Somatic Experiencing
You can spend years talking in traditional therapy, or you can engage in therapy that incorporates the wisdom of the body. Somatic experiencing (SE), a specific approach to somatic therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine, is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can lead to dysfunction in your nervous system, which can keep you from fully processing the experience.
The goal of SE is to help you notice bodily sensations stemming from mental health issues and use this awareness to acknowledge and work through painful or distressing sensations.
More helpful information about somatic experiencing…
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine to address symptoms of trauma and stress-related disorders. It is based on the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological phenomenon but also a physiological one, involving dysregulation of the nervous system. Somatic Experiencing aims to help individuals renegotiate and heal from traumatic experiences by focusing on bodily sensations and the body's innate capacity for self-regulation.
Here are some key principles and techniques of Somatic Experiencing:
Polyvagal Theory: Somatic Experiencing is informed by Polyvagal Theory, which describes the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in response to stress and trauma. The ANS has three branches: the ventral vagal complex (associated with social engagement and safety), the sympathetic nervous system (associated with fight-or-flight responses), and the dorsal vagal complex (associated with immobilization and shutdown). SE aims to help individuals regulate their nervous system activity and move out of states of sympathetic arousal or dorsal vagal shutdown.
Titration: SE uses the principle of titration, which involves gently exploring traumatic experiences in small, manageable doses. Rather than overwhelming the client with intense emotions or sensations, the therapist helps the client approach the trauma gradually, paying attention to bodily sensations and regulating arousal levels as needed.
Pendulation: Pendulation involves moving back and forth between sensations of safety and sensations of threat or discomfort. By oscillating between these states, clients can develop a greater capacity to tolerate distress and regulate their nervous system responses.
Tracking Sensations: Therapists using SE help clients become more attuned to bodily sensations and physical cues. Clients learn to notice sensations such as tension, warmth, tingling, or movement, which can provide valuable information about the body's responses to stress and trauma.
Grounding Techniques: SE includes grounding techniques to help clients feel more present and connected to their bodies. These techniques may involve focusing on the breath, noticing points of contact with the ground or surroundings, or engaging in gentle movements or self-soothing gestures.
Resourcing: Resourcing involves identifying and cultivating internal and external resources that can support the healing process. These resources may include strengths, positive memories, supportive relationships, or grounding activities that help clients feel safe and regulated.
Trauma Completion: Through SE, clients have the opportunity to renegotiate traumatic experiences and complete interrupted physiological responses. By gradually accessing and discharging stored energy associated with the trauma, clients can move toward resolution and integration of the experience.
Somatic Experiencing is typically conducted in individual therapy sessions, although it can also be adapted for use in group settings or combined with other therapeutic approaches. It is used to treat a wide range of trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and somatic symptoms. SE emphasizes the body's innate capacity for healing and resilience, offering clients a pathway to greater well-being and empowerment.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.