Somatic

Experiencing® (SE)

Healing Trauma Through The Body

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-centered, neurobiological approach to healing trauma and stress-related disorders. Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, SE works by restoring balance and self-regulation in the nervous system, helping individuals move from survival states like fight, flight, or freeze into a state of resilience and wholeness.

Trauma, as understood through SE, is less about the event itself and more about how it impacts the nervous system. SE focuses on releasing the energy stored in the body from unresolved fight, flight, or freeze responses. By addressing these physiological patterns, individuals can resolve symptoms of stress, shock, PTSD, and developmental or attachment trauma.

The Science Behind SE®

Trauma can arise from acute stress, perceived life threats, or the accumulation of chronic stressors. These experiences might include:

  • Accidents or invasive medical procedures

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

  • Natural disasters, war, or systemic oppression

  • Loss, neglect, or chronic shaming

When the nervous system becomes stuck in survival states, the body retains the energy intended for fight or flight, resulting in dysregulation and dissociation. SE helps release this trapped energy and restore the body’s natural balance.

How SE Works

Somatic Experiencing gently guides clients to notice and work with their bodily sensations and emotions. During a session, clients develop the ability to tolerate these sensations, allowing the nervous system to complete defensive responses that were interrupted during the traumatic event. This process discharges stored energy and calms the body’s internal "threat alarm," leading to greater resilience and ease.

Dr. Levine’s work draws inspiration from the natural world, observing how animals release survival energy through trembling or shaking after life-threatening situations. Humans, too, have the capacity to release this energy, but often get stuck in freeze responses. SE provides a structured, compassionate way to navigate and resolve these stuck states.

"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not have to be a life sentence." — Peter A. Levine, PhD

Are you ready to heal?

  • Sessions are 60 minutes and available in-person or virtually. Each session is tailored to help clients safely and gentle explore and release unresolved trauma, emotions and stuckness stored in their bodies. Susan supports clients in a gentle slow process that allows individuals to heal past and current traumas to restore and awaken sensing and regulating emotions and the body’s nervous system. This builds resilience supporting more calm and presence in daily living and being.

  • To learn more, schedule a session, or arrange a discovery call, email susan@intentionalgrowth.org

    To schedule 60 minute SE session, $75, click here.