What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-focused therapy designed to help heal trauma by tuning into your present physical and sensory experience—rather than through traditional talk therapy. The goal is to access the body's memory of traumatic events, without focusing on the detailed story itself. Unlike talk therapy, which mainly engages the thinking brain (neocortex) and emotional brain (limbic system), SE primarily works with the brainstem, the part of the brain that governs survival instincts and the involuntary nervous system.
SE offers a gentle, respectful way to address trauma. Instead of reliving or re-enacting traumatic events, SE helps you develop awareness of your body and supports your nervous system in regulating its responses to triggers.
Each session is tailored to your present state of being and guided by your bodily sensations and nervous system activity. This makes SE a personal and empowering journey of healing, led by your own innate wisdom rather than someone doing the healing for you.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
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What Can Somatic Experiencing Treat?
SE is effective for a range of traumas, including:
Shock trauma such as car accidents, falls, or assaults
Developmental trauma such as attachment wounds, emotional neglect, and abuse
Anxious Symptomatology such as sport performance or creative block
What Does a Somatic Experiencing Session Look Like?Somatic
During a Somatic Experiencing® session, you won’t be required to retell or relive your trauma in detail. Sometimes, we may briefly focus on aspects of the traumatic event to gently activate your nervous system. From there, SE facilitates a slow and supported process to complete and resolve your body’s natural fight, flight, or freeze responses. With your consent, gentle touch may be used to assist in releasing trauma held in the body.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFor SE
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Frequently Asked QuestionsFor SE *
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Be sure your provider has formal training in Somatic Experiencing. True Somatic Experiencing Practitioners complete over 300 hours PLUS of specialized training across five years, learning how to work skillfully with the nervous system and attune to individual needs. Always ask your provider about their specific training and credentials, as some practitioners may use the term “somatic” without completing extensive SE training.
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Yes, I offer telehealth sessions for Somatic Experiencing and have found positive outcomes working with clients remotely. Telehealth is available for clients in Nebraska,My in-person office is located in Neligh and Norfolk, Nebraska.
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Somatic Experiencing is a rigorous three-year training program with specific techniques to work with the nervous system for trauma resolution. “Somatic Therapy” or other somatic methods is an umbrella term that covers a variety of body-based practices, which may not follow the SE training standards or methods. It’s important to clarify the distinction when choosing a provider.
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SE emphasizes bodily sensations and nervous system regulation.
Brainspotting uses eye positions as a gateway to access and process trauma at a deeper level.
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation and structured protocols to reprocess traumatic memories.
Each method can be highly effective on its own or combined depending on your unique needs and therapist’s approach.