Somatic Experiencing®
Trauma may be loosely defined as overwhelm in the body and mind: too much, too fast, too soon. In overwhelm, the intelligence of the body employs 3 self-protective responses: fight, flight and freeze.
Because these responses are highly charged states, the rational mind tends to override and inhibit their full expression. And it is this restraint that traps and compresses the energy in the body, causing the dysregulation of normal functions, physical, emotional and mental.
First-time, 30-minutes free
Use Code: SEVM60 when you schedule a 90-min session
Can Somatic Experiencing help me?
Weight gain and low energy. Chronic pain, allergies, digestive disturbances. Headaches, dizziness, TMJ. Difficult relationships, frustration, depression, anxiety, procrastination, feeling stuck, or disconnected. We may be baffled, where do these symptoms come from? They are all possible signs of compressed energy, or trauma, in the body.
Self-Regulation read more.
Does Somatic Experiencing clear symptoms?
Symptoms are a result of the body’s attempt to contain compressed energy. Contrary to modern belief, the resolution does not lie in stopping the symptom. Instead, an SE practitioner utilizes a dynamic interplay between memory, body sensations, and dialogue to gradually and safely discharge compressed frozen biological energy. In the completion of this biological freeze response, the nervous system can regain its inherent capacity to self-regulate. The completion of this former nervous system pattern results in an obvious reduction or disappearance of chronic symptoms.
> First-time, 30-minutes free
To get 30 minutes free, Use Code: SEVM60, when you schedule a 90-min session
Meaningful Shifts
These drawings are a by an 11-yr old boy who was experiencing dropping grades and challenges with respect in relationships. Worked involved two physically traumatic incidents, one which he understood to have been potentially fatal.
You can see the release of the freeze pattern in his body from the drawings, with the “before” on the left, and the “after” on the right. This change happened in 1 day, bolstered by the generous support of a family member. After that, his grades improved from former C/D’s to A’s and B’s, and his relationship with family and friends shifted dramatically. Indeed, it takes a whole family, and a village.
Who Developed Somatic Experiencing?
Dr. Peter Levine developed Somatic Experiencing® by observing how wild prey animals, though threatened routinely, are rarely traumatized. Instead, they use innate mechanisms to regulate and discharge the high levels of arousal associated with life-threatening situations, allowing them to return to normal balance once the threat is over. Dr. Levine has doctorates in medical and biological physics from the University of California-Berkley and a Ph.D. in psychology from International University. He has researched the psychology and physiology of trauma for over 35 years and is the author of “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma.”
Self-Care Reminders for Thresholds & Transitions, click to download
Session Rate
Sessions are $165/60 minute for emotional-physical healing which combines Somatic Therapeutic Dialogue with hands-on therapy featuring craniosacral and visceral techniques. First session includes hands-on work, come dressed in comfortable clothing.
Gloria Gonzalez, is creator of I AM The Medicine® and 5 Cycle Expansion™, a dialogue-touch approach to healing developmental and accumulated stress and trauma to align the whole person. Integrative healing modalities include Somatic Experiencing, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Iyengar-style Yoga, and Nia, to offer bottom-up and top-down awareness. Gloria works with high functioning leaders – managers, executives, moms, dads, husbands, wives, those who lead the charge for others – to support enhanced life purpose and empowerment in work, health, and love.
Resources:
Levine, P. and Frederick, A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Levine, P. (2010). In An Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness.
Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Kline, M. and Levine, P. (2007). Trauma Through A Child’s Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.