MY OFFERINGS
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing®
Somatic Experiencing® is a gentle, body-based approach that supports you in reconnecting with yourself and finding greater ease, safety and choice in your life.
Rather than focusing only on your thoughts and story, we gently bring awareness to the sensations, emotions and patterns held within the body. This can help the nervous system gradually move out of patterns of overwhelm, shutdown or disconnection, supporting a greater sense of regulation and resilience. It can be helpful when you are experiencing anxiety, stress, shame, emotional overwhelm, persistent tension or the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences.
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
When we experience overwhelming or stressful events, our nervous system can become stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze or shutdown, this can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, tense or unable to fully settle. Through developing awareness of bodily sensations, movement, emotions and impulses, SE supports the nervous system to gradually find greater regulation, flexibility and resilience.
In sessions, we work gently and at a pace that feels manageable, bringing attention to physical sensations and allowing the body’s natural responses to unfold without becoming overwhelmed. The intention is not to relive traumatic experiences, but to support the nervous system in completing and integrating responses that may have remained unresolved.
The effects of stress and trauma can show up in many areas of our lives — including anxiety, stress, shame, physical tension, feeling disconnected from ourselves or others, and difficulties feeling safe, settled or connected.
Somatic Experiencing® is based on the pioneering work of Dr Peter Levine.
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness."
Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing — Quote Source
What does a session look like?
Sessions are usually held sitting, although we can explore whatever position feels most comfortable and supportive for you. This might include sitting, standing or lying down.
A central part of Somatic Experiencing® is gently noticing and tracking sensations in the body as they arise, moment by moment. Rather than focusing extensively on the story of what happened, we work with your present-moment experience and the sensations, emotions and responses that are present now.
With the support of the practitioner, you are invited to develop a greater awareness of your body and nervous system, allowing experiences that may feel unresolved or stuck to be approached gently and at a pace that feels manageable. You remain in control throughout the session — there is no need to revisit or retell traumatic experiences in detail.
A key principle of Somatic Experiencing® is working in a way that supports safety and avoids overwhelming the nervous system. We move slowly, with curiosity and choice, allowing your system to find its own pace.
SE Touch Work
Touch work may occasionally be incorporated into a session, but only when it feels appropriate and after a relationship of trust has been established. It is always optional and requires your explicit consent.
Where appropriate, the practitioner may use gentle, supportive touch to help you become more aware of sensations in your body. You remain fully in control, and your comfort and boundaries are respected throughout.
Benefits of Somatic Experiencing®
Supports nervous system regulation
Can help reduce symptoms associated with stress and trauma
Develops greater body awareness and self-awareness
Supports emotional regulation and resilience
