Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centred approach to healing trauma and stress. Rather than focusing primarily on the story of what happened, SE works with the physiological responses held in the body — the incomplete survival responses that keep the nervous system stuck in patterns of fight, flight, or freeze.
Cultural origin
Developed by Dr Peter Levine in the United States in the 1970s, drawing on observations of how animals naturally discharge stress responses in the wild.
What a session involves
Sessions are primarily conversational, with the practitioner guiding gentle awareness to body sensations, movements, and impulses. There is no physical touch without consent. Sessions last 60–90 minutes and are typically part of an ongoing therapeutic relationship.
Who it's for
Anyone who has experienced trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or unexplained physical symptoms. SE is particularly effective where talk therapy alone has not been sufficient.
Find a practitioner
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