MY OFFERINGS
Somatic Experiencing
(SE) is a gentle body-based therapy that releases trauma trapped in the body, resolving symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma by focusing on internal sensations. It helps individuals recover from dysregulated nervous system patterns, such as fight, flight, or freeze, and addresses issues like anxiety, stress, shame, and musculoskeletal problems.
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
SE is a powerful yet gentle body based approach to therapy which works on releasing trauma that may have become trapped in the body, it helps to resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma which can accumulate in our body and nervous system. When are nervous system is dysregulated we can become stuck in patterns of fight/flight or freeze, this modality helps us to release, recover, and become more resilient.
We work to modify the trauma-related stress response through listening to the body so the attention is directed towards internal sensations, rather than from the mind.
Trauma presents itself in life in ways such as: anxiety, stress, shame, muscular skeletal issues & overall difficulty in connecting to life & others.
It is based on the life work of Peter Levine.
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness."
Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing — Quote Source
What does a session look like?
Sessions are usually done sitting, although the importance of a clients needs mean that whatever position feels best for them is the best position to be in for the session. For example: lying down or sitting on the floor.
One of the ways SE works is for the client to focus on feelings in the body or tracking sensations within the body as they arise moment to moment, this can allow for unresolved life experiences to find their way to completion through the nervous system. With the support of the witness or practitioner, past experiences are unwound and gently released. The client is always in control of their experience as they are the only person who can really know themselves & their body, SE facilitates self regulation in the body & lasting effects in the Nervous System.
One of the pillows of SE is to prevent re-traumatisation, so not going back into the story’ of the traumatic event & re-traumatising is so important.
SE Touch Work:
Touch work is used from time to time & only after some time when the client feels connection & trust with the practitioner & so consents.
Touch work means the practitioner places gentle touch on the body but always only within the consent, guidance & comfort of the client.
The Benefits of Somatic Experiencing:
Improves regulation of the nervous system
Reduces symptoms associated with trauma
Enhances resilience and self-awareness
Enhances emotional regulation
