“ALL EMOTIONS, EVEN THOSE THAT ARE SUPPRESSED AND
UNEXPRESSED, HAVE PHYSICAL EFFECTS. UNEXPRESSED EMOTIONS
TEND TO ST A Y IN THE BODY LIKE SMALL TICKING TIME
BOMBS—THEY ARE ILLNESSES IN INCUBATION.”
– MARILYN VAN M. DERBUR
WHAT IS SOMATIC EXPERIENCE?
Somatic experiencing, a specific approach to somatic therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine, is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can lead to dysfunction in your nervous system, which can keep you from fully processing the experience.
The main goal of somatic therapy to recognize and release physical tension that may remain in the body in the aftermath of a traumatic event, notice bodily sensations stemming from mental health issues, and use this awareness to acknowledge and work through painful or distressing sensations.
BENEFITS OF SOMATIC EXPERIENCE
Somatic Experience can create healthy coherent in your body, mind, and heart. You will learn how to transform the emotional state to the new consciousness of wholeness, developed an awareness of the body and mind, and activate a feeling of gratitude in your heart. Somatic therapy benefits are clear and the advantage of its techniques is increasing. The link between what we experience mentally and absorb physically is powerful.
Somatic Experience benefits
– Reframe the pain
– Reduce discomfort, strain, and anxiety
– Increase stress tolerance and resilience
– Enhance calm and ability to self-soothe
– Strengthen the ability to concentrate and engage in life
– Boost positivity, clarity, and confidence
– Suicidal thoughts
– Eating disorders
– Sleep issues
– Substance abuse
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Therapy sessions involve awareness of bodily sensations, movement, and healing touch to help free yourself from emotions that have been stored in your body and mind for years, reduce stress and physical pain and become more engaged with life.
Your therapist might also help you use specific breathing or relaxation techniques to help you process and release the trauma. When this release happens, your therapist will help you move from this aroused state to a calmer one using resourcing or other techniques. Eventually, this swinging back to a calmer state will start to feel more natural.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
This therapy has no risks if done by an experienced therapist, who working with you to gently release the lingering physical stress.
Helping you recognize and utilize the micro-movements that protect the body.
Somatic Experience therapy will allow you to finish processing your traumatic experiences and learn the skills needed to promote healthy self-regulation. You possess the inherent ability to regulate stress and recover from traumatizing events. A SE-trained mental health counselor can help you release the destructive energies and truly experience that the danger has passed.