Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic modality developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine to address and heal the effects of trauma.

Definition

Somatic Experiencing combines elements from neuroscience, psychology, and body-oriented approaches to help individuals regulate their autonomic nervous system and resolve trauma-related symptoms.

Key Principles

• Body Awareness: Somatic Experiencing emphasizes the importance of cultivating body awareness to track sensations and physical experiences related to trauma.
• Trauma Resolution: The primary goal of Somatic Experiencing is to support the resolution of trauma-related symptoms by promoting the completion of physiological responses that were interrupted during the traumatic event.
• Titration: This principle involves the gradual and gentle exploration of traumatic experiences, allowing individuals to regulate their activation levels and avoid overwhelming emotional or physiological responses.
• Resourcing: Somatic Experiencing encourages the identification and cultivation of internal and external resources to support individuals in feeling safe and grounded while exploring traumatic material.
• Containment: Containment involves establishing boundaries and creating a safe container for the therapeutic process, ensuring that traumatic experiences are explored at a pace that feels manageable for the individual.
• Integration: Ultimately, Somatic Experiencing aims to facilitate the integration of fragmented aspects of the self and promote a renewed sense of wholeness, resilience, and vitality.

Application

Somatic Experiencing can be utilized by trained therapists to address a wide range of trauma-related symptoms, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attacks, chronic pain, and hyperarousal.