{"id":54504,"date":"2023-09-15T21:04:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T21:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=54504"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"somatic-experiencing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/","title":{"rendered":"Somatic Experiencing Therapy: A Guide to Getting In Touch With Your Innermost Self"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#What_Is_Somatic_Experiencing_Therapy\" >What Is Somatic Experiencing Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#What_Happens_During_Somatic_Experiencing_Therapy\" >What Happens During Somatic Experiencing Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#What_Is_an_Example_of_Somatic_Therapy\" >What Is an Example of Somatic Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#12_Guided_Somatic_Exercises\" >12 Guided Somatic Exercises<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Grounding\" >Grounding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Voo_Practice\" >Voo Practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Self-Hug\" >Self-Hug<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Self-Soothing_Touch\" >Self-Soothing Touch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Lower_Body_Inclusion\" >Lower Body Inclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Mental_Container_Mental_Calm_Exercise\" >Mental Container \/ Mental Calm Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Patting_Exercise\" >Patting Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#The_5_Senses_Exercise\" >The 5 Senses Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Somatic_Stretching\" >Somatic Stretching<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Boundaries_Exercise\" >Boundaries Exercise<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Can_I_Do_Somatic_exercises_On_My_Own\" >Can I Do Somatic exercises On My Own?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Somatic_Exercise_To_Process_Triggers\" >Somatic Exercise To Process Triggers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Use_Your_Felt_Sense\" >Use Your Felt Sense<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Orienting_To_5_Senses\" >Orienting To 5 Senses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Integrate_Healing_Into_Your_Daily_Life\" >Integrate Healing Into Your Daily Life<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#What_Are_The_Risks_of_Somatic_Therapy\" >What Are The Risks of Somatic Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#Does_Somatic_Experiencing_Involve_Touch\" >Does Somatic Experiencing Involve Touch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#What_Does_Trauma_Release_Feel_Like\" >What Does Trauma Release Feel Like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#How_Long_Does_Somatic_Experiencing_Take_to_Work\" >How Long Does Somatic Experiencing Take to Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#What_Is_the_Goal_of_Somatic_Experiencing\" >What Is the Goal of Somatic Experiencing?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we experience something deeply traumatic, our minds &#8220;shut down&#8221;, unable to process and cope with the distress. But this does not happen because there is something intrinsically wrong with our brains. It just means that the nature of the distress exceeds our personal resources to cope with it. When discussing trauma and the aftermath, many think of war, violent incidents, or life-altering accidents. But trauma is not limited to those.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V1_ggl-1.gif\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, trauma is an emotional response that can recur to many disruptive events. Since there is no universally agreed definition on what makes an event traumatic (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207192\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), we can define trauma as any distressing experience that exceeds our brain\u2019s natural ability to self-regulate and return to a baseline sense of safety. This is why everyone&#8217;s reaction to potentially traumatic experiences is different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a difficult experience, most people recover well with their in-built coping abilities and\/or with support and do not experience long-term problems. On the other hand, others experience problems directly after the traumatic event or start noticing the symptoms at a later stage. These unadressed traumatic experiences can leave deep imprints on our nervous system, and could lead to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, chronic stress\u00a0 and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of these disorders are insufficiently addressed with conventional talk therapy or medication. That\u2019s not because such interventions are ineffective, but the physical component of trauma needs a different approach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where Somatic Experiencing Therapy comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This innovative approach to trauma recovery focuses on the body&#8217;s innate ability to heal itself by releasing pent-up emotions associated with traumatic events. It&#8217;s about reconnecting with your body, acknowledging your past experiences, and empowering yourself to navigate through your healing journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we&#8217;ll dive deep into this transformative therapy, shedding light on how it works, its benefits, and how it could help you find balance and peace in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>If you\u2019ve dipped your toes in meditation before but couldn\u2019t sit through a session because of all the thoughts buzzing in your head, impulses snatching away control or all the overwhelming feelings that start bubbling up the minute you sink into the silence, it\u2019s only because you didn\u2019t have the right guidance. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><b>Start using BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app and watch your life transform<\/b><\/a><b>!