{"id":1231,"date":"2026-07-20T12:11:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T11:11:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/?page_id=1231"},"modified":"2026-07-20T12:12:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T11:12:38","slug":"somatic-experiencing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/?page_id=1231","title":{"rendered":"Somatic Experiencing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Somatic Experiencing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body\u2011focused, trauma\u2011informed therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine over 40 years ago<a href=\"https:\/\/www.taylorfrancis.com\/chapters\/edit\/10.4324\/9781003455851-6\/somatic-experiencing-treatment-trauma-jordan-dann?context=ubx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. It\u2019s based on the understanding that trauma is not the event itself, but the energy that gets locked in your body and nervous system when a threat overwhelms your ability to cope<a href=\"https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/lib\/how-why-somatic-experiencing-works?fbclid=IwAR3Or86OtkKy34lybv1bFPCBsbUmEAXLi-a961ie794gfv9Cg7_wAxV8bxk#1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on thoughts and emotions, SE uses a&nbsp;<strong>&#8220;bottom\u2011up&#8221; approach<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 it starts with the body<a href=\"https:\/\/www.taylorfrancis.com\/chapters\/edit\/10.4324\/9781003455851-6\/somatic-experiencing-treatment-trauma-jordan-dann?context=ubx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. The practitioner gently guides you to notice bodily sensations (like tension, heat, or tightness) rather than re\u2011living the trauma story<a href=\"https:\/\/www.taylorfrancis.com\/chapters\/edit\/10.4324\/9781003455851-6\/somatic-experiencing-treatment-trauma-jordan-dann?context=ubx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacerecoverycenter.com\/somatic-experiencing-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. By tracking these sensations, your nervous system can gradually release the stuck survival energy (fight, flight, or freeze) and return to a state of balance<a href=\"https:\/\/www.somaticexperiencing.com\/somatic-experiencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What it helps with<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SE is used for a wide range of challenges, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Post\u2011traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/somatic-experiencing?slot_pos=2&amp;utm_term=feature&amp;utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=generalhealth&amp;utm_content=2024-10-04&amp;apid=&amp;rvid=42a8805d2005cb17fde0015cb02c4095c615ef2f68b7c13011a0b3151302672b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anxiety and panic attacks<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacerecoverycenter.com\/somatic-experiencing-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic stress and burnout<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attachment wounds<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacerecoverycenter.com\/somatic-experiencing-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacerecoverycenter.com\/somatic-experiencing-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical symptoms with no clear medical cause (chronic pain, tension, gut issues)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacerecoverycenter.com\/somatic-experiencing-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why it\u2019s different<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SE works with the body\u2019s innate wisdom. Animals in the wild routinely shake off life\u2011threatening experiences and don\u2019t develop trauma symptoms \u2013 humans can do the same, but often get stuck<a href=\"https:\/\/www.somaticexperiencing.com\/somatic-experiencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. SE helps complete that natural process<a href=\"https:\/\/www.somaticexperiencing.com\/somatic-experiencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. It\u2019s a gentle, gradual process that builds your tolerance for difficult sensations rather than overwhelming you<a href=\"https:\/\/www.somaticexperiencing.com\/somatic-experiencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/lib\/how-why-somatic-experiencing-works?fbclid=IwAR3Or86OtkKy34lybv1bFPCBsbUmEAXLi-a961ie794gfv9Cg7_wAxV8bxk#1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A note<\/strong>: SE is currently considered a complementary, evidence\u2011emerging approach. It\u2019s not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care, but can be a powerful addition to your healing journey<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/somatic-experiencing?slot_pos=2&amp;utm_term=feature&amp;utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=generalhealth&amp;utm_content=2024-10-04&amp;apid=&amp;rvid=42a8805d2005cb17fde0015cb02c4095c615ef2f68b7c13011a0b3151302672b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How does a typical SE session look like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical Somatic Experiencing (SE) session is a gentle, body-focused process designed to help your nervous system release stuck stress and trauma<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandse.org\/a-somatic-experiencing---session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/enduringheartsomatictherapy.ca\/somatic-experiencing-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. Unlike traditional talk therapy, you won&#8217;t be asked to extensively re-tell your story<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandse.org\/a-somatic-experiencing---session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. The focus is on what&#8217;s happening in your body in the present moment<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandse.org\/a-somatic-experiencing---session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. A