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Do you feel the tightness in your chest, the tension in your shoulders, or that lingering pit in your stomach and you don’t understand the reasons for it? Have you ever felt that your body is holding onto something and that you just can’t shake that sensation off?
These sensations may look and feel just physical, but if we understand these sensations further, they could be your body’s way of telling you that it’s holding onto some stress, trauma or maybe intense emotions that you have not fully processed. If this resonates with you, know that Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a compassionate and a gentle way that can be very effective in addressing your emotions and sensations.
Somatic Experiencing is an approach that works with your body and it helps you connect with your body to release stress and trauma that it might be holding. It is developed by Dr. Peter Levine, who explains that trauma is not just something we think about – it’s something our bodies feel and store. SE is all about gently helping you tune into your body’s natural ways to release tension, find calmness, and restore your balance.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on your thoughts and feelings, SE works directly with your body and nervous system. The idea is to help you feel safer, more grounded and more present in your everyday experiences. It is about finding a way to move forward with ease and not about reliving the past.
When we go through a traumatic experience or highly stressful situation, our body’s natural alarm response – “fight, flight, or freeze” kicks in to protect us. This response is helpful at the moment, but there are times that it does not get resolved. Instead, that energy gets stuck, leaving you feeling on edge, disconnected, or even physically unwell.
Somatic Experiencing techniques guide you to gently revisit these unresolved responses in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s how it works:
SE starts by inviting you to pay attention to what’s happening in your body. You might notice things like tightness, warmth, or tingling. These sensations are your body’s way of communicating with you.
Instead of leaning directly into overwhelming emotions, SE works in small, manageable steps. Your therapist will guide you to touch on difficult feelings briefly and then help you return to a calm place. This creates a sense of safety and control.
As you learn to notice and work with your bodily sensations, you may start to release the stuck energy from your nervous system. This can bring a sense of relief, lightness, or relaxation.
Over time, these small shifts add up. You’ll start to feel more balanced, resilient, and at ease in your daily life.
SE is a gradual process that’s always tailored to your needs. There’s no rush and no pressure to revisit painful memories unless you’re ready. The focus is always on what feels safe and supportive to you.
If you’re new to the SE approach, you might feel unsure about what to expect. That’s completely normal! Here’s how a typical session might go:
Your therapist will begin the session by helping you feel comfortable and grounded. This might include some breathing exercises, orienting to the present or other techniques to ease you into the session.
Next, your therapist will invite you to notice your body and lean into any sensations you are feeling. For example, are your shoulders tense? Do you feel heaviness in your chest? These small observations will help you start deeper explorations further.
Your therapist will guide you to explore your difficult feelings and sensations a little at a time rather than diving into them all at once. This is the process of titration, ensuring that you are never overwhelmed.
As you continue working with your body’s sensations, you might start to notice subtle shifts. Maybe you feel a sense of relaxation, a wave of warmth, or even a deep sigh of relief. These are signs that your nervous system is beginning to release stored tension and move toward balance.
Each session ends with a focus on integration, allowing you to make sense of your experience and helping you feel grounded and ready to move back into your day.
It’s important to remember that every session is unique. The process is guided by what’s happening in your body and what feels right for you. There’s no pressure to follow a set structure – the pace is always tailored to your comfort and needs.
You might be wondering if SE is right for you. This approach can help with a wide range of challenges, including:
The benefits of SE go beyond just feeling less stressed or anxious. You may find that it helps you:
Imagine beginning your day feeling a little lighter and more at ease. Somatic Experiencing (SE) can support you in building resilience, reducing tension, and finding moments of calm throughout your day. Over time, many clients notice they can respond to stress with more balance and feel more grounded in their bodies.
Somatic Experiencing is different from many other therapies in a few key ways:
That’s okay. Many people start SE feeling disconnected. Your therapist will guide you slowly with grounding and gentle awareness practices to help you feel more comfortable tuning in
Talk therapy focuses on thoughts and feelings, while SE adds the body’s role in healing. By paying attention to sensations, SE helps release stuck survival energy that talking alone might not resolve.
No. SE doesn’t require you to go into the full details of your trauma. Instead, it works with small pieces of the experience and your body’s natural responses, so healing feels safe and manageable.
Everyone is different. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others notice gradual shifts over time. The pace is gentle, allowing your body to integrate changes safely.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed, Somatic Experiencing could be the way forward. At Therapy Villa, our therapists are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our therapists are trained in Somatic Experiencing and other somatic approaches and are passionate about helping you heal, reconnect with your body, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Take the first step today by reaching out. Call us at (416) 883-3001 or email us at info@therapyvilla.com to schedule a free 20-minute consultation. Let’s work together to help you find the peace and balance you deserve.
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