”Trauma in an internal straitjacket created when a devastating moment is frozen in time… it disconnects us from ourselves, others, nature and spirit.” Peter Levine, Ph.D.
What is Somatic Experiencing Therapy?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy is a body-oriented therapeutic model that focuses on healing trauma by addressing the physical sensations that arise in the body during traumatic experiences. This therapy was developed by Peter A. Levine, a psychologist with a background in ethology and biology. Peter observed that animals in the wild are able to recover from traumatic experiences by physically shaking off the stress. He believes that humans can also benefit from this natural process. Somatic Experiencing therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can cause a deregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to a range of trauma symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Based on the innate survival instincts that are hardwired into the human body, SE recognizes that within all of us there is the impulse to run, fight or immobilize (freeze) ourselves in the face of danger. We have all felt this way when faced with something scary, overwhelming, or threatening to our or our loved one’s well-being. We become more alert, our heart pounds, and a surge of energy courses through our body. Our vision narrows and our body reacts without thought or intention.
“The very structure of trauma, including hyperarousal, dissociation, and freezing, is based on the evolution of the predator/prey survival behaviors. Trauma symptoms are the result of highly activated incomplete biological response to threat frozen in time. By supporting this frozen response to thaw, then complete itself, trauma an be renegotiated.” Peter Levine, Ph.D.
Following this surge of adrenaline, it takes time for our body and mind to process what happened. There is a specific sequence that our nervous system needs to follow to relax, release energy, and calm down. When this sequence is not allowed to move through our body, it becomes stuck, leaving our survival system “on.”
When our survival system is stuck “on,” we continue to function as if there is a constant threat, triggering heightened alertness and focus. We can disconnect from our body and others. Our world shrinks.
SE is a body first approach to deal with the symptoms of anxiety and trauma. Somatic Experiencing therapy focuses on the physical sensations that lie underneath our feelings and helps us pay attention to our behavior patterns that formed because of these feelings.
Somatic Experiencing therapy helps us complete or finish the threat response and release the stored up survival energy in our body, which addresses the root cause of trauma symptoms. This occurs by gently guiding you to develop increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and emotions.
Repeated activation of the relaxation response can reverse sustained problems in the body and mend the internal wear and tear brought on by stress.” Herbert Benson, MD
Somatic Experiencing:
- Teaches us to become aware of our body sensations so we can renegotiate trauma and heal rather than relive or reenact what has happened to us.
- Allows us to move from the fight, flight and freeze energy by focusing on our body responses so the energy is safely experienced and gradually discharged.
- Asks us to break down our stories into small, bite sized pieces so we don’t become overwhelmed and flooded with emotion and physical sensations.
Benefits of Somatic Experiencing
- Relief from traumatic stress and anxiety symptoms
- Increased Resiliency
- Stronger Sense of Self
- Feeling resourced from inside out
- Feeling more at ease in the world
- Having a healthier relationship with your body
Trauma doesn’t have to last forever
Trauma responses and triggers won’t go away on their own. And trauma is in the body as well as the brain; therefore, it needs a body-centered approach. You might have tried therapy before and seen some healing but not all of your symptoms have gone away. Somatic Experiencing therapy will help you renegotiate your trauma and resolve those feelings of disconnection, anxiety and sadness.
Whatever affects your body affects your mind, and whatever impacts your mind lives in your body.
I have learned firsthand the power and beauty of using Somatic Experiencing to help heal from trauma. I know I can help you renegotiate your experiences and find your way back to your true north.
