Somatic Experiencing - An Introduction

I often get asked the question 'What is Somatic Experiencing?'

After three years of studying, training in and practicing this model of healing in Australia, I have some insight into the various elements and complexity of this model. Here I am going to describe some of the basics of Somatic Experiencing, an in-depth model of somatic healing developed by Dr. Peter Levine. The aim of this post is to offer an introduction to some of the foundational concepts.

In its simplest form, Somatic Experiencing is a body-centred approach to healing unresolved stress and trauma. Trauma is an emotional and physiological response to a distressing event/s that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope [1]. This can have lasting effects physically and emotionally. The impact of stress and trauma on the nervous system can be worked with in a safe and trusted therapeutic relationship, and Somatic Experiencing works to help the nervous system and the person to find their way to a felt sense of safety and more balance.

When the nervous system is activated into a fight or flight response, the natural progression is to execute these motor movements and arrive at safety, but if this process is blocked for any reason, the “charge” can remain stuck in the nervous system and body, leading to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, body tension and somatic symptoms.

Somatic Experiencing works by supporting you to find and build tolerance for both positive and negative sensations and emotions and gradually be able to access somatic motor responses in your nervous system and body. This can support the body’s instinctive responses and help to find a natural resolution [2].

Key elements of Somatic Experiencing:

• Aims to support the resolution of trauma and stress symptoms

• Biophysiological (biology, physiology- body) model of healing

• Works with the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

  • fight/flight/freeze responses in the ANS

• Polyvagal theory informed

  • differentiation between parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) states:

    • ventral vagal (social engagement)

    • dorsal vagal (collapse, shutdown)

• Window of tolerance

  • the range of physiological arousal in which a person is able regulate their emotions and physiology.

• Titration

  • A key pillar of Somatic Experiencing is titration, which means to work with a little bit of activation (stress/threat response) at a time, to reduce the possibility of overwhelming the nervous system.

• Life/Survival Energy

  • There is life energy bound up in activation and freeze, and the Somatic Experiencing approach is about tapping into this life energy in a manageable way that the person can stay present and aware of their sensations, body, emotions and the here and now. In this way they are supported to complete the survival actions the nervous system is trying to make and shift into a let-down, more restful state where the bound energy has been released and their nervous system and body can recognise that it is safe now.

    
    

If the Somatic Experiencing approach to healing resonates with you, there is a lot to discover. You are welcome to schedule a complimentary call.

Somatic Experiencing in Australia.

Contact

If you are in crisis please dial emergency services on 000 immediately or present to your nearest hospital.

24hr crisis support services:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Access Mental Health ACT (crisis support): 1800 629 354

Domestic Violence Crisis Service: (02) 6280 0900

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Kids Helpline (under 25): 1800 551 800

NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

References

1.       American Psychological Association. (2026). Trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/

2.       Somatic Experiencing International. (n.d.). SE 101. https://traumahealing.org/se-101/

3.       Somatic Experiencing International. (2023-2026).  Somatic Experiencing Professional Training [Professional Training Program].