What is somatic experiencing
The word somatic is defined as relating to the body, especially distinct from the mind. Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapy approach that focuses on how our bodies react to stress and trauma. It’s a body-based healing method that invites a greater sense of awareness of body sensations and experiences as it relates to our mental and emotional landscape.
Imagine when you feel scared or overwhelmed, your body might tense up, your heart races, or you might even freeze. These physical reactions are your body's way of trying to protect itself. But sometimes, after a traumatic event like a car accident or a difficult experience, these reactions become ingrained in your body’s nervous system, causing ongoing stress, anxiety, or even physical pain.
SE helps people release and resolve these “stuck” sensations and reactions. It does this by gently guiding you to pay attention to your body sensations and feelings, noticing both the pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral experiences within. By slowly reconnecting with these sensations and learning to listen to what the body needs, people can gradually let go of the tension and fear held in their bodies. It's like giving your body permission to complete its natural responses to stress and trauma, allowing for healing and a sense of relief and repair.
In some ways, this concept seems very simple; just tuning into your body’s sensations and cues (this is called interoception). However, most people are conditioned to ignore their physical sensations and body cues, so SE can be quite challenging for many people, at least at the beginning. There are endless examples of how we are conditioned to ignore our bodies… here are a few:
Not using the bathroom when you need to
Ignoring your hunger cues
Not paying attention to the sensations inside that alert you to danger (person, place, situation)
Unaware of for ignoring increased heart rate that signals you need to do something to calm your body (e.g., breathe more slowly)
Ignoring when you are full and continuing to eat more and more
Ignoring and not communicating pleasure/pain/discomfort during intimate experiences
So. much. more.
Can you relate to any of these?
The process of somatic healing invites you to improve your interoception (becoming aware of and listening to your body sensations). It teaches you to listen to and trust your body’s sensations, and allow them to communicate to you.
SE techniques often involve gentle movement, mindfulness, and somatic awareness exercises designed to facilitate the renegotiation of traumatic memories and sensations stored in the body. By cultivating a deepened awareness of bodily sensations and building resilience in the face of stress, you can gradually reclaim a sense of agency and embodiment. Many people find it helpful to begin somatic work by having a dedicated or guided practice. Over time, this work becomes woven into your being and you’ll naturally have greater interoception throughout each moment of your day rather than needing to set aside time for a dedicated practice.
Ultimately, somatic experiencing offers a holistic approach to trauma and stress healing that honors the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, promoting a sense of wholeness and integration in the journey toward recovery.
If you are interested in learning more, somatic experiencing is a healing modality used within my 1:1 coaching work. You can schedule a 30 minute free consult so we can chat about how I can best support you!
Pause for reflection:
What are some ways that you ignore your body’s cues?
What would it feel like to be more connected to your physical sensations?
As you sit and read this, notice how your body feels to be in contact with the floor, chair, bed, or whatever it is you are on right now. What does that part of your body feel like? How does it feel to be supported by what’s underneath you?
Xo,
Kayla
