How Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) Works to Heal Trauma
A gentle, body-based approach to nervous system regulation and trauma recovery.
Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a trauma healing modality that works directly with the nervous system—not by reliving painful memories, but by reconnecting with the body’s natural capacity to regulate, restore, and return to balance. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE™ is rooted in the understanding that unresolved survival responses—like fight, flight, or freeze—can get stuck in the body and lead to chronic symptoms.
Instead of talking through trauma in a traditional way, Somatic Experiencing helps people notice and shift what's happening inside their bodies in the present moment. This approach supports lasting change from the bottom up, starting with the nervous system.
Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a trauma healing modality that works directly with the nervous system—not by reliving painful memories, but by reconnecting with the body’s natural capacity to regulate, restore, and return to balance. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE™ is rooted in the understanding that unresolved survival responses—like fight, flight, or freeze—can get stuck in the body and lead to chronic symptoms.
Instead of talking through trauma in a traditional way, Somatic Experiencing helps people notice and shift what's happening inside their bodies in the present moment. This approach supports lasting change from the bottom up, starting with the nervous system.
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Why the Nervous System Matters in Trauma Recovery
When we experience overwhelming stress or trauma, especially without support or resolution, our nervous system may stay stuck in a state of activation (fight/flight) or shutdown (freeze). These patterns can show up as:
SE™ helps you notice these survival responses as they arise—without judgment—and gives your body a chance to complete them, rather than staying stuck in a loop.
Key Tools in Somatic Experiencing®
SE™ is gentle, slow-paced, and guided by your capacity in each moment. Some of the tools we use include:
Titration
Instead of diving into intense memories, we work in small pieces—just enough to bring awareness without overwhelm.
PendulationWe support your nervous system in moving between activation and calm, helping build flexibility and regulation.
Resourcing
You’ll learn to connect with inner or outer resources—places, people, sensations, or memories that help you feel grounded and safe.
Tracking
We slow down and notice the physical sensations of your body in real time, developing your interoceptive awareness and capacity to notice shifts in your internal state.
Why SE™ Is Different from Traditional Talk Therapy
Somatic Experiencing® isn’t about retelling or analyzing your trauma story. It’s about supporting your nervous system to do what it was designed to do—restore balance, discharge stress, and come back to connection. SE™ works beneath the level of thoughts and language to gently build awareness, connection, and safety in your body.
What Can SE™ Help With?
SE™ is effective for a wide range of challenges, including:
A Nervous System Approach to Healing
You don’t need to force yourself to “move on” from the past. Your body already knows the way. With support, curiosity, and gentle pacing, SE™ can help you build a more regulated nervous system—one that allows for calm, connection, and choice.
Ready to explore somatic therapy or learn how SE™ can support your healing? Contact us for a free consultation or read more about our approach to trauma therapy.
When we experience overwhelming stress or trauma, especially without support or resolution, our nervous system may stay stuck in a state of activation (fight/flight) or shutdown (freeze). These patterns can show up as:
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Chronic fatigue or numbness
- Overwhelm or panic
- Feeling stuck or shut down
- Disconnection from your body or emotions
SE™ helps you notice these survival responses as they arise—without judgment—and gives your body a chance to complete them, rather than staying stuck in a loop.
Key Tools in Somatic Experiencing®
SE™ is gentle, slow-paced, and guided by your capacity in each moment. Some of the tools we use include:
Titration
Instead of diving into intense memories, we work in small pieces—just enough to bring awareness without overwhelm.
PendulationWe support your nervous system in moving between activation and calm, helping build flexibility and regulation.
Resourcing
You’ll learn to connect with inner or outer resources—places, people, sensations, or memories that help you feel grounded and safe.
Tracking
We slow down and notice the physical sensations of your body in real time, developing your interoceptive awareness and capacity to notice shifts in your internal state.
Why SE™ Is Different from Traditional Talk Therapy
Somatic Experiencing® isn’t about retelling or analyzing your trauma story. It’s about supporting your nervous system to do what it was designed to do—restore balance, discharge stress, and come back to connection. SE™ works beneath the level of thoughts and language to gently build awareness, connection, and safety in your body.
What Can SE™ Help With?
SE™ is effective for a wide range of challenges, including:
- Developmental and relational trauma
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Anxiety and depression
- Emotional overwhelm or numbness
- Health conditions linked to nervous system dysregulation
- Feeling “stuck” even after years of therapy
A Nervous System Approach to Healing
You don’t need to force yourself to “move on” from the past. Your body already knows the way. With support, curiosity, and gentle pacing, SE™ can help you build a more regulated nervous system—one that allows for calm, connection, and choice.
Ready to explore somatic therapy or learn how SE™ can support your healing? Contact us for a free consultation or read more about our approach to trauma therapy.