According to Somatic Experiencing (SE), trauma is viewed as a dis-regulated physiological stress response that occurs when a person experiences a traumatic or overwhelming event. Such events can include “shock trauma” (such as motor vehicle accidents, surgery, fall/injury, assault) and “development trauma” (such as physical/sexual/emotional abuse and/or on-going medical and physical issues like pain or disease).
“SE is a biophysiological approach to healing trauma. Peter Levine PhD (founder of SE) has said that trauma does not rest in the event, but in the individual’s nervous system. By paying attention to the client’s nervous system, the trained therapist supports the client in their experience of a more ‘coherent’ and ‘resilient’ nervous system” (1).
SE can help to unwind the pattern of stress response (fight/flight/freeze) that was not able to complete itself at the time of the event, by building awareness around body sensations and releasing stuck patterns in the body/nervous system.
It is a gentle and powerful counselling approach that helps people respond to present day stress in a healthier way. As a person’s response to stressors improves, the impact of stress on the body is reduced, allowing it to heal more fully.
FOR A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION ON SOMATIC EXPREINCING CLICK HERE:
Somatic Experiencing Explained
Some physical diseases linked to stress and trauma:
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
IBS/indigestion/heart burn
Headaches and Migraines
Fertility concerns
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Asthma
Diabetes
- Peter Levine www.traumahealing.org