Introduction to Somatic Experiencing
“Traumatic symptoms are not caused by the event itself. They arise when residual energy from the experience is not discharged from the body. This energy remains trapped in the nervous system, where it can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds.” – Dr. Peter Levine
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-focused therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine to help individuals release trauma stored in the body. As emphasized in the quote above, SE operates on the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological issue but also a physiological one. It impacts the nervous system and can manifest as physical tension, fatigue, emotional dysregulation, chronic pain, or sleep disturbances.
SE focuses on bodily sensations, utilizing techniques that help clients become more aware of these experiences to process and release trapped trauma. The core principle of Somatic Experiencing is that the body holds onto trauma when the natural fight-or-flight response is interrupted, leaving the nervous system stuck in a state of hyperarousal or freeze. SE helps individuals reconnect with their physical sensations in a safe, controlled manner, allowing the body to engage its innate healing capacity. The goal is not to relive or rehash traumatic memories but to enable the body to complete the defensive response that was interrupted at the time of the traumatic event.
Who is the Treatment Suitable For?
Somatic Experiencing benefits anyone who has experienced trauma, particularly those who feel traditional talk therapies have not fully addressed the body-based aspects of their trauma. SE can be especially helpful for:
1. Individuals with PTSD or Complex Trauma
SE is beneficial for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma, including those who have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing stressful environments.
2. Individuals with Somatic Symptoms of Trauma
SE is particularly effective for those experiencing physical symptoms related to unresolved trauma, such as chronic pain, tension, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or fatigue. These are often physical manifestations of unprocessed emotional or psychological trauma.
3. Individuals with Emotional Dysregulation
SE helps individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation due to trauma. Since trauma often disrupts the nervous system, SE works to restore balance and emotional stability.
What Happens in an SE Session?
Somatic Experiencing sessions focus on body awareness and the physical sensations associated with trauma. The process typically unfolds in the following stages:
1. Building Safety and Trust
The therapist creates a safe environment and establishes a trusting relationship with the client. This is crucial, as SE requires the client to feel safe in their body to process trauma effectively.
2. Body Awareness
The therapist helps the client tune into their bodily sensations. Through mindful attention to physical sensations such as tension, heat, or tightness, the client learns to identify areas where trauma is stored in the body.
3. Tracking Sensations
The therapist guides the client in tracking bodily sensations, noticing what arises throughout the session. By focusing on these sensations without judgment, the body can begin to release them gradually.
4. Pendulation and Titration
- Pendulation involves moving between states of discomfort and relief, allowing the client to process difficult emotions or sensations in manageable doses.
- Titration works with small fragments of trauma at a time, preventing the system from becoming overwhelmed by painful memories or sensations.
5. Completion of the Trauma Response
Trauma often causes the body to remain stuck in a fight-or-flight or freeze response. SE helps complete these responses, allowing the client to return to a state of calm and equilibrium. Through this process, the body can release tension and reestablish a sense of safety.
Throughout therapy, clients progress at their own pace, guided by the therapist in a way that respects their nervous system’s capacity to process and heal.
Evidence for the Efficacy of Somatic Experiencing
While Somatic Experiencing is a relatively newer approach to trauma treatment, growing evidence supports its effectiveness. Research and clinical outcomes indicate that SE can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, as well as affective and somatic symptoms (Brom, Stokar, Lawi, Nuriel‐Porat, Ziv, Lerner, & Ross, 2017; Kuhfuß, Maldei, Hetmanek, & Baumann, 2021).
Although further research is needed to establish SE’s long-term efficacy, the positive outcomes reported by therapists and clients suggest that this body-based approach is a valuable addition to trauma therapy.
Conclusion
While talk therapy is beneficial for processing trauma, many clients find that their physiological responses to triggers persist, even when they consciously understand they are safe. This suggests that combining body-based approaches with cognitive processing may offer significant advantages in trauma healing.
References:
- Brom, D., Stokar, Y., Lawi, C., Nuriel-Porat, V., Ziv, Y., Lerner, K., & Ross, G. (2017). Somatic Experiencing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Outcome Study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3), 304–312. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22189
- Kuhfuß, M., Maldei, T., Hetmanek, A., & Baumann, N. (2021). Somatic Experiencing – Effectiveness and Key Factors of a Body-Oriented Trauma Therapy: A Scoping Literature Review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1929023. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023
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