Somatic Experiencing (SE)
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness. Somatic Experiencing helps individuals safely process and release this held trauma, restoring balance and resilience to the nervous system.” — Dr. Peter A. Levine
What is Somatic Psychotherapy?
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Developed by Peter A. Levine
Trauma is a deeply upsetting and often overwhelming experience that can have lasting effects on our mind, body, and emotions. While traditional talk therapy can be helpful in processing trauma, it may not be enough to address the physical symptoms that can accompany it.
Somatic Experiencing is a mind-body approach to trauma recovery that can help to address both the physical and emotional reactions that may result from a traumatic event. This type of therapy focuses on the regulation of the body’s nervous system in order to help the individual to feel safer and more grounded.
Core Principles of Somatic Experiencing
Biological Basis of Trauma: Somatic Experiencing is grounded in the understanding that trauma is stored in the body’s nervous system. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, the body’s natural fight, flight, or freeze responses can become dysregulated, leading to persistent symptoms of trauma.
Gradual Unwinding: SE employs a gradual approach to healing, allowing individuals to safely and incrementally process traumatic memories. This slow pace helps prevent re-traumatization and supports the nervous system’s natural ability to restore balance.
Resourcing and Grounding: SE emphasizes the development of internal and external resources that provide a sense of safety and stability. Techniques such as grounding exercises and mindfulness are used to help individuals stay present and connected to their bodies.
Techniques and Interventions
Somatic Experiencing utilizes a variety of techniques to help individuals process and release trauma:
Tracking Sensations: Clients are encouraged to become aware of and track their bodily sensations, which can reveal how trauma is held in the body. This process helps to release trapped energy and promote healing.
Pendulation: This technique involves moving between states of comfort and discomfort, helping clients to titrate their experiences and avoid overwhelming sensations. Pendulation supports the gradual release of traumatic energy.
Completion of Defensive Responses: SE helps clients to complete the natural defensive responses (fight, flight, freeze) that were interrupted during the traumatic event. This can lead to a resolution of trauma symptoms.
This mind-body approach to healing from trauma is based on the idea that a traumatic event makes a person’s autonomic nervous system unstable, which stops the brain from processing the painful experience. Unresolved trauma can lead to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, as well as physical symptoms like chronic pain, digestive issues, breathing problems, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, and more.
We provide secure online and in-person Somatic Psychotherapy throughout Vancouver and BC. To request a 15-minute complimentary consultation with one of our therapists, please email info@lotustherapy.ca. You can book your first session here:
Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre's Approach
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We take great care in selecting the therapists we hire and only bring on those who embody our values of compassion, curiosity, and openness. We believe that these qualities are essential to creating an environment where our clients can feel safe and supported as they navigate their mental health journey.
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Why Choose Lotus Therapy?
Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre provides compassionate, trauma-informed care through holistic, evidence-based practices in an inclusive environment, offering flexible scheduling and low-cost options to ensure accessible, quality mental health support.
Compassionate Care in a Safe Space
At Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre, our highly skilled clinicians provide a safe, inclusive space where compassion and connection foster profound healing and personal growth.
Holistic, Trauma-Informed Approach
We utilize a holistic, trauma-informed approach, integrating mind, body, and nervous system techniques to address core issues and unlock your potential.
Flexible and Accessible Quality Service
Committed to accessible care, we offer flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends, and low-cost options without compromising our evidence-based, quality service.
References: Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”