, stress, and shock on the body. The method recognizes that traumatic experiences can become lodged in the body, leading to persistent symptoms and difficulties. Somatic Experiencing aims to release this trapped energy and restore a sense of well-being by focusing on the physiological and sensory aspects of trauma.

The approach is based on the understanding that when individuals face threatening situations, the body responds with fight, flight, or freeze responses. If the natural completion of these responses is hindered, the energy generated during the stress response can remain trapped in the body, contributing to ongoing distress and symptoms.

Somatic Experiencing involves a gentle and gradual process of guiding individuals to pay attention to their bodily sensations, emotions, and physical responses associated with traumatic experiences. By facilitating the completion of self-protective motor responses and encouraging the release of stored energy, SE aims to help individuals recover from trauma and promote resilience.

In summary, Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma, emphasizing the importance of addressing the physical and physiological aspects of traumatic experiences to promote recovery and well-being. Visit the SE website.