Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a naturalistic approach to the understanding and healing of trauma based upon an appreciation of why animals in the wild are not traumatized by routine threats to their lives while humans, on the other hand, are readily overwhelmed and traumatized. The same instincts that are involved in the formation of trauma symptoms can be enlisted in the transformation and healing of trauma. Therapeutically, this “instinct to heal” and self-regulate is engaged through the awareness of body sensations that contradict those of paralysis and helplessness, and which restore resilience, equilibrium and wholeness.
Most people associate trauma with events like war, violence, extremes of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, debilitating accidents, or natural disasters. However, many ''ordinary'' or seemingly benign events can also be traumatic. For example, so-called minor automobile “whiplash'' accidents frequently lead to bewildering and debilitating physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, and common invasive medical procedures and surgeries can be profoundly traumatizing.
Often overlooked and more recently studied, stress and trauma can be held in the body from experiencing racism. In addition trauma can be linked with experiencing the effects of homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism, fatphobia, Islamophobia, anti-semitism, xenophobia, being pushed or forced into assimilation, etc.
Most people associate trauma with events like war, violence, extremes of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, debilitating accidents, or natural disasters. However, many ''ordinary'' or seemingly benign events can also be traumatic. For example, so-called minor automobile “whiplash'' accidents frequently lead to bewildering and debilitating physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, and common invasive medical procedures and surgeries can be profoundly traumatizing.
Often overlooked and more recently studied, stress and trauma can be held in the body from experiencing racism. In addition trauma can be linked with experiencing the effects of homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism, fatphobia, Islamophobia, anti-semitism, xenophobia, being pushed or forced into assimilation, etc.
I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma...that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation. ~ Peter Levine
