Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a gentle, body-based approach to healing from stress and trauma. It was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, who noticed that while animals in the wild often experience life-threatening situations, they rarely develop lasting trauma. He discovered through years of research that the body has a natural ability to recover from overwhelming experiences—if it’s given the right support.

In SE, the focus is on noticing what’s happening in the body, such as sensations, tension, movements, emotions, or rhythms. With the guidance of a trained practitioner, clients learn to track their internal experience and regulate their nervous system. This awareness supports them to release and process stuck survival energies —like fight, flight, or freeze responses—that may keep us feeling anxious, on edge, or shut down.
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The process is slow and supportive, helping people release stress gradually in a way that feels safe. Over time, SE can reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, or trauma and increase feelings of calm, resilience, and ease. Many people also find that it helps them feel more connected to themselves, their bodies, and the world around them.

You can learn more about Somatic Experiencing at www.traumahealing.org