Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine to treat trauma and stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on the body’s natural responses to trauma and aims to resolve symptoms of stress by helping individuals tune into their bodily sensations—such as interoception, proprioception, and kinesthesia—instead of focusing solely on thoughts or emotions. SE works by facilitating the release of traumatic energy stored in the body, helping the nervous system complete self-protective responses that may have been disrupted during traumatic events, such as fight, flight, or freeze reactions. This release helps reduce the trauma-related stress response and promotes healing, resilience, and self-regulation. SE is used by a variety of practitioners, including mental health professionals, physical therapists, and bodywork specialists, across different settings.

Key Characteristics of Somatic Experiencing

  • Focuses on bodily sensations and physical responses rather than cognitive or emotional processing alone.
  • Uses a “bottom-up” approach, starting with body awareness and moving towards processing trauma.
  • Helps complete the natural physiological responses to trauma, such as shaking or trembling, which release stored energy.
  • Aims to restore the nervous system to a balanced state by addressing fight, flight, or freeze patterns.
  • Applicable for PTSD, developmental trauma, somatic symptom disorder, and other stress-related conditions.
  • Rooted in interdisciplinary knowledge including neuroscience, physiology, psychology, and indigenous healing practices.

How It Works

The therapist guides clients to increase tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions, facilitating the completion of disrupted survival responses. By restoring this natural process the trauma-related symptoms diminish, and nervous system regulation is achieved, leading to greater emotional and physical well-being.

Somatic Experiencing is widely recognized as an effective therapy for trauma and is used by many trained practitioners both domestically and internationally.

Would you like some help using Somatic Experiencing?  Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation. Click here or call (602) 492-6507.