What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to working with trauma and chronic stress. It was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, based on the observation that overwhelming experiences can leave the nervous system in a heightened state of fight, flight, or freeze. SE works with the body’s physical responses rather than focusing mainly on the narrative of what happened. It is one of several body-based, or “somatic,” approaches that have developed alongside a growing understanding of how trauma affects the nervous system.
How Does Somatic Experiencing Work
Somatic Experiencing pays attention to physical sensations as a way of helping the nervous system settle. The work generally involves:
- noticing bodily sensations such as tension, tightness, or numbness
- tracking how those sensations change over time
- supporting the gradual release of stored survival energy
- building the capacity to shift between states of activation and calm
The process is slow and paced, staying within what feels manageable rather than revisiting events in detail.
How Somatic Experiencing Helps
SE aims to reduce the physical and emotional symptoms that can follow trauma and chronic stress, such as feeling constantly on edge. Because it does not rely on detailed retelling, it can be useful for people who find talk-based approaches difficult or activating. Sessions can be used on their own or to complement talk-based therapy, and the pace is always guided by what the client can manage.
Learn more: Somatic Experiencing International
Who Can Benefit from SE
Somatic Experiencing is used for:
- trauma and PTSD
- anxiety and chronic stress
- physical symptoms linked to stress
- situations where talk therapy alone has not helped
People often come to Somatic Experiencing when they can explain what happened but still feel it in the body: a racing heart, a constant sense of alert, tension or shutdown that talking hasn’t touched. It can also help when there’s no clear story to tell, only the physical residue of stress that built up over time.
It tends to suit people who find talk-based therapy activating, or who sense their distress lives as much in the body as in the mind. The pace is always gentle and led by what feels manageable, which can make it workable even when other approaches have felt like too much.
Therapy most often includes multiple approaches, shaped around what best fits for you. Your counsellor will work with you to design an approach that meets your needs.
Finding the Right Fit
Research consistently shows that a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in counselling. When helping you find a therapist, we consider:
- Your goals, concerns, and preferences
- Your past experiences with counselling (if any)
- Therapist expertise and clinical focus
- Personality, pace, and working style
- Therapeutic orientation and flexibility
Some clients come in knowing they are interested in a particular approach. Others have no idea where to begin—and both are completely valid. You do not need to choose a modality to start counselling. Our role is to help guide the process and support you in finding a therapist who feels like a good fit.
You can also explore therapist profiles on our Meet the Team page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapeutic Approaches
No. Many clients begin therapy without any knowledge of modalities. Your therapist will guide the process and adapt the work to what’s most helpful for you.
No. Therapists at River’s Edge work integratively, drawing from multiple evidence-based approaches as therapy unfolds.
Yes. If you have experience with or interest in a particular modality, we’re happy to take that into account when matching you with a therapist.
That’s very common. Therapy itself is a collaborative process of discovering what supports change for you.
Different approaches can be helpful for different people and concerns. Research shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship and a flexible, responsive approach are key factors in effective therapy.