Somatic Experiencing (SE)
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Adopted from SEA UK and SE-FORENINGEN | NORGE
“The very structure of trauma,
including hyper arousal, dissociation, constriction and helplessness,
is based on the evolution of predator/prey survival behaviors.
The symptoms of trauma are the result of a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time.
By enabling this frozen response to thaw, move ahead in time and then complete, trauma can be healed.”Peter Levine
Somatic Experiencing® is a pioneering body-based approach to overcoming trauma, shock and other stress disorders.
It is the life’s work of American psychotherapist Dr. Peter A. Levine, combining the fruits of his study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics alongside over 45 years of successful clinical application.
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The SE approach aims to safely release traumatic shock 'frozen' in the body at times of overwhelm, allowing for a natural transformation of both PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early childhood trauma.
SE offers a way to explore where a person is “stuck” in the stressful fight, flight or freeze responses, and provides practical clinical tools to resolve these fixated physiological states. It teaches simple, effective skills that mobilise the body's innate self-healing systems - the same physiological processes that mend broken bones and fight disease.
Recommended literature on Somatic Experiencing:
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Levine, Peter A.: In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness, 2011
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Levine, Peter A/Philips Maggie: Freedom from Pain: Discover Your Body's Power to Overcome Physical Pain, 2012
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Levine, Peter A. u. Kline, Maggie: Trauma-Proofing Your Kids: A Parents' Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy and Resilience, 2008
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Levine, Peter A.: Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, 2007
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Levine, Peter A./Kline, Maggie: Trauma Through a Child's Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing, 2006
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Laurence Heller: Healing Developmental Trauma, 2012
Trauma is hell on earth
Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.
Peter Levine