Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based therapy that helps you release trauma stored in your nervous system. Instead of reliving the past, SE focuses on your present experience—using gentle awareness, grounding, and movement to restore balance. SE is especially helpful for trauma survivors, people who feel disconnected from their bodies, or anyone stuck in cycles of anxiety, stress, or shutdown.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine. The foundation of SE is this: trauma isn’t just about the event—it’s about how your nervous system responds to the event.
When you experience trauma, your body may enter survival states like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. If you aren’t able to fully complete those protective responses, the energy gets “stuck” in your nervous system.
Over time, this can show up as:
SE helps you gently release that “held” energy so your body learns it’s safe again.
Instead of diving straight into the story of what happened, SE works bottom-up—starting with your body and present experience.
Some tools you might use in session include:
Over time, these practices help you expand your window of tolerance—your ability to be with different emotions and sensations without getting overwhelmed or shutting down.
While anyone can benefit, SE is especially supportive for people who:
If you’ve ever thought, “I understand my trauma, but my body still feels unsafe,” Somatic Therapy may be the missing piece.
Talk therapy helps you understand your patterns, beliefs, and relationships. SE adds another dimension: the body’s wisdom.
A typical SE session is collaborative, gentle, and paced around your comfort. You might:
Your therapist will guide you, but you’re in control of the pace and direction.
Clients often describe SE as:
SE doesn’t erase the past, but it helps you live in the present without being trapped by old survival responses.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in stress cycles, Somatic Experiencing can help you reconnect with your body, restore safety, and move toward wholeness.
Ready to begin your healing journey?
Danica Harris, Ph.D., SEP is a complex trauma expert, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and co-founder of Empowered Healing Dallas. She specializes in trauma recovery, somatic healing, and helping clients reconnect with their bodies. Dr. Harris also facilitates the Healing Your Way Home retreat, an immersive experience for survivors ready to deepen their healing in a supportive community.