Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and stress-related disorders. It was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, who noticed that wild animals recover naturally from life-threatening experiences, and believed humans could too—if they could reconnect with their innate, body-based healing abilities.
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing is based on the fact that trauma is stored in the body—not just the mind. When a traumatic event occurs, the nervous system can become overwhelmed and "stuck" in survival modes (fight, flight, freeze). SE helps release this trapped energy, allowing the nervous system to return to regulation and balance.
Rather than focusing on the traumatic event itself, SE focus is on:
- Tracking physical sensations.
- Regulating the nervous system.
- Restoring the body’s natural rhythm.
- Discharging survival energy.
What are the potential benefits?
Somatic Experiencing can be beneficial in the treatment of:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Chronic pain and tension
- Grief and emotional overwhelm
- Developmental trauma (including early attachment wounds)
- This list is not exhaustive
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced trauma symptoms
- Better emotional regulation
- Improved body awareness and sense of safety
- Lower anxiety and stress
- Fewer physical symptoms (e.g., tension, fatigue)
- Increased resilience and vitality
- A greater sense of personal safety.