somatic experiencing

SE Touch is one aspect or tool that can be used during your Somatic Experiencing Session. We will first discuss what area of the body we will work with. You have the choice of laying on a table, remaining seated in your chair or perhaps laying on a yoga mat. Unlike some types of bodywork, you are always clothed in an SE session.

SE Touch is a quiet process where my hand is held still. Like all SE sessions, I will guide you as you track your body sensations. Using touch is not a necessary component of your session- the decision is always yours. Touch can be a helpful way to connect to your body and regulate your nervous system. Each person and each session are unique.

Areas that touch can be particularly helpful:

• Working with Early Shock Trauma, Early Developmental Trauma or Complex Trauma
• Helping a client learn to differentiate between appropriate, caring touch and inappropriate, harmful touch
• When the use of verbal language is limited, either due to disability or language

In Somatic Experiencing, we do not define by the event itself but look for the roots of trauma in the physiology of our nervous system. Our nervous system is very good at responding to potential threat whatever the stress may be. Sometimes the threat is from an acute incident such as fall, car accident or an assault. Sometimes it may be a result of chronic daily stress we experience in our relationships or in doing our job.  

As human beings we don’t readily settle our heightened nervous system and come back down to rest after being activated by threat and stress. When that happens, what can show up over time are various physiological symptoms that are the body’s way of coping and managing high levels of activation in our body. Chronic pain and fatigue are common symptoms of dysregulation. Others can include digestive issues, headaches, mental fogginess, lack of motivation or poor sleep patterns such as insomnia.