Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Where did SE come from?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) was developed by its founder Dr. Peter Levine as a short-term, naturalistic approach to resolving trauma. It is rooted in the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological issue but a physical one, rooted in the nervous system.
SE’s foundational premise emphasises the importance of addressing the body’s autonomic nervous system in order to effectively work with trauma. Over time SE has been adapted and expanded to address a wider range of challenges. When blended with other therapeutic relational models it is an essential element in the treatment of long-term, complex trauma.
How does trauma affect us?
Traumatic events often trigger survival responses such as flight, fight, freeze, to name a few. These reactions are deeply embedded in the biology of mammals. In animals, these responses are typically resolved within their natural environment. For humans, the situation can be more complicated.
When humans experience overwhelming ongoing stress or a perceived threat to their wellbeing, the body’s natural and necessary survival responses can become trapped or unresolved. The emotions and impulses that arise in response to threats, such as fear, powerlessness, or the urge to act may remain present in the nervous system long after the traumatic event. This unresolved trauma keeps the nervous system in a state of heightened activation (overcharged) or immobility (collapsed).
When the body is unable to complete the natural survival responses, trauma can become embedded in the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, hyperarousal, dissociation, or other forms of dysregulation.
How does SE help?
The SE approach helps individuals resolve these stuck states by gently guiding them to reconnect with and release these physiological responses. This allows the body to return to a state of increased balance and promotes emotional healing. Through this process, Somatic Experiencing helps individuals move through trauma responses and its associated stress, leading to greater resilience, wellbeing, and a return to a more adaptive, regulated state.