What is Somatic Experiencing™ (SE)?

I discovered Somatic Experiencing after my body went into convulsions during a shamanic healing workshop. 

In 2007, I was part of a spiritual community learning about the Native American medicine wheel. During one particular workshop, I was working with a beloved teacher around the theme of integrity, leadership, and claiming my voice. After a long day of journeying and processing, I went to bed. In the middle of the night, I awoke to a gripping terror coursing throughout my body. I went to the main altar room to find some support, I laid down next to the fire on the buffalo rug,  to rest and focus on my breathing. It took all of my energy to just stay present with the sensations, the terror, and my breath. I could feel something inside of me whirling, unwinding and coursing through me like an electric river. But it was not a pleasant sensation. It felt wild and out of control. I prayed and asked the Universe for help.  I heard a still voice that encouraged me to go and find some support. And, so I went to find some elder sisters.  

When they opened the door, I remember almost dropping to the ground. The safety of their presence allowed me to shake and convulse for what seemed like an hour, though I had no reference of time. They seemed to know what was happening and so I trusted their love, their gentle holding and their exquisite skills of being with. As my body shook, I was conscious and so I knew I was not having a seizure. But, I also knew something  neurological was happening that I didn’t understand. Eventually, the convulsing stopped. They took me back to bed and tucked me in.  I was grateful for their presence, and I also was so intrigued about what just happened in my nervous system. 

The next morning, I awoke exhausted, but more than anything, I awoke motivated to learn more about what had happened to me. This was a junction in my journey that would lead me to study Peter Levine’s research and method: Somatic Experiencing™.  It initiated my journey to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and Somatic Psychotherapist. 

I started with Peter Levine’s first book, Waking the Tiger, and learned that when animals experience a traumatic event, they allow their bodies to shake off the stress of the trauma. Unfortunately, humans tend to accumulate this stress over time. Peter Levine’s 40 years of research found a way to support the body’s natural ability to process the stress. While animals do it everyday, we humans have forgotten how to slow down enough, to allow the nervous system to integrate and process the stress in the body. We’ve become so accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle that doesn’t afford us the opportunity to slow down and allow our innate intelligence to heal trauma from the inside out.

The buildup of stress and unprocessed traumatic memory, are linked to symptoms of mental illness such post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks and chronic pain.  The relationship between unprocessed trauma and chronic stress impacts our physical and emotional health, as well as our ability to function in the world. Peter Levine advocates thinking of post-traumatic stress disorder as “post traumatic stress injury,” alluding to the fact that the nervous system can recalibrate and heal when given the opportune conditions.

During that shamanic healing workshop, my body was using its natural coping mechanism to process a traumatic memory of terror. I was surrounded by healers that made me feel safe enough to let go. Unfortunately, not all humans will slow down to allow their bodies to let this happen on it’s own. And, because we aren’t aware of the science behind what is happening, sometimes we focus on the discharge rather than the repair. I didn’t understand what was happening to me that night, so a part of me was still fighting the experience. I didn’t get the benefit of the most important piece: the reparative parasympathetic activation that comes after the body stops shaking. 

It’s trendy these days to focus on the release. To let go. To discharge. But what happens after the release? What happens after this release is the most important part of healing; it’s where the real change happens. By working with a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) who can help you track the function of your nervous system in a nuanced way, you can re-calibrate your nervous system in a nourishing, grounding way. 

What is Somatic Experiencing?™ 

Somatic Experiencing™ (SE) is a neurobiological approach to resolve traumatic memory, and symptoms of acute or accumulated stress, post traumatic stress, anxiety disorders and other symptoms of mental illness rooted in nervous system dysregulation.  As a therapeutic method, it promotes optimal nervous system function and well being in mind and body. 

SE™ evolved from Dr. Peter Levine’s studies in animal behavior. that the healthy functioning of our nervous system physiology is directly related to our ability/inability to respond to threat and to mobilize when necessary. If an individual is unable to respond without effectively activating an appropriate response, the orienting and defense mechanisms become physiologically thwarted, resulting in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and/or depression. Furthermore, these processes happen in the autonomic nervous system out of our conscious awareness.  When a person is able to respond effectively, mobilizing the body, trauma does not occur.  And so, “traumatic symptoms are not due to the triggering event, per se,” says Levine, “but occur when we fail to resource and move completely out of immobility after the event”(Levine, 2010).

How is it different from traditional talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy focuses on the verbal processing and cognitive behavioral framework, which can be helpful for some people. However, when working with trauma or accumulated stress,  I work with the client’s neurophysiological responses (sensations) as well as emotions related to the issue, within the client’s  window of tolerance as to not overwhelm or re-traumatize an individual. Verbal processing is unable to get to the root of the traumatic memory, and to fully integrate it.

It’s important to make the distinction that it is not what happened to the individual but how the individual’s nervous system responds in the moment to the memory of the event that is significant to the treatment. 

What to expect in SE Therapy? 

When I work with clients 1:1, I thoroughly assess your nervous system function as it relates to your goals. We collaborate and determine the best strategy. What are your symptoms? How do you want to show up in the world? What obstacles are in your way? We resolve your accumulated stress, traumatic memories, acute stressors and support your nervous system to experience an authentic and grounded presence. And, as a result your symptoms subside, as you learn how to regulate your nervous system.

I help you to change the state of physiology that drives your actions, your choices, your thoughts and ultimately your behavior. When your nervous system becomes more regulated, you have more choice in regard to who you want to be in the world. 

SE is one of the most powerful methods I have found to reduce symptoms of anxiety. If you’re having trouble coping with stress, have frequent headaches, panic attacks, insomnia, and are feel wired or revved up, your nervous system could benefit from Somatic Experiencing™. I’ll help you learn how to regulate your nervous system to reduce your symptoms,to find ways to reduce overwhelm, and learn how to adapt your coping so that you’re able to make choices, in alignment with your values.

If you’re interested in trying out Somatic Experiencing™  in a group setting, join my 8-week class: Somatic Experiencing™ Skills for Anxiety, starting in January, 2022. In a small group, online setting, you’ll learn about SE and put it into practice with exercises you can integrate into your daily life. For registration information, join the waiting list and you’ll receive the information when registration opens.