Healing Trauma Through Somatic Experiencing: A Body-Centered Approach
Trauma can deeply affect our mind, body, and emotions, often leaving us feeling stuck in survival mode long after the event has passed. While traditional talk therapies have long been the primary method for addressing trauma, new research highlights the powerful connection between our body and mind, leading to the rise of body-centered therapies like Somatic Experiencing (SE). In this post, we’ll explore what Somatic Experiencing is, how it works, and what you can expect in an SE session.
What Is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing offers a bottom-up approach to trauma therapy, utilizing the wisdom stored in our bodies to gently and naturally facilitate healing. The foundation of SE is rooted in our understanding of the nervous system, specifically its fight, flight, or freeze responses. When trauma occurs, our bodies instinctively activate these survival mechanisms, often leaving the nervous system stuck in one of these states.
Developed by Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing is based on his observations of the natural world. For instance, when a gazelle narrowly escapes a predator, we don’t see it develop long-term anxiety or depression. Instead, it instinctively “shakes off” the excess energy from the traumatic event and returns to its normal life. Levine theorized that humans, too, can restore balance to the nervous system by allowing the body to complete these natural processes.
What to Expect in a Somatic Experiencing Session
For those new to Somatic Experiencing, it’s common to feel anxious or uncertain about what a session might entail. Every SE practitioner has a unique approach, but generally, before diving into trauma work, your therapist will guide you through grounding exercises. These might include mindfulness practices, breathwork, or guided imagery to help you feel centered and safe.
One key element of Somatic Experiencing is "naming the sensations", often referred to as the felt sense. Your therapist may ask you to identify where and how you're experiencing certain sensations in your body. This might involve using descriptive words like “tight,” “cold,” “bubbly,” or “tense.” As you become more attuned to your sensations, you may begin to notice physical shifts in your body when discussing past trauma—perhaps a clenched fist, a tightening jaw, changes in skin color, or shifts in heart rate.
This process of awareness helps your nervous system gradually increase its tolerance for trauma-related sensations. Your therapist might guide you in toggling between these heightened sensations and a grounded state, allowing the nervous system to safely process and release stuck energy. This release may look like crying, trembling, or shaking—reminiscent of the gazelle's shaking off response.
The Role of Touch in Somatic Experiencing
Some SE therapists may incorporate therapeutic touch into the process. In this approach, the therapist offers their own regulated nervous system to "tune in" to yours, providing support and co-regulation. If you're uncomfortable with this, it's important to discuss your boundaries with your therapist to ensure a safe and supportive experience.
In SE sessions, the therapist may also encourage you to follow your body’s natural impulses. This could involve making certain sounds (like the "voo" sound), engaging in self-hugging, or exploring a sensation through imagery, behavior, or emotion.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Body's Potential to Heal
Somatic Experiencing is a powerful, body-centered approach to healing trauma, offering a pathway for individuals to gently process traumatic experiences through the body’s own natural mechanisms. By increasing awareness of physical sensations and gradually releasing stored tension, SE helps restore balance to the nervous system. Whether you’re new to trauma therapy or seeking alternative healing methods, SE offers a compassionate, gentle approach that honors both the mind and body’s ability to recover.
If you’re curious about how Somatic Experiencing might support your healing journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to explore this transformative approach.