Somatic Experience for Trauma

Somatic Therapy is an approach to healing trauma. A wide variety of techniques are used in somatic psychotherapy including sound, touch, mirroring, movement and breath. The Somatic Experiencing® method is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. Dr. Peter A. Levine, founder of the method, used a physiological, psychological and neurological standpoint and created a successful healing clinical application.

 

 

The SE™ approach releases traumatic shock, which is key to transforming PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma. It can provide effective clinical tools to healing both mental health and substance use disorder related to trauma.

Trauma is the result of a wide variety of situations. The common result, regardless of type, is the impairment of the person’s ability to function with resilience and ease. Over a period of sessions, the aim is to slowly release the stored energy.

 

 

Like other somatic psychology approaches, Somatic Experiencing® is a body first approach to dealing with the problematic (and, oftentimes, physical) symptoms of trauma. The therapy isn’t about reclaiming memories through traditional talk therapy or changing the thoughts and beliefs about how someone feels. The purpose is to look at the sensations underneath the feelings and begin to uncover and discard the unhealthy behavior patterns.