Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing Exercises
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented modality used by several of our clinicians to support their clients to heal from trauma and other stress-related conditions. It is based on a multidisciplinary intersection of physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics and is Dr. Peter A. Levine’s life’s work. SE works to release traumatic shock, which is key to transforming Post Traumatic Stress and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma. It provides a framework to assess where a person is “stuck” in fight, flight or freeze responses as well as tools to resolve these fixated physiological states.
SE recognizes that trauma not only affects our minds but also gets stored in our bodies. Imagine you’re in a car accident. Your body goes through a sudden and intense shock, and your nervous system gets overwhelmed. Afterward, you might notice that you’re jumpy, have trouble sleeping, or experience anxiety when you’re near cars. These physical and emotional reactions are signs that your body is still holding onto the traumatic experience.
Somatic Experiencing works by gently guiding you to pay attention to not only your thoughts and emotions, but also the sensations and movements of your body. The goal is to help you release the trapped energy and tension that resulted from the trauma. Your therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your bodily sensations and slowly reconnect with your body.
As you become more attuned to your body’s sensations, your therapist helps you navigate any overwhelming or distressing experiences that arise. They guide you through slow and gentle movements or suggest grounding techniques to help you feel more present and in control.
By working with your body’s natural healing abilities, Somatic Experiencing helps you gradually shift, deactivate and discharge the energy and emotions stored in your body from the traumatic event. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, tension, shutdown and intrusive thoughts. SE is also well suited for those who suffer from chronic pain or illness, especially in those individuals who also have a history of a difficult childhood. By releasing the unmetabolized shock of traumatic energy, you can finally find relief and move towards a healthier, more balanced state of being.
Somatic Experiencing Exercises at HeartMind Resiliency offer a profound path to healing and well-being. Our therapists are trained in this powerful modality, which focuses on the connection between the body and mind. We understand that unresolved trauma and stress can become trapped within the body, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms.
Through somatic experiencing exercises, we guide you in reconnecting with your body’s innate wisdom. This approach encourages the release of stored tension, allowing the nervous system to regain balance and vitality. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or chronic pain, our therapists are skilled in helping you address and transform these challenges.
Our therapists create a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your body’s sensations and responses without judgment. By gently guiding you through somatic exercises, we facilitate the process of renegotiating past traumatic experiences. This can lead to a profound sense of relief, increased emotional resilience, and a more harmonious relationship between your body and mind.
At HeartMind Resiliency, we believe in the potential for deep healing and transformation through somatic experiencing exercises. We are committed to helping you on your journey towards a life that is free from the constraints of past trauma and filled with greater well-being, vitality, and self-awareness.
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