SOMATIC EXPERIENCING
Somatic Experiencing is the latest treatment for trauma resolution. It works with the body’s natural ability to restore itself to balance by working with a person’s ‘body talk’: sensation. Trauma interrupts the central nervous system’s ability to reset itself and this shows up as chronic physical and/or emotional symptoms. By working with sensation, gently encouraging the body to process the trapped energy, from least intense to most, the client is able to regain a balanced and relaxed state of being without feeling overwhelmed.
Trauma is a fact of life. Most people, not just soldiers, abuse/attack victims or disaster survivors, have been traumatized to one degree or another. The sources of trauma are wide-ranging including, but not limited to, natural disasters, exposure to violence, accidents, falls, serious illness, sudden loss of a loved one, surgeries, medical and dental procedures, childhood neglect or abuse, difficult births, and even high levels of stress and toxicity during gestation.
Not all traumatic events will create symptoms; however, trauma-related symptoms are rampant in our modern lives. Some symptoms of unresolved trauma can include:
- Panic or anxiety (including panic attacks)
- Chronic depression
- Uncontrolled anger response
- Hypervigilance
- Chronic pain of all kinds
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic tension
- Addictions, compulsive and other maladaptive behaviors
- Migraines
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dissociation
The benefit of working with SE is restoration of balance in your life: emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual. When your life is in balance, you have the freedom to become the person you were meant to be. You will experience enhanced physical health, more peace and joy within and better relationship with others. You will have more energy to engage with your interests and work, and experience a global sense of well-being.
For more information from the founder, Peter A. Levine, PhD, go to the following link for an in-depth interview about SE, PTSD, work with an Iraqi war veteran etc: http://www.psychotherapy.net/interview/Interview_Peter_Levine