Somatic Experiencing Can Help With…

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common conditions treated with Somatic Experiencing. PTSD can leave individuals feeling trapped in a state of hyperarousal or dissociation, where their nervous system is either constantly on high alert or completely shut down. SE helps individuals with PTSD by gently guiding them through the process of releasing the trapped energy associated with the traumatic event, allowing them to regain a sense of control and calm.

Anxiety

Anxiety is often linked to an overactive nervous system that has become stuck in a state of fight or flight. Somatic Experiencing can help individuals with anxiety by teaching them how to listen to and respond to their body’s signals. By developing greater body awareness, individuals can learn to recognize the early signs of anxiety and take steps to calm their nervous system before the anxiety escalates. 

Depression

Depression is often associated with a state of freeze, where the individual feels numb, disconnected, and unable to engage with life. Somatic Experiencing can help individuals with depression by encouraging them to reconnect with their body and gradually release the stagnant energy that contributes to their symptoms. Techniques such as pendulation and resourcing are particularly effective in helping individuals move out of the freeze response and back into a state of vitality.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is not just a physical condition; it often has a strong emotional component, particularly when it is linked to unresolved trauma. Somatic Experiencing can be an effective approach for managing chronic pain by addressing the underlying trauma that may be contributing to the pain. By helping individuals release the tension and stress stored in their bodies, SE can reduce the intensity of chronic pain and improve overall quality of life.

Grief

Grief can be a deeply embodied experience, often manifesting as physical sensations such as tightness in the chest, heaviness in the limbs, or a sense of being physically weighed down. Somatic Experiencing can help individuals process their grief by allowing them to fully experience and release these physical sensations. By reconnecting with their body, individuals can move through the grieving process more fully and begin to heal.

Dissociation

Dissociation is a common response to trauma, where the individual feels disconnected from their body or reality. Somatic Experiencing addresses dissociation by gently guiding individuals back into their bodies in a way that feels safe and manageable. Techniques such as grounding and resourcing are particularly effective in helping individuals re-establish a connection with their body and the present moment.