Frequently Asked Questions
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-based approach supporting the nervous system into a state of balance and wellbeing after or during stressful or traumatic experiences. One may also not know of said traumatic experiences or even register stress explicitly, but they may not be able to sleep, feel anxious or depressed, or still be getting hooked into old patterns despite years of therapy and so on. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, renowned trauma researcher, practitioner and author ("Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma" amongst others), SE has 45+ years of successful clinical application in the treatment of shock and developmental trauma. It is taught internationally as an effective method for resolving symptoms of traumatic stress and draws upon the wisdom and techniques from stress physiology, biology, ethology, medical biophysics, neuroscience and indigenous healing practices.
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What happens in a session?
Each and every session is unique because we as humans are unique and there is a rote set of pieces we like to have in place, like rungs on a ladder, before stepping to the next. First, we learn to track sensations in the body. We are sitting in chairs near by each other, but it's not talk therapy. We are listening to the voice of your body. For the first few sessions this can feel like learning a new language- maybe confusing, frustrating, boring or exciting! But it IS like learning a new language! Most of us weren't taught this at all. Once we have tracking underway, we begin to resource. We notice or recall what's good and supportive to us (animal friends, a yoga pose, a memory, person, place), then track again what you notice in your body. This practice builds folks container and capacity for where we are going next. Titration - taking off a small bite of something you know or don't know has left a mark. Slowly and gently beginning to touch the trauma material. Next, pendulation - going between what we call the trauma/stress material and the resource, because this practice mirrors what happens in a healthy, fluid nervous system. Lastly, integration - giving time and space for the body and psyche to take in what's happened with adequate time and space for digestion of the session, so the good work can continue out into the world.
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What is Somatic Experiencing Touch Work?
The same as an SE session only we are gently introducing touch. We might work both sitting or the client may lay on the table, fully clothed, face up, eyes open and in communicating together throughout. This is not a massage or time to take a nap because the works requires your presence to work.
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Why would I want to come to Somatic Experiencing?
Most people I see have tried many other things and at best are calming any symptoms of unresolved stress and trauma. Somatic Experiencing gets to the root of the symptoms to clear the symptoms.
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How many sessions do I attend for?
Most folks come for at least four sessions. That tends to give us time to build rapport and help your nervous system feel into the rhythm and consistency of having an SE practice. That said, like any method for healing and personal growth, you decide how much SE is the right amount for you. You may feel relief and integrate some tools after a single session, or you may choose to have SE into your life for years.
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Is it Talk Therapy?
We talk a little about your experiences but our focus is on what is happening in your body as you are talking. So we will pause and pay attention to and be guided by your body's process, rather than the conversation.
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Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance. Sessions are $140 (cash, check, venmo) and I have a number of sliding scale spots- please ask if full payment is a barrier.
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How long are sessions?
50 mins - give or take - depending on where your nervous system lands around that time frame. Again these sessions are body lead and it's very important to me that clients leave sessions having some integration time together.