Now offering Somatic Healing Services!
What is Somatic Experiencing?
When your body reacts to a stressful or traumatic experience, even without your conscious awareness, your nervous system can send signals to muscles and sensory areas– these reactions can cause the body to store energy or tension in the body, which can remain there until it’s processed or released. Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine, designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma and emotions stored in the body. It focuses on the body’s sensations rather than the “mental story”, using subconscious awareness of physical experiences to release tension. This method encourages clients to tune into their bodily sensations, allowing them to safely and gradually release unresolved stress, trauma, and survival responses. Through Somatic Experiencing, the nervous system can return to a state of balance, promoting emotional resilience, healing, and overall well-being.
The goal is not to erase past traumas or beliefs, because then you may repeat history. We want to create awareness of that trauma and the techniques you can use to detach from it, so that you can show up differently in the world.
What Can You Expect In A Somatic Experiencing Session?
Somatic healing moves through stages of connection and exploration; physical sensation > feeling attached > thought attached > root belief stored. We will begin with titration or pendulation techniques to ensure that we are moving at your preferred speed of integration and refrain from causing any overwhelm or hyper-arousal. Throughout the session we will use grounding techniques to keep you centered and present. Gentle stages of release may be performed through various techniques such as breathwork, micro-movements, self-touch, assisted touch, vocal or creative expression, or guided visualization. Below is a step-by-step example of a session together:
Safety and Trust-Building
The session begins with creating a safe, supportive environment where you feel comfortable to explore your experiences. Trust is a key component in the healing process. We will discuss your window of tolerance, your goals in somatic healing, and your internal/external resources that keep you grounded.Focus on Body Sensations
We will start with a grounding practice and then I will guide you to tune into your bodily sensations, noticing feelings of tension, discomfort, or relaxation. This helps you connect with how trauma or stress is stored in the body and what you are currently feeling in the moment.Slow and Gentle Exploration
The session proceeds at your own pace, with gentle exploration of sensations and emotions. I may invite you to notice changes in your body as you process these experiences.Tracking and Noticing Shifts
You'll be guided to track subtle shifts in your body, emotions, or thoughts. These shifts can help release stored trauma and allow your nervous system to reset. This is a great practice to become familiar with as you are gaining connection and awareness with your body, nervous system, and somatic experience.Grounding Techniques
I will use grounding exercises to help you stay present and connected to your body, especially when difficult emotions or sensations arise.Pacing and Resourcing
You may be encouraged to pause or take breaks when needed, allowing for integration and ensuring the experience doesn’t become overwhelming. I might offer internal/external resources that you prefer, or guided exercises such as breathwork, calming imagery, or physical sensations to anchor you in the present moment.Healing and Releasing Trauma
Within a few sessions we will explore what type of release techniques work best for you. Through the process of gentle awareness and release, your body and mind can begin to process past traumas, promoting emotional healing and balance in the nervous system.Empowerment and Integration
As the session concludes, you’ll discuss any insights, shifts, or changes you noticed. You may be presented with homework to take with you, as the goal is to help you integrate the healing experience into your daily life, with tools to continue your self-awareness and healing outside of sessions. The release may continue over time or it make take many more sessions to release based on your trauma and experience.