What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic technique created by Peter Levine that works with the body to process and release emotional trauma. Peter Levine noticed that all mammals move through similar patterns of physical reaction and release when confronted by threat. He believed that humans could also be genetically inclined to move through biological threat responses. It is because of this foundation that Somatic Experiencing recognizes trauma as a physiological process, not just a psychological one. Unlike traditional talk-based therapies, Somatic Experiencing works towards healing the nervous system by addressing the body's natural response to stressful events and allowing it to respond uninhibited.
How Can a Somatic Approach Help?
A somatic approach can help individuals become more aware of their bodily sensations and responses to stress or trauma. By learning to regulate these physical sensations and release pent-up energy from past experiences, individuals can gradually reduce their symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. By incorporating Somatic Experiencing into therapy sessions, clients can begin to unravel the effects of trauma and move towards a path of healing and recovery.
What Should I Expect in a Session?
Somatic Experiencing techniques are meant to assist you in connecting with your felt sense in a way that feels manageable. Allowing yourself to experience a full range of emotions may seem a little daunting. However, it is important to remember that this approach is designed to invite you into embodiment without pushing your nervous system into something it cannot handle. To achieve this, you can expect us to move at your pace, incorporate strategies that help you feel safe, and frequently check-in with your body's signals. Some Somatic Experiencing techniques that we might practice in a session include:
Resourcing. This is arguably the most important part of a somatic session, and you can expect this to be incorporated every time that we meet. Resourcing is the practice of connecting with internal and external elements which help us to his self-regulate. This acts as an anchor, allowing clients to remain grounded and feeling "safe enough", even when processing their most difficult experiences.
Titration. This strategy allows us to move through big emotions and process painful events at a pace that does not overwhelm the nervous system. We do this by slowing things down and processing the body's reactions to small pieces of a difficult experience. Titration moves us toward the resolution of a traumatic event by breaking things down, one small step at a time. Another way to think of this is picturing yourself slowly sinking into a pool as your body adjusts to the temperature rather than "cannon balling" in.
Pendulation. This refers to a body process in which the nervous system moves back-and-forth between activation and calm. A healthy nervous system will naturally pendulate, resulting in self-regulation. On the other hand, a nervous system impacted by trauma may experience more extreme states of activation with difficulty moving back into calm. In session, I help clients rediscover the natural oscillation of the nervous system by guiding them through connection with an activated state and then back to a resourced space. Through pendulation exercises, we can help the body learn how to self-regulate and avoid getting stuck in extreme states of distress.
With a focus on personalized care and a commitment to empowering clients on their healing journey, Makenzie Collins Therapy strives to offer a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their emotions, release trauma, and cultivate a deeper connection to themselves. Incorporating a somatic approach to the therapeutic process allows us to work with the nervous system in ways that traditional talk-based therapies might have a difficult time accessing. To discuss how we can get started on our work together, reach out today.
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