Somatic Experiencing

What is Somatic Experiencing® (SE)?

Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a body-oriented, nervous system-focused approach to healing trauma, developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. It’s grounded in neuroscience, physiology, psychology, and decades of clinical practice, and is used internationally by trained professionals to support recovery from stress, shock, and trauma. SE helps people release the effects of overwhelming experiences that have become “stuck” in the nervous system, restoring resilience, balance, and a sense of aliveness.

Who is SE for?

SE is suited to individuals whose nervous systems bear the impact of overwhelming life experiences, whether from:

  • a single traumatic event (accident, injury, loss, crisis), or

  • cumulative or developmental trauma, including early attachment disruptions and long-term stress.

The method is applied in many professional contexts — psychotherapy, medicine, coaching, body therapy, physical and occupational therapy — by clinicians trained in the SE model.

Common Symptoms Addressed

People who benefit from SE often experience nervous system dysregulation, such as:

  • Persistent anxiety or hyper-alertness

  • Chronic tension, pain, or exhaustion

  • Emotional numbness or difficulty connecting with sensations

  • Problems with regulation of stress responses

  • Re-experiencing, avoidance, startle reactions, or dissociation

SE does not require detailed retelling of traumatic memories. It works with bodily sensation and regulation so the nervous system can gently unwind the physical imprint of stress.

Empowering Your Healing

A core strength of Somatic Experiencing is its emphasis on self-regulation and agency. Through SE you learn to:

  • Notice subtle bodily sensations and signals

  • Build capacity to tolerate and integrate difficult experiences

  • Strengthen your nervous system’s ability to return to balance

  • Complete unresolved survival responses in safe, manageable steps

This approach supports you in becoming an active participant in your healing — learning tools that you can use both in and outside sessions to calm, regulate, and expand your resilience over time.