Somatic Experiencing®
Somatic Experiencing® is a method created by Dr. Peter Levine, educator, trauma psychophysiology theorist, physician, and psychologist. It was conceived as a naturalistic and neurobiological approach aimed at healing traumatic states as well as other stress-related disorders. Its intention is to restore innate self-regulation capacity, relaxation, psycho-physical coherence, and vitality. It is the culmination of over 50 years of multidisciplinary studies in physiology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, psychology, and indigenous practices, as well as rigorous clinical application. It allows for the discharge of traumatic shock from the system to be released along with the restoration of a smooth connection with the external world. It offers a framework for assessing whether a person is stuck in a fight, flight, or freeze response state and provides practical tools to resolve these crystallized physiological states.
Trauma can manifest as acute stress stemming from a perceived threat that is potentially life-threatening, as well as cumulative stress that can seriously impair one’s ability to function with resilience, fluidity, and presence. It can stem from a myriad of stressors such as accidents, invasive medical procedures, sexual abuse, neglect, war, racial discrimination, oppression, natural disasters, loss, traumatic birth, chronic stress from fear, conflict, or chronic shame.
Dr. Levine teaches us that trauma is trapped in the nervous system of those who have experienced it, thus keeping itm in a state of chronic imbalance. Somatic Experiencing® helps access the procedural memory held in the body resulting from the traumatic event rather than from the narrative of its story, of which sharing or reliving the details is not necessary. The goal is to dissipate the power of the narrative and remap the bodily memories in order to regain lost vitality and the capacity to flow. It is a somatic approach that addresses trauma symptoms by creating new physical experiences that contradict those of tension and overwhelming helplessness. This means that healing does not occur through memory retrieval or changing thoughts and beliefs about how we feel, but by exploring underlying sensations and our habitual behavioral patterns.
Post-traumatic reactions are essentially instinctive, controlled by the brainstem and cannot be influenced by intellect or will, which are guided by shallower and older parts of our brain. This explains why cognitive approaches and working with emotions may improve some symptoms but cannot help dissolve them.
The intent of Somatic Experiencing® is therefore to restore the innate and natural defenses that were lost in the traumatic event, also known as the defensive response cycle, with the aim of bringing the person back to an optimal state, aware and capable of accessing their personal resources and self-regulation abilities.
I was drawn to this work because its techniques seemed extremely useful for integrating the Primal process I was already practicing, as well as supporting meditation teaching. There was also a personal motivation, as I myself had received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder from repeated nnarcissistic abuse. This approach seemed promising, both to enhance my professional skills (which it did drastically) as well as integrate years of personal efforts towards healing. I can say it has met both requirements extensively.
In relation to the surfacing of traumatic experiences during meditation-related practices, it’s crucial to recognize that these practices often entail a physical slowdown, if not the practice of
immobility, along with intense breathing techniques and personal life inquiries. These aspects may elicit uncomfortable sensations tied to ancient memories being stirred up. In fact, it’s much easier to keep distressing elements at bay if we remain highly active and detached from tuning into our physical and emotional sensations—attitudes contradicted by the heightened presence induced by meditation practice. This approach can also be helpful in addressing shocks stemming from the awakening of Kundalini energy.
Individual sessions last one hour and can be conducted in person or online.
