Returning to the Body
It’s important to understand that trauma is not in the event itself, it’s held in the ongoing signals and survival physiology within the nervous system. True healing happens in the here and now, as we learn to notice and work with these bodily responses.
Many of us spend a lot of time in our heads, which can cause us to lose touch with how our bodies are feeling. This makes it harder to notice and deal with signs of stress or emotions in the body.
By reconnecting with our bodily sensations, we can start to heal and better manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. This helps us stay grounded and present, even when life gets tough.
Everyday challenges—like accidents, breakups, job loss, or illness—as well as more serious events like violence, addiction, or abuse, can impact both our bodies and minds.
While we sometimes recover naturally, we can also get stuck in a “fight, flight, or freeze” response—the body’s automatic way of dealing with stress or danger.
This fight, flight, or freeze response is meant to protect us, but it can become a problem if it sticks around long after the threat is gone, or when there isn’t any real danger.
Ongoing stress can show up in many ways, including:
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Anxiety
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Sleep problems
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Depression
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Racing, scattered thoughts or overthinking
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Feeling nervous often
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Digestion issues
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Relationship difficulties
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Changes in appetite
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Constant fatigue
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Feeling powerless or helpless
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Headaches
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Feeling like you’ve lost control
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Trouble focusing
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Low self-esteem
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Feeling jumpy or easily startled
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Loss of interest in intimacy
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Inflammation, autoimmune issues, or other health diagnoses
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Getting sick often
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-based therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine. SE helps you tune in to where your body is holding stress or trauma and provides gentle techniques to help your system get “unstuck.” You’ll learn practical ways to sit with uncomfortable feelings and sensations, which can gradually make it easier to manage symptoms on your own.
What to Expect in a Somatic Experiencing® Session
You won’t have to retell or relive your trauma. Instead, SE gently guides your body to release built-up survival energy and supports your natural ability to recover and feel safe again.
In our sessions, I’ll help you reconnect with your awareness of physical sensations, supporting your emotional and mental well-being and fostering greater balance and healing.
With your permission, gentle touch may be used to help your body release tension in areas like the kidneys, adrenals, joints, muscles, chest, abdomen, or head—always checking in and only if you’re comfortable.
Over time, SE sessions may help you feel more relaxed and resilient, with less pain and tension—physically and emotionally. You might notice more energy, better sleep, easier movement, and more balance in daily life.
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Low self-esteem
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Loss of interest in sex
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Feeling nervous a lot
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Inflammation in the body
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Getting sick often
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please feel free to contact me.
