Somatic Experiencing: An Effective Body-Centered Therapy in Austin, Texas
At Relationships Matter Therapy- Austin, our licensed clinicians use Somatic Experiencing- An effective body-centered therapy that restores your body’s natural ability to calm and self-regulate itself.
Somatic Experiencing is a natural method of trauma treatment that is effective, short term, and body-centered. It is the result of over forty years of observation, research, and hands on development by Dr. Peter Levine. Human beings have a natural ability to overcome the effects of trauma and other stress related issues through resetting the nervous system. The body bears the burden of trauma as much as the brain does. The body communicates to the brain and the brain communicates back to the body, these systems are not actually separate.
How Does It Work?
Somatic Experiencing works by helping the mind and body reconnect or reset. Think about it like the brake and gas pedal in your car. If the gas pedal gets stuck on then the car with run uncontrollably and if the brake pedal is stuck on then the car will be frozen and unable to move.
Our Nervous System Gets Stuck
Similarly, when our nervous system is not able to restore its normal functioning between rest and alertness then we can become so triggered that we are not sure whether we are feeling pleasure or are in danger. It can be very confusing! On the other hand, if our nervous system cannot settle and quiet itself then it is difficulty for the body to digest our food, rest, and recharge to prepare for life’s responsibilities. Somatic Experiencing helps to restore the body’s natural ability to regulate the nervous system.
Safe, Gentle, Body-Centered Approach- Somatic Experiencing
It is a very gentle approach, many who think that they should seek trauma treatment are hesitant because trauma recovery sounds frightening or too painful. Somatic Experiencing is perfect for those who have these kind of worries because it works with the body to relieve trauma symptoms naturally. We learn to reconnect with our bodies and can tell what is safe and what is not safe. Instead of our body, going into fight, flight, or freeze instantly, we are able to pause and reflect on the information our body is giving us.
Restores Trust in our Feelings and Body. Heals and Frees Us to Be Present in our Life
We can begin to trust our body and navigate the uncomfortable feelings that come up. Healing takes place, symptoms disappear, and we are free to be in our present day life without feelings from the past getting in the way.
We can help you heal from the distressing events in your life.
Wonder what a Somatic Experiencing Session is like?– Here’s a sample session
“I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation. I have little doubt that as individuals, families, communities, and even nations, we have the capacity to learn how to heal and prevent much of the damage done by trauma.” -Peter Levine
Articles you might find helpful:
Important Role Your Nervous System Plays In Trauma Recovery
Ten Simple Ways To Reduce Stress
