Somatic Experiencing®
Healing Trauma at the Level of the Nervous System — Where Trauma Actually Lives
Most approaches to trauma start with the mind. Somatic Experiencing® starts with the body, because that’s where trauma actually lives. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, it’s a gentle, evidence-informed approach that helps your nervous system release what it’s been holding, so healing can happen at the level where the wound is.
Healing Trauma at the Level of the Nervous System
Most of us were taught that healing happens through understanding, that if we could just make sense of what happened, we’d feel better. But for many trauma survivors, insight alone isn’t enough. You can understand exactly why you react the way you do and still feel completely unable to change it.
That’s because trauma isn’t stored as a coherent memory. It’s stored as sensation, a tightening in the chest, a held breath, a startle response that fires before thought can catch up. Somatic Experiencing® works directly with this layer of experience.
How This Approach Supports the Body’s Natural Healing Process
When we experience something overwhelming, our nervous system activates a survival response, fight, flight, fawn or freeze. In animals, this energy discharges naturally once the threat passes. In humans, especially those who experienced repeated or relational trauma, that energy often gets interrupted and stored. The nervous system stays activated long after the danger is gone, because it never received the signal that it was safe to settle.
Somatic Experiencing® works with this process directly, not by forcing discharge, but by moving slowly and safely toward resolution at a pace the nervous system can tolerate. Clients reconnect with their bodies by observing physical sensations without judgment, and guided exercises help safely release the trapped energy essential for resolving trauma.
Signs This Approach May Be Right for You
Somatic Experiencing® is not massage, movement therapy, or exercise. It’s not about reliving trauma or telling your story in detail. It works with subtle internal sensations, what you notice in your body from moment to moment, using those as the pathway toward regulation and release.
Sessions are slow, gentle, and carefully guided by a trained practitioner.
You might relate to SE if you experience:
Chronic tension, pain, or tightness with no clear physical cause.
Feeling on edge or hypervigilant even in environments that are objectively safe.
Emotional numbness or a persistent sense of disconnection from your body.
Startle responses that feel disproportionate to the situation.
Fatigue that rest doesn’t fix.
Difficulty feeling present, even during calm or positive moments.
Shawna’s ability to help me understand how my body holds onto past trauma, and then guide me through releasing it, was lifechanging for me. I feel more in control of my emotions and more connected to my body than I’ve ever been before. Shawna is an incredibly intuitive and compassionate therapist who has helped me make huge strides in my healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail during Somatic Experiencing®?
No. Somatic Experiencing® works with what your body is holding now, not with retelling the story of what happened. You never need to go into detail or revisit anything before you feel ready. The focus is on helping your nervous system settle, release stored activation, and find a sense of safety again.
What does a Somatic Experiencing® session actually feel like?
Sessions are slow, gentle, and collaborative. You and your therapist track physical sensations, emotions, and shifts in your nervous system at a pace that feels manageable. You might notice warmth, softening, grounding, or increased clarity — but there’s no “right” way to experience SE. Your body leads the process.
How long does Somatic Experiencing® take to work?
Every nervous system heals differently. Some people notice meaningful changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer‑term work. What matters most is pacing — staying within your Window of Tolerance so your system can release stored survival energy safely and sustainably.
What if Somatic Experiencing® isn’t the only approach I need?
Many people benefit from a combination of trauma therapies, especially when their nervous system, emotions, and personal history each hold different pieces of the story. Somatic Experiencing® works at the level of the body, but your healing may also involve connecting with protective parts (IFS), reshaping trauma‑based beliefs (Narrative Therapy™), or working with gentle therapeutic touch when words aren’t enough (Transforming Touch™). Your therapist will help you find the right blend of approaches based on what your system needs.