Somatic Experiencing

Somatic experiencing is a body-based form of therapy that focuses on releasing the energy related to a trauma from where it is “stuck” in the body. Developed by Peter A. Levine, this therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can leave the nervous system in a state of dysfunction, stemming from fight-or-flight energy that built up during an initial encounter with a threat, but was never released due to getting stuck in the “freeze” response. Instead of beginning with examining cognitive and thought processes as per traditional psychotherapy methods, somatic experiencing begins with focused awareness of physical sensations and signs.