Somatic Experiencing Therapy: Follow the speed of body

The Somatic Experiencing® method is a powerful therapeutic approach that focuses on the body's innate ability to heal and restore balance. It was developed by Peter A. Levine, PhD. Grounded in the understanding that traumatic experiences can get trapped in the body, Somatic experiencing emphasizes the importance of tuning into bodily sensations and following the body's natural rhythm. It aims to renegotiate and discharge the energy stored in the body, allowing individuals to resolve trauma and restore a sense of safety and resilience.

Principles of Somatic Experiencing

Body Sensation Awareness:

Somatic experiencing emphasizes the importance of attuning to bodily sensations as a means of accessing the wisdom and intelligence of the body. By developing awareness of sensations, individuals can uncover the unresolved energy associated with traumatic experiences.

Pendulation:

Somatic experiencing recognizes the natural oscillation between activation and relaxation in the nervous system. Through the process of pendulation, individuals learn to regulate their nervous system by gradually titrating and alternating between activation and relaxation, allowing for the safe and gradual release of trauma-related energy.

Tracking and Resourcing:

Tracking involves noticing and following the subtle shifts in bodily sensations and internal experiences. Resourcing refers to accessing internal and external supports, such as positive memories, strengths, and grounding techniques, to provide a sense of safety and stabilization during the therapeutic process.

A human head and a woman standing in the middle

Benefits of Somatic Experiencing

Trauma Resolution:

Somatic experiencing supports the resolution of traumatic experiences by facilitating the release of trapped energy and restoring the body's natural self-regulation mechanisms. It can help individuals process and integrate overwhelming experiences, reducing symptoms associated with trauma, such as flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance.

Increased Resilience:

By promoting the release of trauma-related energy and restoring the body's capacity for self-regulation, somatic experiencing enhances an individual's resilience and ability to cope with stress. It fosters a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy in navigating life's challenges.

Physical and Emotional Well-being:

Somatic experiencing therapy addresses the mind-body connection, benefiting both physical and emotional well-being. By resolving trauma and reducing the physiological and psychological impact of stress, SE can improve sleep, energy levels, emotional stability, and overall quality of life.

Self-Awareness and Personal Growth:

Somatic experiencing cultivates self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection. Through the process of tracking bodily sensations, individuals develop a greater sense of self and can access their own inner resources for healing and personal growth.

Somatic Experiencing therapy offers a profound approach to healing trauma by honoring the body's innate wisdom and capacity for self-regulation. By following the speed of the body, individuals can safely process and release trapped energy, allowing for the resolution of traumatic experiences and the restoration of well-being. Somatic Experiencing Therapy offers a pathway to increased resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth, empowering individuals to live more embodied, authentic, and fulfilling lives.