Somatic Experiencing is a healing modality for anyone who has experienced trauma or for someone who has a chronic pain or sensation that is otherwise unexplainable. It utilizes cutting edge neuroscience to help re-wire the brain to heal disfunction, and is a bridge between emotional work and body work.
Somatic Experiencing is the science and technique behind a process of rewiring the brain where there is dis-regulation. It is unique to any kind of body work, energy work or emotional/psychological therapy. Each session will present itself differently and if we stay open and curious the body will show us the way to its own healing power. The somatic experience is a facilitator of our bodies innate ability and desire to heal.
In an SE session, we will gently connect the mind and body and will utilize this approach to build new neuro-pathways that will facilitate healing. We will spend lots of time identifying the experiences in our body and I will utilize my training to encourage curious exploration through the process.
Somatic experiencing is perfect for anyone who has experienced trauma or for someone who has a chronic pain or sensation that is otherwise unexplainable.
The term trauma is a very complex and the research on the topic is growing every day. When we talk about persons who have experienced trauma we are talking about a very broad spectrum. There is the emotional element, the physical element, the mental or perceptive part and the implicit or non-conscious part.
It could be a person who has vivid memories of their traumatic event, it can be someone who has no memory. It can be someone who has had a physical trauma such as falling down during a sporting event to someone who has an unexplainable twitch or tingling sensation.
When a person experiences trauma the brain has processes in place to help the body to protect itself and when the traumatic experience is done our body releases the hormones responsible for this. Dis-regulation happens when our body can not experience this biological release either due to a perpetual or long-term perceived threat or situational circumstances that prohibit it. When this release is blocked our bodies often do not know what to do with these hormones and they can cause dis-regulation in the normal function of the body. This may present itself in the form of depression, anxiety, chronic illness, unexplained feelings or pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.
With somatic experiencing each session will present itself uniquely and there are no set protocols. It is all very gentle and client led. There is a big focus on creating a safe environment for the client and thoroughly and slowly establishing the client-therapist relationship.
We may spend some time talking or doing reiki work to establish resources and connection and as the client feels comfortable we will add in bodywork modalities such as stretching, active resistance therapy, myofascial release, trigger point work, and Swedish massage.
Through this process, we will be gently exploring your trauma or sensations through focusing on right here, right now. During periods of talk, I may interrupt you at times which can be new to those who are familiar with talk therapy but the methods and tools in this practice are very different and very effective.
During the massage, I will be utilizing the time to guide you into your body and help you make connections.
I had a Somatic Experiencing session. Carrie was very patient, compassionate, & listened very well. I felt safe & heard. I highly recommend this technique for anyone that has experienced significant trauma in their lives.
— Audrey C.
Love the way in which Carrie helped me stay connected to my body and breath throughout the massage. She was communicative throughout the whole massage, providing an embodied experiance.
— Caitlin M.
I was really grateful for a practice that integrates the body and the brain for growth and healing. Working with Carrie was wonderful!
— Anonymous
