Somatic Experiencing
Resolve trauma and chronic stress
About Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, who holds doctoral degrees in both medical biophysics and psychology. Through his work with individuals experiencing panic disorder and PTSD, Dr. Levine observed how survival energy from fight, flight, and freeze responses can remain stored in the body. This insight led him to develop methods that safely and gradually access these lower-brain survival systems. A pioneer of body–mind healing approaches since the 1970s, Dr. Levine is widely recognized as a major contributor to the field of traumatology.
Other teachers who have made a considerable contribution in the somatic fields, from whom I have learned, are Patti Elledge, Deb Dana, Diane Poole Heller, and Linda Thai.
SE is a body-based approach that is both educational and experiential, supporting individuals in completing physiological responses that were interrupted during moments of overwhelm. When adequate resources are present, the body may naturally release and discharge stored activation. This can show up as trembling, shaking, vibrations, or sensations of warmth moving through the body. At other times, the experience may be a gentle shift into a felt sense of safety and calm—an outcome especially meaningful for individuals living with complex PTSD.
SE is recognized as an effective approach for both shock trauma—single-incident experiences such as falls, accidents, assaults, or natural disasters—and developmental trauma, which is cumulative and arises from disruptions in the predictable social and emotional stages of growth.
Common outcomes include a restored sense of self, increased awareness of the gifts within lived experience, and strengthened resilience. It is also important to acknowledge that SE can, at times, be a deeply spiritual process, as the soul's journey may parallel human suffering. Profound awakenings can occur as bound energies are released, allowing Life Force energy to become accessible and fully available within one’s life.
SE is a body-oriented approach to relieving the physical, psychological, emotional and physiological effects of acute and chronic stress and PTSD
SE can help to treat the following:
Developmental Attachment Wounds
Collective Trauma in the time of Collapse
Generational Patterns in Families
Social Justice Traumas
Invasive Medical Procedures/ Waking up during Surgery
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Near-Death Experiences
Attacks/Sexual Violence
Witnessing Violence or Horror
Physical and Emotional Abuse
Natural Disasters
Falls
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Peri- , Pre-Natal and Birth Trauma
“Stacked” Grief and Loss
Somatic Experiencing® Professional Training
If you are currently a student completing your SEP training and looking for a session provider, please click on the button below.