Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered therapy designed to help individuals release trauma and stress stored in the body. Unlike traditional talk therapies, SE focuses on physical sensations and bodily responses as pathways to process and release unresolved trauma. If you often feel on edge, experience muscle tension, or find that certain physical sensations trigger distressing memories, Somatic Experiencing can help you connect with and resolve these physical responses.
SE operates on the idea that trauma lives in the body, and by gently guiding clients to observe and understand these bodily sensations, the therapy allows the nervous system to gradually release trapped energy. This process restores balance, reduces symptoms of trauma, and promotes a sense of calm and resilience. SE can benefit individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, chronic stress, and other trauma-related symptoms.
How Does Somatic Experiencing Work?
Somatic Experiencing therapy follows a structured process to help release stress and trauma. Here’s what to expect:
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Awareness of Bodily Sensations: Your therapist helps you tune into physical sensations, guiding you to notice tension, discomfort, or other bodily feelings.
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Developing a Sense of Safety: SE therapy starts slowly, building a foundation of safety so you can explore sensations without feeling overwhelmed.
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Tracking Sensations: You’ll learn to observe how sensations move or change within the body, following their natural ebb and flow without judgment.
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Releasing Trapped Energy: As you track sensations, your body may start to release stress, which can occur through gentle shaking, deep breaths, or other natural responses.
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Regulating the Nervous System: This process helps restore balance to your nervous system, reducing the intensity of fight-or-flight responses and bringing a sense of calm.
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Integration and Grounding: The therapist helps you integrate the experience, ensuring you feel grounded and at ease before ending the session.
Somatic Experiencing was developed by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1970s, based on his observations of how animals recover from stress in the wild. Levine noticed that animals often shake or move after facing danger, a natural response that releases survival energy. Drawing on these insights, he created SE as a therapeutic approach to help humans release similar energy held in the body due to trauma. Somatic Experiencing has since gained international recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma and is sometimes referred to as “body-centered therapy” or “somatic trauma therapy.” This approach has helped countless individuals worldwide find relief from trauma-related symptoms and reclaim a sense of safety and wellbeing.
Who Can Help
OUR LOCATIONS
Atlanta Office
Decatur, GA
Centrally located to our Metro Atlanta residents, the Kula Wellness Group headquarters is conveniently located in Decatur, Georgia near downtown Decatur. Our headquarters features an indoor multi-use yoga & therapy room, an additional therapy office, and a virtual conference center. We also have access to an outdoor lawn for yoga, mind & body wellness, and book club.
Gwinnett Office
Peachtree Corners, GA
Located in Gwinnett county, our Norcross office is near Duluth, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Our satellite office features 1 multi-use yoga and group therapy room and 1 therapy office and a key pad protected private entrance.