Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing® theory is premised on the idea that trauma affects the brain, mind, and body. However, the body is often neglected in the psychotherapy of trauma. Somatic Experiencing teaches that trauma is not caused by the event itself but, rather, develops by the failure of the body, mind, spirit, and nervous system to process extreme adverse events. Many approaches to treating trauma aim to correct faulty cognitions and/or access and express emotional content. In contrast, the approach presented here engages the “Living Body,” through contacting primal sensations that support core autonomic self-regulation and coherence. Work at this level allows the body to speak its mind. In doing this, the processing moves upward from these core sensations toward feelings or emotions and cognitions. This way, ...