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Somatic_Experiencing_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Is Somatic Experiencing Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Experiencing Therapy, often abbreviated as SE, is a unique modality of trauma therapy. It was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, drawing on his observations of animals in the wild and their innate ability to recover from life-threatening situations (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The essential theory behind is that when a traumatic event happens our natural survival-oriented responses (fight, flight, or freeze) kicks in. When the event is overwhelming, our nervous system stays on \u2018high alert\u2019, leading to increased muscle tension, and altered biochemical processes, which can contribute to the physical and emotional manifestation of traumatic memories and reactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simply put, the reactions to the overwhelming experience could be stored in the body as unresolved emotions. This trapped energy can manifest as symptoms of trauma such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SE guides the individual to release this stored energy and turn off this \u2018high alert\u2019 that causes severe dysregulation and dissociation. In practice, SE works by facilitating the completion of these self-protective motor responses and releasing the bound survival energy (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The therapy makes use of a framework known as SIBAM (Sensation, Imagery, Behavior, Affect, and Meaning) to help clients integrate their bodily awareness into the process of healing from trauma (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The sensations and experiences explored in SE are: Interoceptive (i.e., internal awareness of the body) Proprioceptive (i.e., spatial orientation of the body) Kinesthetic (i.e., movements of the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25699005\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SE is effective because it operates on the understanding that life experiences are stored not only in our minds but also in our bodies. It works from the &#8220;bottom up&#8221;, using the body as an entry point to explore sensations and related thoughts and feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By addressing both the physical sensations in our bodies and the emotional aspects of our experiences, it offers a comprehensive approach to therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ultimate goal is to help individuals release this trapped energy, recover from their traumatic experiences, and build resilience for a healthier, more balanced life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read more: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-breathing-exercises\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How To Use Somatic Breathing Exercises<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_During_Somatic_Experiencing_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Happens During Somatic Experiencing Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Experiencing Therapy facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of thwarted survival energy that is bound in the body, thus working towards healing trauma (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Once this survival energy is addressed, the body no longer needs to stay on high alern and resort to protective mechanisms like dissociation, arousal, or fawning. Therefore, it returns to a physiological sense of safety, which also translates into mental and emotional well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The therapy involves specific techniques such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resourcing, which involves developing inner memories, images, sensations, or experiences that evoke feelings of calm, safety, and well-being. Developing resources \u2013 both internal and external \u2013 is the first step before diving into the traumatic event. This ensures that you are able to relax and regulate a strong emotional response.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pendulation, which involves moving attention back and forth between areas of comfort and ease and areas of tension or discomfort in the body. In practice, this may look like accessing the memories of the event for a few minutes, then moving on to a comfortable sensation that you can access in the here and now.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Titration, which involves breaking down the processing of traumatic material into smaller, manageable doses. Instead of diving into the entire traumatic experience all at once, the traumatised individual processes the event gradually, which signals the brain and body that the healing process is safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This body-centered approach to treating PTSD focuses not just on thoughts or emotions, but also on releasing the survival defences that become the main way in which the body and nervous system operate after a traumatising event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a somatic experiencing session, techniques like titration are used to keep arousal at a low level during the processing of traumatic triggers. It may involve the introduction of small amounts of traumatic material and the observation of a client&#8217;s physical responses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapists guide patients to focus on their underlying physical sensations. The therapist may include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">somatic exercises<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as breathwork, meditation, visualization, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/benefits-of-massage-for-weight-loss\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">massage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, grounding, dance, and sensation awareness work into the session.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these techniques is designed to help clients reconnect with themselves and build the capacity to manage their physical reactions when they encounter something that triggers their trauma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While somatic experiencing therapy does not involve a complete retelling and processing of your past traumatic experiences like talk therapies, you may be reminded of these memories. These memories can appear in your mind in the form of images, sounds, sensations, or emotions which are associated to the traumatic event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doing so may result in you feeling \u201cactivated\u201d or feeling a high level of energetic arousal in your body. This is a normal part of the process, and your therapist will help you manage these emotions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration it takes for somatic experiencing to work varies. Some clients may experience relief after only one session. However, more complex cases may need more sessions before they experience significant symptom relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-54527\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"12 guided somatic experiencing exercises\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-2.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-2.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-2-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-2.