Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Aviva Ehren MA, LMFT, SEP
"Human beings were born with the innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening- A portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation." - Dr. Peter Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing
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As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I can support you with addressing trauma from acute stress caused by a potential life threat or from the accumulation of chronic stress over time. Both types of stress can significantly impair a person's ability to function with resilience and ease. Trauma can be caused by a variety of stressors, including accidents, medical procedures, sexual or physical assault, emotional abuse, neglect, natural disasters, loss, as well as the debilitating stressors of ongoing fear and conflict.
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic approach to healing trauma, PTSD, and other stress disorders developed by Dr. Peter Levine, a psychologist and expert in stress and trauma. SE is an intersection of physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics and has been clinically applied for more than four decades. SE is trauma therapy based on the idea that trauma is stored in the body and can be released through physical and sensory experiences.
According to SE, trauma occurs when a person experiences a threat that is overwhelming and the body's natural fight, flight, or freeze response is activated. If the person is unable to complete the response (e.g. fight or flee), the energy and emotions associated with the experience get stuck in the body and can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
SE aims to help individuals release the stored trauma by bringing awareness to the physical sensations and movements associated with the traumatic experience. Through gentle guidance and attention, a person is able to complete the interrupted response and discharge the energy and emotions associated with the trauma. The ultimate goal of SE is to restore a sense of safety and connection to the body, reduce symptoms of trauma, and improve overall well-being. While SE was originally developed to treat trauma, it has also been used to address a wide range of physical and emotional issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
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