FAQ

What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing is a body-based therapy that has emerged from the work of Peter Levine, Ph.D. Levine observed that animals in the wild are routinely traumatized—yet they do not display symptoms of trauma. Upon more careful observation, he determined that these animals have internal mechanisms that serve to regulate their nervous systems after the chase. In fact, lions and tigers and bears—and their prey, if successful in fleeing—also have ways to discharge the high arousal they experienced.

Levine has applied these observations to work with us humans and trauma, and specifically to the issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This approach is focused on how trauma is experienced physiologically in the body, and is very consistent with current neuro-physiological research.  Following a shock experience, a Somatic Experiencing therapist gently assists her client in releasing the trapped energy and bringing the client’s nervous system back to homeostasis, rather than staying in an arousal state. While this approach is very useful with severe traumatic situations, it is also of great help with the more ordinary traumatic experiences of car accidents, injuries, and emotional trauma.

For further information, consider reading Levine’s book, Waking the Tiger, and explore the research with tsunami, earthquake, and hurricane survivors at www.traumahealing.com. 

FAQ

What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing is a body-based therapy that has emerged from the work of Peter Levine, Ph.D. Levine observed that animals in the wild are routinely traumatized—yet they do not display symptoms of trauma. Upon more careful observation, he determined that these animals have internal mechanisms that serve to regulate their nervous systems after the chase. In fact, lions and tigers and bears—and their prey, if successful in fleeing—also have ways to discharge the high arousal they experienced.

Levine has applied these observations to work with us humans and trauma, and specifically to the issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This approach is focused on how trauma is experienced physiologically in the body, and is very consistent with current neuro-physiological research.  Following a shock experience, a Somatic Experiencing therapist gently assists her client in releasing the trapped energy and bringing the client’s nervous system back to homeostasis, rather than staying in an arousal state. While this approach is very useful with severe traumatic situations, it is also of great help with the more ordinary traumatic experiences of car accidents, injuries, and emotional trauma.

For further information, consider reading Levine’s book, Waking the Tiger, and explore the research with tsunami, earthquake, and hurricane survivors at www.traumahealing.com.