Kona Somatic Experiencing
What is Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a gentle, body-focused approach for reducing anxiety, anger, depression, stress, and chronic pain. These symptoms long assumed as psychological issues are most often reactions to shocking or traumatic events. Many times during early childhood these symptoms started to develop in response to adverse/traumatic experiences such as neglect and abuse.
SE was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, based on research that trauma is stored in the body’s nervous system. Healing can occur by focusing on bodily sensations rather than only on cognitive or emotional processing. Unlike traditional “talk therapies” which focus primarily on the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma, SE works directly with the body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. This gentle body-focused approach can be the gateway to resolving and healing chronic stress, trauma, anger, depression anxiety, and panic attacks.
The SE Approach
SE emphasizes tuning into physical sensations, often referred to as “felt sense.” This involves learning how to pay attention to subtle bodily cues and movements that might be related to past traumatic experiences. These unconscious bodily sensations,”felt-sense” are the language of the nervous system trying to communicate about the environment to keep the individual safe. Adverse experiences/traumas disrupt the body’s natural ability to self-regulate itself. SE seeks to restore the nervous system’s self-regulation process by completing the thwarted physiological self-defense responses that were halted during those adverse/traumatic events. Once the thwarted self-defense response is released, the nervous system comes back into its natural authentic regulation which allows the individual to feel empowered, no longer feeling vulnerable, fearful, or easily reacting to stimuli with feelings of anger or overwhelm. Individuals immediately feel a profound sense of relaxation as their body permanently releases the unconscious stored tension/ stress hypervigilance.
Overall, Somatic Experiencing provides a unique and effective gentle framework for resolving trauma, by emphasizing the importance of the body’s role in healing and promoting a sense of safety, empowerment, and resilience. This naturalistic approach of integrating the mind and body addresses the root physical manifestations of trauma, it also rewires the neuronal network, resulting in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, chronic stress, and pain. This holistic approach helps the individual develop a greater capacity to cope with stress and adversity, while experiencing a renewed sense of peace, vitality, and a greater sense of aliveness and joy.
If you are ready to explore a transformative approach to healing, I’m here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards increased feelings of self-satisfaction, confidence, and a renewed sense of resilience.
Please email me for a free 20-minute Zoom consultation, or phone consultation if you prefer. Discover how reconnecting with your body’s authentic wisdom can lead to profound and lasting self-confidence and a greater secure sense of well-being and happiness.
Aloha,
Leslee Cook, M.A.,
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner,
NARM Practitioner,
Life Coach
NARM Website
Leslee’s Somatic Experiencing Website Page
Leslee’s California Website