session usually lasts about 50 minutes to an hour<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandse.org\/a-somatic-experiencing---session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>&nbsp;and often follows this general flow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Settling In:<\/strong>\u00a0The session starts with time to settle, orient to the space, and discuss what you&#8217;d like to explore<a href=\"https:\/\/enduringheartsomatictherapy.ca\/somatic-experiencing-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. There&#8217;s no pressure to have a plan; it&#8217;s a space to simply be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tracking Sensations:<\/strong>\u00a0Instead of focusing on a story, you&#8217;ll be gently guided to notice your internal, physical sensations (e.g., tension, warmth, tightness, or even an impulse to move)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandse.org\/a-somatic-experiencing---session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. This is called &#8220;tracking,&#8221; and it helps you get to know the language of your nervous system<a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resourcing:<\/strong>\u00a0Your practitioner will help you identify internal &#8220;resources&#8221;\u2014positive memories, feelings of safety, or places in your body that feel calm<a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. These act as anchors you can return to when exploring more challenging sensations, helping you feel grounded and safe<a href=\"https:\/\/enduringheartsomatictherapy.ca\/somatic-experiencing-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pendulation and Titration:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the core of the SE method.\u00a0<strong>Titration<\/strong>\u00a0means exploring difficult sensations in very small, manageable &#8220;bites&#8221; to avoid overwhelm<a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.\u00a0<strong>Pendulation<\/strong>\u00a0is the process of gently moving your awareness back and forth between those challenging sensations and your &#8220;resources&#8221; of safety<a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. This helps the nervous system build tolerance and begin to release stuck energy on its own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discharge and Integration:<\/strong>\u00a0As tension releases, you might experience &#8220;discharge&#8221; like a deep sigh, a yawn, warmth, tingling, or small muscle twitches<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandse.org\/a-somatic-experiencing---session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. This is a sign your nervous system is letting go of stored energy<a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>. The session ends with time to integrate the experience, helping you understand the connection between your physical sensations and your overall well-being<a href=\"https:\/\/kelownatraumatherapy.com\/blog\/somatic-experiencing-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do I have to be in a good physical shape to try SE?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, you don&#8217;t need to be in good physical shape to participate in a Somatic Experiencing (SE) session. SE is an incredibly gentle and adaptable approach. It&#8217;s a practice of internal awareness, not a physical workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It&#8217;s Not a Workout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal of SE is to notice where your body holds tension, fear, or fatigue. Unlike a traditional workout, it&#8217;s not about output or physical exertion. It&#8217;s about cultivating a gentle, slow, and deliberate attention to your physical sensations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It&#8217;s Adaptable to All Bodies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The work is done from a place of comfort and safety. You are always in control and can choose to move or not to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You don&#8217;t need prior experience or a specific level of physical ability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The practitioner will guide you to explore sensations in a way that feels safe and accessible to you, regardless of any physical limitations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The work can be adapted if you have an injury, chronic pain, or other physical conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You\u00a0<em>Do<\/em>\u00a0Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of physical fitness, SE requires:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>An open mind<\/strong>\u00a0and a willingness to reconnect with your body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Readiness for body-based awareness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A sense of safety<\/strong>: The entire process is built on creating a safe environment and moving at your own pace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Somatic Experiencing? Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body\u2011focused, trauma\u2011informed therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine over 40 years ago. It\u2019s based on the understanding that trauma is not the event itself, but the energy that gets locked in your body and nervous system when a threat overwhelms your ability to cope. How it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1076,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1231","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","has-content"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1231"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1232,"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231\/revisions\/1232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1076"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lauradasilvaezequiel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}