Somatic Experiencing

This is where change shifts. In your body.

What is Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to trauma and stress recovery developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. It draws from physiology, psychology, neuroscience, ethology, and biological systems to understand how survival responses are held in the nervous system.

Somatic Experiencing works by tracking sensation in the body in small, controlled steps so the nervous system can complete interrupted survival responses safely.

Rather than focusing only on narrative or cognitive processing, we work with:

bodily sensations
impulses toward movement or stillness
nervous system activation and settling
capacity for regulation and grounding

The goal is not to force emotional release. It's to restore nervous system organization and flexibility.

SE is designed to help resolve the physiological impact of overwhelming experiences, not just the cognitive memory of them.

Benefits of SE

Trauma resolution & release

Nervous system & emotional regulation

Improved Resilience

Helpful For

Somatic experiencing may help support

trauma and PTSD responses
anxiety and chronic stress patterns
emotional shutdown or disconnection
difficulty feeling present or grounded
chronic pain or stress-related physical symptoms
early developmental or attachment trauma pattern

What to Expect

This work is paced and capacity-based.

We do not push into overwhelm.
We do not force emotional processing.

We work with what your nervous system can tolerate and expand that capacity over time.

The focus is on increasing regulation, stability, and internal safety so that change can hold.

Session Structure

SE is offered in:

Standard individual therapy sessions
Extended 90-minute sessions for deeper processing
Intensive therapy programs for accelerated work

All work is individualized based on nervous system readiness and clinical fit.

Credentials & Support

Our team includes a Beginning Level III Somatic Experiencing practitioner in training. We integrate SE principles into trauma-focused clinical practice. This approach helps clients process and heal from trauma, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.

For immediate help or crisis support, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.