somatic experiencing
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Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a naturalistic approach to the resolution and healing of trauma developed by Dr. Peter Levine and is supported by research and utilized across 6 continents. It is based upon the observation that wild prey animals, though threatened routinely, are rarely traumatized. Animals in the wild utilize innate mechanisms to regulate and discharge the high levels of energy arousal associated with defensive survival behaviors. These mechanisms provide animals with a built-in “immunity’’ to trauma that enables them to return to normal in the aftermath of highly ‘’charged’’ life-threatening experiences.
This approach looks less about content of events and processing of feelings and emotions and understanding why you think a certain way, aka “Top Down” approach, which is driven by the neocortex and limbic system. Instead, SE focuses on the innate sensations and involuntary defensive movements the body desires to complete in order to release excessive energy. It is in essence, a “Bottom Up” approach which works with the hypothalamus to regulate the involuntary nervous system and survival instincts.
Trauma in my practice is defined as chronic or prolonged nervous system hyperarousal or hypoactivation outside the window of tolerance resulting in difficulty regulating back into the window of tolerance, or dysregulation. Over time, individuals can develop feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or loss of control. An overactive sympathetic or parasympathetic system can produce similar feelings. A chronically dysregulated nervous system can create in one’s body symptoms of:
+ chronic pain
+ chronic anxiety
+ depressive features
+ hyperactivity/inattention
+ chronic fatigue
+ insomnia / restlessness
+ vertigo / disorientation
+ digestive dysfunction
+ emotional and behavioral concerns/changes
+ worsening autoimmune disease
+ fear / phobias
+ autonomic instability
I have come to understand that ultimately, humans move through the world by first sensing in the body (the felt sense) which takes that “information” and relays it back to the hypothalamus which makes decisions about threat versus no threat. The body sensing is what informs the brain to make decisions. In trauma, the body has registered a sensation as threat even if the higher part of the brain, the frontal cortex “knows” there isn’t a threat. This lack of integration results in a disconnection between the mind and the body. The body knows and remembers everything experienced. Our mind sometimes “hides” events from our consciousness as a protective mechanism but the body remains stuck in a loop signaling threat when threat is no longer present. SE reintegrates these sensations in small titrations, often slowly to allow for new neuroception by supporting the experience of large survival energy and then to safely discharge.
I believe that everyone has the innate ability to experience the widening of their window of tolerance and that every body has the capability to reintegrate. Many patients I have worked with do not have a strong sense of embodiement. They do not feel safe. The beauty of SE is I, the practitioner, may serve as a support to the container and provide a relational resource but truly it’s you, the client, directed by your own nervous system and bodily sensations that directs the pathway. There is wisdom in your body and together we can find it to create new possibilities.
SE generally starts out with no touch component and can look similar to a sitting psychotherapeutic model. SE Touch is sometimes employed but that is a decision between myself and the client on appropriateness and comfort. SE sessions are offered in 60 and 90 minutes sessions both virtual and in person.
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