What is Somatic Experiencing®? 

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Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a framework for therapy that provides insight into how humans react to stress or trauma, and allows for physical and emotional release of built-up tensions.

 

How does SE work?

 

SE is an integrative form of therapy that focuses on the nervous system’s response to perceived threats and daily stresses, by looking closely at the fight, flight and freeze responses. It is designed to provide the right conditions for a person's body to restore itself to proper functioning. This is achieved through developing awareness of the physical body, thoughts, imagination, emotions, and behaviour - and allowing thwarted and natural stress responses to reach completion. Sometimes when we experience too much stress (or trauma), we don't know how to return to equilibrium, even if the event causing the stress is over. Our body and mind then compensate with things that look like symptoms (e.g. easily and quickly angry over "minor" situations,  being fearful when you are in fact safe, carrying chronic tension that causes headaches, digestive issues, etc.). Once our natural stress responses are complete in a safe way, clients report feeling a sense of lightness and "less background noise" in their daily lives (i.e. reduction or elimination of symptoms).

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Key Concepts to a Process

 

As you learn and experience some foundational SE concepts like Orientation, Resourcing, and Pendulation, you’ll be able to practice them on your own. Over time, you’ll be able to re-pattern your stress-related responses towards a more present and healthy function. Using the principle of Titration, you’ll take your time in exploring your past and current experiences, rather than facing everything at once – too much too soon can be overwhelming and unhelpful.

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I think of SE as a practice that anyone can learn. At the beginning it might feel a bit like a guided and interactive meditation. But once you have the hang of it, you are the one guiding your own experience, with a skillful helper supporting you.

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History and Resources

 

SE is the life's work of Dr. Peter Levine. Here is a video of Dr. Levine discussing the beginnings of his work.

 

You can find more information about SE in the Resources section of the website.

 

To get more technical…

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SE is an exposure model that works in a titrated way, with psychodynamic, humanistic, and biological roots. However, in contrast to other exposure models, in SE working with a specific memory is not always necessary, nor is it necessarily recommended. How trauma is processed is complex, and tailored to the individual client and their nervous system. Just as each person’s nervous system is unique, so too is the way SE can best help each person.

 

Central to SE's theory is Polyvagal Theory and the work of Dr. Stephen Porges. This work brings a deeper understanding of the freeze state, the importance of social engagement, and more.

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