Peter Levine
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP™) are both innovative, body-oriented psychotherapies designed to address the profound impact of trauma and stress on the mind and body. These therapeutic approaches recognize that trauma is not just stored in the mind but also deeply rooted in the body, influencing our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. By integrating body awareness techniques with traditional therapeutic methods, SE™ and SP™ offer holistic healing strategies that enable individuals to process and release traumatic stress
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is a powerful therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, based on his extensive research into stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics. SE™ is grounded in the understanding that trauma resides in the nervous system rather than in the event itself. This innovative approach focuses on helping individuals renegotiate and discharge the physiological activation associated with trauma, facilitating healing from the inside out.
How SE™ Works
SE™ operates by closely tracking and guiding the client’s bodily sensations, which are often the key to releasing pent-up trauma energy and restoring the body’s natural equilibrium. The process begins with the careful identification of physical sensations that are linked to traumatic memories or experiences. These sensations might include tightness in the chest, a fluttering sensation in the stomach, or tension in the shoulders. By bringing mindful attention to these sensations in a controlled and safe environment, clients can begin to process and integrate their traumatic experiences more effectively.
One of the unique aspects of SE™ is its emphasis on gradual exposure. Rather than delving directly into the traumatic memory, SE™ gently guides clients to experience their physical sensations in small, manageable doses. This method, known as “titration,” allows the nervous system to process the trauma without becoming overwhelmed. Over time, this approach helps to release the stored energy associated with the trauma, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, and dissociation.
Skills Taught in SE™
In addition to the direct therapeutic work, Somatic Experiencing also teaches clients a range of skills that support their ongoing healing and resilience:
The Benefits of SE™
Through the gentle and mindful attention to physical sensations, Somatic Experiencing (SE™) helps clients develop a greater capacity for self-regulation and resilience. As clients learn to process and release stored trauma, they often experience a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress. SE™ not only helps individuals heal from past trauma but also equips them with the tools to navigate future stressors more effectively, leading to a more balanced and empowered life.
Pat Ogden
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP™) was developed by Dr. Pat Ogden and integrates body awareness techniques with traditional psychotherapy approaches to address the physical manifestations of trauma. SP is grounded in the principles of body-oriented and cognitive therapies, emphasizing the use of the body as a resource in the therapeutic process.
SP’s history is rooted in the study of how bodily experiences and movements can help individuals process trauma and emotional pain. The core principles of SP™ include mindfulness of bodily sensations, movement, and posture to uncover and process traumatic memories. SP™ therapists work with clients to develop new physical and emotional responses to trauma, promoting healing through a combination of talk therapy and physical interventions. This approach helps clients access and process deeper layers of trauma that might not be reached through traditional talk therapy alone.
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP™) are both body-oriented therapeutic approaches that emphasize the integration of bodily sensations with emotional processing to heal trauma and stress-related disorders. Both methods recognize the profound connection between the mind and body, utilizing mindfulness and somatic awareness to help clients attune to their physical experiences. SE™ focuses specifically on releasing physical tension and stored energy from trauma, aiming to restore the body’s natural self-regulation abilities. In contrast, SP™ combines traditional talk therapy with body-centered techniques to address trauma, attachment, and developmental issues, providing a more comprehensive framework that includes cognitive and emotional aspects of psychotherapy.
Despite these differences, SE™ and SP™ complement each other well, offering a synergistic approach that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each client for a more holistic and effective healing process. By integrating somatic techniques with traditional psychotherapeutic approaches, both SE™ and SP™ honor the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Whether used as standalone treatments or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities, SE™ and SP™ hold great promise for promoting healing, growth, and transformation in individuals dealing with trauma and related issues.
Tara Brach
My Training and Credentials:
I have completed a comprehensive three-year training program in Somatic Experiencing (SE™), earning my certificate as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP™) on March 1, 2024. Additionally, I have advanced my education in SE™ through Master classes with esteemed SE™ faculty, including Dr. Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing®, and Dr. Kathy Kain, a renowned expert in somatic therapy techniques.
On May 18, 2024, I began my journey into Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP™). As a dedicated student at the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (SPI), I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills in this transformative therapy. Through rigorous coursework, experiential training, and ongoing supervision, I am gaining valuable insights and practical techniques to effectively integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy into my practice.
Suggested SE™Readings:
Suggested SP™Readings:
Suggested SE™ Videos:
To learn more about SE™ or to find a Somatic Experiencing Practitioners (SEP) in your area, please visit TraumaHealing.org. For more information about Sensorimotor Psychotherapy™ (SP™) or to locate Sensorimotor Psychotherapists near you, visit the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (SPI).
Papua New Guinea Proverb
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