333 Grand Avenue #206, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Your Somatic Experiencing® Session
Why Somatic Experiencing?
Talk therapy can be useful for understanding the cognitive reasons why protection is no longer necessary for something that no longer poses a threat. But incorporating knowledge of the body is integral to our experiences and it is important to recognize that it needs to express its survival instincts to have a felt sense of safety. Otherwise, a sense of "still needing something" can stay present, and seeking relief of any kind becomes a priority.
Finding the right kind of help to accept challenges comes with some vulnerability and courage, and a willingness to learn more about your whole self, mind and body, and grow into being your Best Self. Being in your own body's power and grace can be a turning point from surviving to thriving. Our work together can be about transforming the energy it takes to stay “stuck” into a renewed sense of vitality and purpose. Feeling change in your body leads to a change in perspective, which leads to seeing change in your life and embracing it.
What Happens In my First Somatic Experiencing Session?
The direction of your first session, which is 90-minutes, is guided first by your expectations and desires for the session, and by my assessment of how your nervous system might respond to touch and the nature of your physical and/or other symptoms.
Somatic Experiencing works slowly (a process called "titration") to develop awareness of your physical body sensations and be comfortable with them, and often involves some easy, active movement. An effective session often is done seated with some verbal interaction. Our dialogue with each other is primarily focused on the "dialogue" with your body, and its need to tell the true narrative regardless of the narrative you've been telling.
An SE session can include little to no touch, however, integrating some light to moderate pressure to parts of your body can give your nervous system the necessary feedback to help you activate or relax successfully.
The goal is always to work within the range of what feels most comfortable for you. Every session following our initial session is 60-minutes.
Is Somatic Experiencing like a "Somatic Massage?"
Is Somatic Experiencing like a "Somatic Massage?"
Is Somatic Experiencing like a "Somatic Massage?"
No. Somatic Experiencing and other trauma-informed body-based therapies like craniosacral therapy are not like a traditional massage. I have fifteen years of hands-on experience providing traditional massage, but Somatic Experiencing and any hands-on bodywork we do is about building a relationship with your body, not about something being done to your body. Your Somatic Experiencing sessions may not even include touch until later in the process.
Is Somatic Experiencing Evidence-based?
Is Somatic Experiencing like a "Somatic Massage?"
Is Somatic Experiencing like a "Somatic Massage?"
Yes. This approach was developed over the course of almost 50 years by Peter Levine, Ph.D, who originally practiced the form of bodywork known as Rolfing, then became a Physiologist, and finally a Neurologist. His life-work of studying the the innately human response of fight/flight/freeze has added to the ongoing and developing evidence that healing the ongoing effects of trauma is possible by working with the body's natural impulses to create a new narrative. Studies have shown that SE is an effective therapeutic approach for PTSD and attachment issues, for example. Trained practitioners of Somatic Experiencing include psychotherapists and psychologists, doctors, social workers and bodyworkers like massage therapists and physical therapists, each working within their scopes of practice to provide somatic therapy or somatic bodywork for trauma from various perspectives. For more information on SE and ongoing research, go to traumahealing.org.