Somatic Experiencing®
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a naturalistic body-centered approach to the resolution and healing of trauma and chronic stress developed by Dr. Peter Levine and is supported by research. It is based upon the observation that wild prey animals, though threatened routinely, are rarely traumatized. Animals in the wild utilize innate mechanisms to regulate and discharge the high levels of energy arousal associated with defensive survival behaviors. These mechanisms provide animals with a built-in “immunity’’ to trauma that enables them to return to normal in the aftermath of highly “charged’’ life-threatening experiences. SE® works by:
Employing awareness of body sensation to help people renegotiate and heal rather than re-live or re-enact trauma.
Guiding the bodily "felt sense," to allow the highly aroused survival energies to be safely experienced and gradually discharged.
Sometimes employing touch in support of the renegotiation process.
“Titrating” experience (breaks down into small, incremental steps), rather than evoking catharsis— which can overwhelm a person’s ability to self-regulate as well as co-regulate with others.
For more information about SE® please note the following references:
Levine, Peter (2010). In An Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Levine, Peter and Frederick, Ann (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Kline, Maggie and Levine, Peter (2007). Trauma Through A Child’s Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
For further references and information online about SE® go to: http://www.traumahealing.com
