SOMATIC Experiencing®

What does “somatic” mean?

Somatic simply means "relating to the body." While that might sound unusual for therapy, think about how emotions show up in your body—the tight chest when you're anxious, the heavy limbs when you're depressed, or that "something's not right" feeling you can't quite name.

Your body holds wisdom that your mind hasn't processed yet. Sometimes we feel panicky without being able to calm down, or stuck in that low, unmotivated state where everything feels hard. Other times we just feel "off" but can't pinpoint why.

Somatic interventions work from the "bottom up"—starting with what your body is experiencing rather than trying to think your way through it. By developing new neural pathways and responses, we create alternative ways of being in the world that feel more natural and sustainable.

What is Somatic Experiencing? How is SE different than talk therapy?

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) was developed by Dr. Peter Levine to help people heal from trauma and chronic stress by working directly with the nervous system. While talk therapy primarily uses the mind as the pathway to healing, SE recognizes that trauma and stress live in the body.

SE works through what we call the SIBAM model—Sensation, Imagery, Behavior, Affect/Emotion, and Mind/Meaning. Rather than starting with thoughts and stories, we begin with what you're sensing and feeling right now, allowing your nervous system to naturally complete responses that may have gotten stuck.

This approach is particularly helpful for people who feel like they've "talked about it enough" but still feel activated, or for those who struggle to put their experiences into words.

For more information about SE, visit the SE International website.

How do Somatic Experiencing and EMDR work together?

Both EMDR and Somatic Experiencing® are body-based therapies that work beautifully together. Rather than choosing one over the other, I integrate both approaches based on what your system needs in the moment.

Some sessions might be more EMDR-focused when we're processing specific memories, while others might lean into SE when we need to build your capacity to handle activation or help your nervous system settle. This integrated approach allows us to work at the pace that feels right for your system.

Depending on your preferences and what resonates with you, we might emphasize one approach more than the other—but ultimately, combining these frameworks creates a more comprehensive and effective healing experience.

For more information, visit my page on EMDR therapy.

Who can benefit from Somatic Experiencing?

SE can be helpful if you:

• Feel anxious or activated but struggle to calm down using traditional techniques

• Experience physical symptoms that don't seem to have a medical cause

• Feel stuck in patterns of depression, numbness, or disconnection

• Have a history of trauma but find it difficult to talk about

• Notice that your body holds tension, pain, or chronic stress

• Feel like your emotions are "too big" or overwhelming

• Want to develop a better relationship with your body and its signals

• Have tried talk therapy but feel like something is still missing

SE is particularly effective for developing resilience, improving emotional regulation, and helping you feel more at home in your own body.