What Happens in a Somatic Experiencing Session?
As more research becomes available, science is learning what many healers have known for a long time. Our bodies store trauma deep within. Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a highly effective form of treatment for anyone who has experienced trauma, but many people haven’t heard of it. Are you curious about what happens in a Somatic Experiencing session? Let’s take a look at what to expect.
In my practice, I offer Somatic Experiencing and other forms of bodywork to assist you in reaching optimal health and well-being. With a client-centered approach, I am here to hold space for you and your journey. I’d love to connect with you to share more about the treatments and learn about your needs and goals. Book a time to chat today.
Your Body Remembers
From car accidents to natural disasters and everything in between, traumatic events create long-lasting impacts on our bodies and minds. Unfortunately, people feel they have to “power through” after experiencing trauma, especially in Western societies.
We rarely, if ever, allow ourselves to process the physical manifestations of these events. We’re so busy keeping it all together that we don’t recognize how we may be falling apart.
But even if we try to push through the pain and discomfort, our bodies remember what happened. Whether the trauma was physical, emotional, or psychological, it remains in our bodies if we don’t process and release it.
For some people, the trauma results in PTSD. For others, the lingering effects are more subtle and can appear unrelated to the traumatic event. Somatic Experiencing is an impactful way to heal and release after experiencing trauma.
What Happens in a Somatic Experiencing Session?
The word “somatic” means “related to the body” and frequently carries the connotation of being distinct from the mind. In a Somatic Experiencing session, we work to release the stored trauma for improved physical and mental wellness.
Sometimes, these sessions involve touch and hands-on work, but they don’t have to include contact to be effective. In fact, SE can happen through remote appointments with excellent results. In my practice, Somatic Experiencing happens with the client fully clothed to provide as much safety and comfort as possible.
These sessions provide a level playing field between myself and the client. I am not “in charge,” dictating what happens. Clients are empowered to move forward as they feel comfortable, and I follow their lead.
In your first SE appointment, you and the practitioner will discuss your goals and experiences. As providers, we want to hear your desires and boundaries so that we can ensure you feel safe and respected.
One thing that often surprises clients is how much we slow things down when utilizing SE. We will talk through one piece of the traumatic experience at a time. The idea is to revisit the situation without triggering any new trauma.
Instead, we redirect your attention to your bodily responses. We take time to notice how your body reacts. Many different reactions and responses are typical:
Tightness in Chest
Shortness of Breath
Racing Pulse
Headache
Sweating
Crying
Once you identify how your body feels in these moments and which parts of your body are affected, we can begin releasing the trauma. If we are in-person and it is appropriate to do so, I can offer hands-on touch as part of the process. If we work remotely or you do not want touch, release can happen without it.
You Hold Control and Autonomy
What happens in a Somatic Experiencing session should be purposeful and entirely under your autonomy. Although it may require some discomfort as you move toward the release, it shouldn’t create any new trauma.
If you have wondered about SE or are curious if it’s a good fit for your needs, let’s talk. It’s my honor to support clients through this transformative experience.
I offer remote services as well as in-person appointments in my Boulder, CO, office. And if coming to me isn’t an option, I can come to your space in Boulder and surrounding areas.