Somatic Experiencing: Healing Stress & Trauma Through the Wisdom of the Body
In a world that often encourages us to "think our way through things," I’ve found a powerful alternative—Somatic Experiencing (SE). Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE is a body-based approach that heals stress and trauma by listening to the body, rather than overanalyzing the past.
What is Somatic Experiencing?
SE teaches that trauma and stress isn’t just about the events we experience but about how our bodies respond to them. When the body’s natural survival responses—fight, flight, or freeze—aren’t completed, energy gets stuck in the nervous system. This unprocessed energy can lead to anxiety, tension, and emotional overwhelm.
SE helps gently release this stuck energy by guiding the body to complete those natural responses, restoring balance to the nervous system and making space for healing.
How It Works
Rather than focusing on the trauma story, SE encourages awareness of bodily sensations—those subtle feelings, impulses, and movements. With the help of a trained practitioner, we:
Track Sensations in the body
Use Titration to work in small, manageable steps
Engage in Pendulation to build capacity by moving between regulation and dysregulation
Allow Discharge, releasing stuck energy through tremors, breath, or movement
This approach is gentle and respects the body’s natural pace.
Why It Matters
For many, including myself, SE offers a breakthrough when talk therapy feels limiting. By working directly with the nervous system, SE helps us feel more grounded, reduces anxiety, and reconnects us to our bodies. It also improves sleep, digestion, and opens up space for feelings of joy and creativity.
A Return to Wholeness
SE helps us return to safety and trust. For me, it’s been less about fixing what’s broken and more about reconnecting with who I truly am. It’s a slow, gentle journey back to feeling whole again, where healing happens naturally, at our own pace. If you want to know more don’t hesitate to contact me or look at one of the following services: 1 on 1 guidance, group sessions and workshops.
