What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic model for healing trauma and other stress disorders. Created by Dr. Peter A. Levine, it is based on the observation that wild animals, though routinely threatened, are rarely traumatized. They use built-in mechanisms to regulate and discharge the high levels of energy arousal associated with defensive survival behaviors.
SE focuses on resolving the symptoms of trauma by recognizing that trauma is not just a psychological event, but a physiological one that gets "stuck" in the nervous system.
Dr. Peter Levine on Somatic Experiencing
How Somatic Experiencing Works
During an SE session, the therapist guides the client to focus on their physiological sensations rather than the narrative of the trauma:
- Titration — Exploring traumatic material and the accompanying bodily sensations in small, manageable amounts to prevent overwhelming the nervous system.
- Pendulation — Shifting attention between a state of dysregulation (the traumatic sensation) and a state of regulation (a safe sensation in the body or environment), training the nervous system to regain its natural flow.
- Discharge — The body's natural release of trapped survival energy, which can manifest as crying, shaking, yawning, or warm sensations.
Somatic Experiencing Specialists
Verified Oregon therapists
Sandy Bacharach
★ FEATUREDMCFT Associate · 1730 SW Skyline Blvd #104
I will listen deeply, actively, and compassionately, making space for you to unburden yourself…
Mackenzie Phelps
★ FEATUREDProfessional Counselor Associate; Marriage & Family Associate · 2206 SE Washington St.
Accepting NEW Clients! Supporting adolescents, adults, families, and LGBTQIA+ clients navigating…
Dr. Maya Chen
PROPsyD · Portland, OR
Dr. Maya Chen is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience treating…
Matt Lauziere
PROMS, LMT, LPC · Bend, OR
I’ve searched extensively for the tools to help people find their way out of life’s darkness,…
Natalie Schweizer
PROProfessional Counselor Associate · Bend, OR
I am a trauma-informed Clinical Mental Health Counselor dedicated to creating a safe,…
Who Can Benefit from SE?
SE is highly effective for individuals who have experienced:
- Single-incident traumas (car accidents, medical procedures, falls)
- Chronic or developmental traumas (abuse, neglect)
- PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Chronic pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, IBS)
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and severe stress
Sources & Clinical Evidence
- Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. The foundational book outlining the biological perspective of trauma.
- Brom, D., et al. (2017). Somatic Experiencing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Outcome Study. Journal of Traumatic Stress. Found significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms following SE therapy.
- Somatic Experiencing International. Research and empirical validation of the SE approach.