March 12, 2025
Somatic Experiencing therapy (SE)
A gentle approach to healing anxiety, trauma, and overwhelm by working with the body and the mind.
What is Somatic Experiencing therapy?
Somatic Experiencing is a body-based therapy that helps people release stress, calm their nervous system, and recover from trauma. It focuses on how the body holds onto difficult experiences—even long after they’ve passed.
Somatic Experiencing does not require you to talk. Instead, it gently helps you notice body sensations, emotions, and reactions in a safe, supportive way. Over time, this helps your body and mind feel more relaxed, steady, and present.
This approach is suitable for adults, teenagers, and children. It’s especially helpful if you feel “stuck”, overwhelmed or disconnected, and want a gentle, non-verbal way to feel better.
The Science Behind Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is based on the work of Dr. Peter Levine, who studied how animals recover naturally from stress. He found that trauma isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how the body was able (or unable) to respond.
In humans, our natural stress response can get “stuck,” leaving us feeling frozen, anxious, or always on alert. This therapy helps complete those unfinished responses in a safe, supported way. Research supports its effectiveness for trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.
Benefits of Somatic Experiencing therapy
Calming the nervous system
Helps your body move out of fight, flight, or freeze responses and into a more peaceful state.
Healing trauma gently
Offers a way to release stress without needing to relive painful experiences through conversation.
Building resilience
Supports emotional strength, so you can handle life’s ups and downs with more ease.
Less talking, more feeling
Works well if you find it hard to express yourself with words or need a body-based approach.
Who can benefit?
Here are some of the people who may find this therapy supportive:
Individuals with anxiety or panic: if you often feel on edge, restless, or overwhelmed, Somatic Experiencing supports calm and emotional regulation.
People with chronic stress or burnout: if your nervous system feels stuck in “fight or flight,” this approach helps restore balance and resilience.
Clients with chronic pain or tension: if you carry pain or tightness in your body without clear cause, Somatic Experiencing can gently explore the emotional roots.
Individuals with PTSD or complex trauma: for those reliving past events or feeling disconnected, this therapy offers a safe way to come back to the present.
Neurodivergent individuals: if you’re autistic, have ADHD, or experience sensory overload, this body-based method can support regulation and grounding.
What does a typical session look like?
Each session is gentle, flexible, and guided by what feels safe for you. Here’s what you might experience:
Noticing body sensations: The therapist may help you become aware of simple things like your breath, tension, or warmth—whatever is happening in the moment.
Following the body’s lead: Rather than diving into big stories, the therapist will gently guide you through small, manageable steps that help release stress or emotion.
Optional talking: Some people prefer to talk more, others less. You choose what feels right.
Creating safety: You are always in control. If anything feels too much, the therapist will help slow things down and keep the space supportive.
Our approach to somatic experiencing
At Inspire Wellbeing Services, we know that healing looks different for everyone. That’s why our approach to Somatic Experiencing is gentle, flexible, and led by what feels safe and helpful for you.
We work at your pace—there’s no pressure to talk about memories or to “do it right.” Your therapist will help you tune into what your body is telling you, offering support as you begin to notice and release tension, stress and emotions.
Our therapists are trained to support people who are neurodivergent, or have experienced trauma. We’re experienced in working with children, young people, and adults, and we take care to create a space that feels calm, respectful, and empowering.
Frequently asked questions
“Somatic” simply means “related to the body.” This therapy focuses on what your body feels and how it reacts, not just what you think or say.
That’s okay. Many people start out feeling numb or disconnected—that is actually a common reason people seek this therapy. Your therapist will gently guide you to notice small, simple sensations, without any pressure.
No. Most of the work is subtle—like noticing your breath or a warm feeling in your chest. If movement is used, it’s very gentle and only if it feels helpful.
No. You’ll never be asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Some people like to close their eyes to tune in more easily, but it’s completely your choice.
Everyone is different. Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others choose to come for longer support. You and your therapist will decide what works best.
