Somatic Experiencing
What's about?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a cutting-edge treatment to heal from stress and trauma. Research suggests we hold memories of how our body felt during traumatic or stressful events, and these physical or somatic sensations can add to traumatic responses.
Many mental health issues can be related to chronic hyperarousal or hypoarousal of the nervous system. When stressful or traumatic events happen, the autonomic nervous system starts its defense mechanisms (fight/flight/freeze) for survival. Sometimes the system becomes overwhelmed by the stressor, or the stressful events are ongoing. Either way, this can result in a chronic activation of the system. The nervous system struggles to return to function normal and becomes dysregulated. This dysregulation shows with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, inability to focus and think, distressed relationship, struggling to sleep, and panic attacks. Additionally, symptoms can include physical illnesses (migraines, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, digestion/stomach issues) and emotional numbness.
Somatic Experiencing is based on polyvagal theory, and helps resolve these memories of the physical part of the trauma, while teaching the person how to deactivate this part of the nervous system so the memories no longer cause physical symptoms.
Benefits of Somatic Experiencing
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Stress Reduction: Helps reduce chronic stress and trauma responses.
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Nervous System Regulation: Addresses chronic hyperarousal or hypoarousal, restoring balance.
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Symptom Relief: Alleviates symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger.
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Improved Focus: Enhances ability to concentrate and think clearly.
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Better Sleep: Helps resolve sleep disturbances and insomnia.
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Physical Health: Reduces physical symptoms like migraines, chronic pain, and digestive issues.
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Emotional Healing: Resolves emotional numbness and enhances emotional well-being.
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Enhanced Relationships: Improves interpersonal relationships by reducing stress-related conflicts.
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Empowerment: Teaches techniques to deactivate the stress response in the nervous system.
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Holistic Healing: Integrates physical and emotional healing for comprehensive wellness.