What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing is a unique method that addresses healing and the resolution of trauma. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine (/Waking the Tiger-- Healing Trauma/), SE hypothesizes that animals in their natural habitat, although often threatened, are rarely traumatized in a way that symptoms persist over time. Animals instead utilize innate survival mechanisms to regulate and discharge high levels of "arousal" behaviors rather quickly. In humans, our innate survival mechanisms of flight, fight or freezing are our reptilian ("old") brain's response to trauma.

In the face of shock, our instinctual defense systems are quickly mobilized, but in many cases they are insufficient to deal with the traumatic event (past or present). Instead many people feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Somatic Experiencing attempts to help the nervous system re-regulate itself by encouraging the development of an equal and opposite force to counter traumatic body sensations. SE elicits the natural rhythm between our "trauma self" and our "healing self" where real transformation is possible.

SE encourages and utilizes awareness of sensations in the body to help people "renegotiate" and heal their trauma. Through this perspective, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be seen as unhealed trauma, locked in the body, over time. Rather than catharsis or reenactment, which in some instances may cause re-traumatization and re-arousal of intense emotional states, SE works to integrate powerful energies at the speed and level that each individual can safely assimilate within his/her own nervous system. (Please consult Dr. Levine's website: www.traumahealing.com for further information and articles about SE).

Who Can Benefit from SE?
Individuals who have experienced trauma or shock through accidents, surgeries, prolonged illnesses, natural disasters, war, terrorism, torture, rape, emotional and domestic abuse, and early childhood neglect. SE also can help those who continue to suffer ongoing body symptoms due to previous traumas.

Somatic Experiencing Intensives Available in Sedona, Arizona