THUNDERBLUM PSYCHOTHERAPY
Somatic Experiencing Therapy
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by psychologist Dr. Peter A. Levine, designed to address and heal the effects of trauma. Unlike traditional therapies that primarily focus on cognitive and verbal processing, SE recognizes trauma as a physiological and nervous system response rather than solely a psychological phenomenon. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body, aiming to restore balance and promote resilience by engaging the body's innate capacity to heal itself.
​
At the core of Somatic Experiencing is the understanding that trauma manifests in the body through physical sensations, rather than being solely a product of thoughts and emotions. Through a gentle and supportive process, SE helps individuals develop a greater awareness of their bodily sensations and track the physiological manifestations of trauma.
​Somatic Therapy’s Key Principles
Key principles and techniques a Somatic Experiencing therapist practices are:
-
Tracking Sensations: SE therapists guide clients to become more attuned to their bodily sensations, helping them develop a deeper awareness of how trauma manifests physically. This increased sensitivity allows individuals to explore and gradually engage with their physiological responses in a safe and supported environment.
-
Pendulation: Trauma survivors often experience alternating states of hyperarousal (fight-or-flight) and hypoarousal (freeze response). Somatic Experiencing facilitates the process of pendulation, enabling individuals to navigate these pendulum swings between activation and relaxation. By gradually expanding their window of tolerance, individuals can regain a sense of safety and empowerment.
-
Titration: The approach of titration emphasizes proceeding gradually and incrementally when exploring traumatic experiences. Therapists help clients navigate the edges of their emotional and physical experiences, ensuring that the healing process remains manageable and safe.
-
Completion of Unfinished Trauma Responses: Traumatic events can disrupt the body's natural instinctual responses, leaving individuals stuck in patterns of unresolved activation. Somatic Experiencing supports clients in safely completing these incomplete responses, allowing the body to discharge held energy and restore a sense of completion and resolution.
Benefits of Exploring Somatic Experiencing with a Therapist
Somatic Experiencing therapy offers several benefits. It provides an opportunity to heal trauma at its root, by addressing the physiological imprints of distress. Through increased awareness of bodily sensations and the development of self-regulation skills, individuals gain resilience and coping strategies to navigate stress and future challenges. By honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, SE promotes holistic integration, leading to a sense of wholeness and well-being.
​
In summary, Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic approach that recognizes trauma as a physiological response and aims to restore balance and resilience by engaging the body's natural healing capacity. With a somatic experiencing therapist focusing on bodily sensations, tracking physiological manifestations, and completing unfinished trauma responses, individuals can heal at a deep level and regain a sense of safety, empowerment, and wholeness.