Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine that focuses on the connection between the body and mind in processing trauma

It is based upon the idea that trauma is not just stored in the mind but also in the body

When someone experiences a traumatic event, their nervous system can become "stuck" in a state of hyperarousal or shutdown

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Somatic Experiencing sessions aim to help individuals release this trapped energy and restore balance to their nervous system

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The core principle of SE is that the body has a natural ability to heal itself, and by tuning into physical sensations, movements, and subtle shifts in the body, people can gradually resolve trauma over time

The therapist guides the person through this process, helping them become more aware of bodily sensations and helping them gently discharge any stored tension or trauma without re-traumatizing them

SE involves techniques like:

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TRACKING SENSATIONS

Paying attention to physical feelings in the body, such as tightness, heat, or pressure

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PENDULATION

Moving between states of discomfort (where trauma might be stored) and states of comfort or safety, gradually allowing the person to integrate the trauma

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TITRATION

Taking small steps to process the trauma in manageable pieces,

rather than overwhelming the system with too much at once

Somatic Experiencing is often used to treat PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions related to trauma, but it can also help with general stress and emotional difficulties

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The process is gentle, non-invasive, and focuses on creating safety and regulation in the body​​​​

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Somatic coaching can be supportive in finding your way through:

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Deeper connection to your Body, Feelings and Sexuality

Chronic stress and Anxiety

Depression

Grief

Addiction

Unresolved Trauma

Relationship problems​

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As a qualified somatic sexologist, I especially welcome those with past experiences of difficulties or distress related to sexual issues, boundary violation and touch without consent

Sessions are given online over google meets​

Please be sure to allow yourself to be seen on the screen while seated,

with your feet touching the floor/ground

If you like to prepare a glass of water, tissues and anything that gives you comfort such as a cozy blanket, please do so

An online Somatic Experiencing (SE) session is slightly different from an in-person one, but can be highly effective since the focus is on your body's sensations and your nervous system's response to stress or trauma, and the virtual format typically adapts in ways that keep you feeling safe and supported in your home space

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+ Online sessions are a great way to access SE if you don’t live near a practitioner or if you feel safer in a familiar environment

+ Since SE doesn’t require touch, online sessions can still be effective, focusing purely on verbal guidance, body awareness and breath​

+ Being in your own space can help you feel more comfortable and open to the process

We begin by creating a safe space for you so that you feel held within your environment

Its best to be in a quiet and comfortable place where you can feel relaxed and focused, offering enough privacy for your process

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After orienting to the space around you, we then look to identify and recognize resources, which you can read more about below

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Somatic Experiencing focuses on the body, and it's sensations

I will then guide you to become more aware of how you're feeling physically—whether that's a tightness in your chest, a sense of heaviness, or perhaps a sense of calm

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To help with this awareness, I might ask you questions like:

“What are you noticing in your body right now?”

“Can you sense any tension in a particular part of your body?”

“Where do you feel grounded or supported?”

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Any sensations you notice, we likely will sit with rather than try to change

Unless something feels to be too much, in which case we can shift focus away from what is causing discomfort to sensations of safety, to give your system more space with this process and move slowly

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At the end of the session, we'll integrate the work you’ve done by guiding you to reflect on any shifts in sensation or emotion you’ve experienced, check in with your body and notice how you’re feeling now compared to the beginning of the session

You are welcome to book only one session and try out the modality for yourself

Please be aware that we will need to approach gently and the first session would not be the place to deal with large scale activations even though I can imagine how you really would love to dive straight in to what has been troubling you for so long

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This work is meant to go in small steps, which is why I offer longer support packages

It’s important to only process as much as your system can handle at each step of the way

I’ll guide you to approach the traumatic memory or feeling in small, manageable doses over time rather than diving in too deeply all at once

This keeps the experience gentle and prevents re-traumatization

A resource is something that helps you feel safe, grounded, or supported during the healing process

It can be any internal or external experience, object, person, or memory that provides a sense of calm, safety, or strength

Resources are used as tools to help regulate your nervous system,

particularly when you’re working through intense emotions or trauma

The idea is that when you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or triggered by trauma, you can access your resource to help shift your nervous system into a more balanced state.

It’s about finding something to anchor you and create a sense of safety or calmness, which can help you approach difficult emotions or sensations in a manageable way

1. Physical Sensations

A sense of warmth, grounding (like feeling your feet on the ground), or relaxation in a part of your body (eg. feeling the warmth in your chest when you breathe deeply)

2. Positive Memories

A memory that brings a sense of comfort, love, or support (eg. remembering a moment when you felt truly safe or loved, like a hug from a loved one or a peaceful time in nature)

3. Imagery

A mental image or symbol that represents safety, strength, or calmness

(eg. Imagining a peaceful place like a beach, forest, or a safe room)

4. People

A person (real or imagined) who brings you comfort, love, or a sense of safety (eg. thinking of a supportive friend or family member, or an image of someone you trust and care about)

5. Objects

Physical objects that make you feel secure or bring you comfort (eg. holding a favourite item like a piece of jewellry, a blanket, or a memento that has positive associations)

6. Internal Qualities

Strengths or positive traits that you identify within yourself (eg. your ability to be resilient, calm, creative, or strong during tough times)

Resources are key in SE because they help manage your nervous system during challenging moments in therapy

When you're processing trauma, it’s crucial to balance moments of discomfort with feelings of safety and support

Using resources during a session helps you stay in a state where you can process effectively,

without becoming overwhelmed

Titration

When you’re working through a traumatic memory or experience, your therapist might guide you to switch back and forth between the challenging sensations and your resource, allowing your nervous system to process the trauma gently and safely

Grounding

If you're feeling triggered or overwhelmed, you can turn to your resource to help you reconnect with a feeling of calm, grounding yourself in the present moment

Building Resilience

Over time, as you practice using your resources, you strengthen your ability to manage stress, anxiety, or trauma, making it easier to cope with difficult emotions outside of therapy

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Example in Practice

Let’s say you're processing a moment of anxiety

Your therapist might guide you to remember a moment when you felt really safe—maybe it’s a moment sitting in your favorite park

They might ask you to vividly imagine the sounds, smells, and sights of that place and notice how your body feels as you reconnect with that sense of safety

This resource helps you "anchor" your nervous system, allowing you to stay grounded as you process the more intense emotions or sensations associated with anxiety

By practicing this technique, you can access this resource whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or need emotional regulation, both in and outside of therapy