By Christa Banister

When an experience, a particular set of circumstances, or unresolved events from the past shatter your sense of security and well-being in the present, the physical and psychological effects of trauma can linger. This is known as a somatic memory.

Sometimes, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may last a few weeks, while others may find that flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or depression can persist for months — or even years, if left unaddressed.

In the past year, an estimated 3.6% of adults in the United States experienced PTSD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In their lifetime, just shy of 7% of all adults will deal with varying degrees of impairment from PTSD.vintage

To help restore the connection between mind and body, a key component in processing and the treatment of trauma, Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a valuable form of therapy that promotes healing.

What Is Somatic Experiencing?

The word somatic means “of the body,” so it’s probably no surprise that your body, from head to toe, and its sensations (specifically linked to trauma), play a central role.

The overarching idea of this therapy is that freeing the tangible, physical sensations of trauma can pull double duty in helping to address its emotional and psychological components, including guilt, shame, and anger.

SE therapy was developed by Meadows Senior Fellow Dr. Peter Levine. It was developed based on his comprehensive study of stress physiology, psychology, neuroscience, medical biophysics, biology, and indigenous healing practices, not to mention 45 years of successful clinical application.

Centered around the idea that traumatic experiences can lead to dysfunction in your nervous system — a barrier in fully processing the experience — SE offers a framework for the release of traumatic shock. This process is integral in healing from PTSD.

As a result of his findings, Dr. Levine was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and awarded the honorary Reis Davis Chair in Child Psychiatry for his game-changing contributions to children and adolescent therapy.

How Does Somatic Experiencing Therapy Work?

We’ve all heard about our natural fight-or-flight response. The petite woman who is able to lift a 3,000-pound car under duress immediately springs to mind. If there’s anything causing fear, anxiety, or the perception of danger, our body kicks into another gear. We get ready for battle — real or imagined — or we flee.

What often isn’t discussed in the same breath as fight or flight, however, is a third option — the freeze response. When someone doesn’t feel like they’ve got promising odds of surviving through fight or flight, many people, particularly children, will freeze instead.

What’s troubling about this response is that experts warn that someone no longer under the threat of danger can remain trapped in a state where the survival energy that is normally expelled ends up lingering in the body. Rather than the body resetting for the next potentially stressful situation, leftover energy from the previous experience leads to the manifestation of traumatic symptoms.

With SE therapy, people learn how their autonomic nervous system works — and the part it plays in your response to trauma. For those who believe they should have reacted differently during a particular event, it provides clarity by increasing your awareness of somatic sensations.

Resourcing is another valuable tool for SE therapists. This includes helping someone tap into their inner resilience, strength, and positive memories that help generate a feeling of calm and peace. This, along with other therapies that allow for gradual, intentional processing of trauma, allow you to get a better sense of how your body responds in these moments and gives you an opportunity to release trapped survival energy.

Somatic Experiencing Techniques 

The SIBAM framework — Sensation, Imagery, Behavior, Affect, and Meaning — is a somatic experiencing technique that helps clients incorporate their bodies in processing their trauma. While most therapy uses a “top-down” approach, Somatic Experiencing uses a “bottom-up” approach, starting with our bodies before returning to our thoughts. 

Sensation

Our bodies are constantly experiencing sensations, some that we may not realize are linked to our emotions. The sensation phase allows you to understand what you’re feeling in your body. 

Imagery 

During the Imagery phase, the SE practitioner will lead you through a guided or interactive guided imagery scene. In a guided imagery scene, the client will just listen, while an interactive guided imagery will include an ongoing conversation while you work through the exercise. 

Behavior 

At this stage, the therapist will observe your behavioral responses, including your body language and posture, as you discuss your internal experiences.

Affect

This part of the framework showcases how you display your emotions to the outside world. This can include your word choices, tone, and speed. 

Meaning 

The final stage of the framework evaluates how you perceive somatic experiencing therapy and what your internal experiences mean to you.

What Are SE Practitioners?

Somatic Experiencing Practitioners (SEP) are dedicated to the bottom-up somatic process to help clients begin their healing journey. SEPs have a background in various modalities and psychotherapies so that you can find one specializing in other treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Equine Therapy. 

Somatic experiencing training integrates SE work into other practices to provide clients with a well-rounded healing experience. Not all SEPs are the same, so it’s best to experiment with a few before deciding which one you resonate with the best. 

Trauma Treatment at The Meadows

If you or someone you love is struggling with emotional trauma or PTSD, don’t hesitate to reach out to the caring professionals at The Meadows. With state-of-the-art therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, our innovative, holistic approach to treating trauma designed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and support overall health.