Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a revolutionary new approach to healing trauma. Developed by Peter Levine, SE is designed to help people release the energy that has become trapped in the body as a result of a traumatic experience. Trauma can have a devastating effect on our lives, and it is not always easy to seek help. If you are struggling with trauma, SE may be the right choice for you. In this blog post, we will discuss what somatic experiencing therapy is and how it can help you heal from trauma.
Contents
Defining Somatic Experiencing Therapy
Let us begin by breaking up the term “somatic experiencing.” The word “somatic” refers to the body, while “experiencing” refers to the process of making meaning out of an event. SE is a way of working with the body to release the energy that has become trapped as a result of a traumatic experience.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a revolutionary approach to healing trauma that has helped countless people find relief from the debilitating effects of trauma. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE is a gentle, effective way to release the energy that has become trapped in the body after a traumatic event.
When combined with therapy, somatic experiencing can be an incredibly powerful tool for healing. The goal of SE is to help people regulate their nervous system so that they can process and release the energy that has become trapped in their bodies.
This is a very dynamic and recently developed field, and there is still much research to be done. However, the results that have been achieved so far are very promising. It has a high success rate and has helped many people who have been struggling with trauma for years.
How Somatic Experiencing Works
How Does It Work?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what SE is, let us take a look at how it works. The first step is to identify the places in the body where the energy is trapped. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as muscle testing, palpation, or simply by paying attention to where the body feels tight or constricted.
Once the areas of trapped energy have been identified, the next step is to release that energy. This is done through a process of gentle stimulation and release. The goal is not to relive the trauma, but to release the energy that has become trapped in the body.
As the energy is released, it is important to focus on the present moment and on the sensations in the body. This helps to ground the person in their body and prevent them from getting overwhelmed by the experience.
Furthermore, SE is a very gentle approach. It is not designed to be traumatic or overwhelming. The focus is on releasing the energy that has become trapped in the body, not on reliving the trauma itself.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Experiencing?
SE can be beneficial for anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. This includes events such as car accidents, natural disasters, sexual assault, and combat. It can also be helpful for people who have experienced more subtle forms of trauma, such as emotional abuse or neglect.
If you are struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, SE may be the right choice for you. It is a gentle and effective way to release the energy that has become trapped in your body. With SE, you can begin to heal the wounds of trauma and live a fuller, more joyful life.
What to Expect from Somatic Experiencing Therapy
When you begin SE therapy, your therapist will ask about your history and what brings you to therapy. They will then assess your current level of functioning and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
SE therapy is typically done on a weekly basis, and each session lasts for 50 minutes. The number of sessions you will need depends on your individual needs and goals.
During SE sessions, your therapist will help you to identify the places in your body where the energy is trapped. They will then work with you to release that energy through a process of gentle stimulation and release.
As you progress in therapy, you will likely find that your symptoms begin to improve. You may feel more relaxed and at ease in your body. You may also find that your relationships begin to improve as you heal the wounds of trauma.
Benefits
From the above, the very obvious benefit is that it helps people to heal from trauma. However, there are many other benefits as well.
- SE can help to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It can also help to improve sleep, concentration, and energy levels. In addition, SE has been shown to improve relationships and social functioning.
- SE is a powerful tool for healing trauma. If you are struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, SE may be the right choice for you. With SE, you can begin to heal the wounds of trauma and live a fuller, more joyful life.
- Moreover, it is a natural, drug-free approach that can be used in conjunction with other therapies.
If you are interested in exploring SE, please reach out to a qualified practitioner in your area.
Drawbacks
Just like with any other type of therapy, SE also has its own drawbacks.
- The main concern with SE is that it may not be suitable for everyone. It is a very gentle approach and may not be appropriate for people who have experienced severe trauma. In addition, SE requires a commitment to weekly sessions, which may not be possible for some people.
- Another concern is that SE practitioners are not regulated by a professional body. This means that anyone can call themselves an SE practitioner, regardless of their qualifications.
- Moreover, the lack of regulation means that there is no standard format for SE sessions. This can make it difficult to know what to expect from therapy.
- Finally, SE is not covered by most insurance plans, which can make it difficult to afford.
Despite the drawbacks, SE is a powerful tool for healing trauma. If you are struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, SE may be a beneficial approach for you.
Things To Consider
If you do decide to go ahead with SE, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- First, it is important to find a qualified practitioner. Look for someone who has received training from the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute (SETI).
- Second, be sure to ask about the format of SE sessions. You should know what to expect before you begin therapy.
- Third, be aware that SE is not covered by most insurance plans. This means you will likely need to pay for therapy out of pocket.
- Finally, keep in mind that SE is a commitment. It typically requires weekly sessions for several months.
If you are interested in exploring SE, reach out to a qualified practitioner for guidance.
Conclusion
In the end, we can conclude that somatic experiencing therapy is a powerful tool for healing trauma. It is a natural, drug-free approach that can be used in conjunction with other therapies.
If you are struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, SE may be the right choice for you. With SE, you can begin to heal the wounds of trauma and live a fuller, more joyful life.
If you or someone you know is looking for psychological help, Therapy Mantra is here for you. We are the leading providers of online therapy and counseling. Our team of highly trained and experienced therapists can provide assistance at the most affordable rates. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You may also visit our website to book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app for more information.