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Example_of_Somatic_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Is an Example of Somatic Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An example of a somatic therapy session could look like this:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s say the client has been dealing with feelings of anxiety or flashbacks due to a car accident they were in a few years ago.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The therapist begins the session by creating a safe and comfortable environment for the client. They then guide the client to focus on their breath, helping them to ground themselves in the present moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the client is calm and focused, the therapist instructs the client to pay attention to the physical sensations that arise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The client might notice a tightness in their chest, a clenched jaw, or a racing heart. The therapist would encourage the client to stay with these sensations, breathe into them, and observe them without judgment. This process helps the client to engage with their body&#8217;s sensations and giving this attention will help regulate the nervous system. In the meantime, the therapist would guide the client to track their bodily sensations as it down-regulates, while maintaining their awareness of what happens in their physiology. Over time, this can lead to a release of tension and a reduction in trauma-related symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The therapist might also introduce somatic exercises, such as gentle stretching or movement, to help the client release stored tension in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These exercises are intended to help the client reclaim control over their physical responses and foster a sense of safety and stability within their body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is just one example of what a somatic therapy session might look like. The specific methods and techniques used can vary widely depending on the therapist&#8217;s approach and the individual needs of the client.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Whether you want to learn how to exit the spiral of self-harming behavior, overcome anxiety, cure insomnia or simply give yourself the time and space to bliss out and soak up the moment of complete peace and quiet &#8211;<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><b> BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app is exactly the tool for that!<\/b><\/a><b> If you don\u2019t take care of number one, who will?<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Guided_Somatic_Exercises\"><\/span><b>12 Guided Somatic Exercises<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some examples of guided Somatic exercises that you can perform:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Grounding\"><\/span><b>Grounding<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An exercise to help you feel more connected to your body and the present world around you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit or stand comfortably. Taking your shoes off for this exercise may make you feel more comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of your feet connecting with the earth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visualize roots growing from your feet into the ground, anchoring you to be connected with the earth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start shifting your weight from left to right, swaying as a tree. Shift your weight from front to the back.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you shift your weight, slowly bring your swaying to a standstill. Bring your awareness to your center of gravity, located in the upper pelvic area and below the navel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring your hands on top of your lower belly and feel your center.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feel the connection between your body and the earth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on this sensation for a moment several minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Voo_Practice\"><\/span><b>Voo Practice<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A vocal exercise where you make a deep, resonant &#8220;voo&#8221; sound. This can help to slow down the heart rate and bring about a sense of calm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a quiet space where you feel comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring your wandering mind to attention to your breath and bodily sensations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a deep breath in. Notice your breath in and out.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you exhale, make a &#8220;voo&#8221; sound, drawing out the vowel for as long as possible. You will feel this sound resonate through your abdomen and chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to how the vibration feels in your body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat several times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-Hug\"><\/span><b>Self-Hug<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This involves giving yourself a gentle hug as a way of providing self-comfort and reducing anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cross your arms over your chest, placing your right hand over your heart<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your left arm reaches over your shoulders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gently squeeze your shoulders or upper arms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe deeply and enjoy the sensation of self-comfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-Soothing_Touch\"><\/span><b>Self-Soothing Touch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This involves holding yourself in a comforting way to soothe feelings of fear or anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a calm enviornment, away from distractions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit or lie down, whichever you prefer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hug yourself, and close your eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on the sensations in teh areas your hand touches your body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe deeply and send comforting energy to these areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lower_Body_Inclusion\"><\/span><b>Lower Body Inclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This exercise involves bringing awareness to the lower part of your body to help ground your experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While sitting or standing, bring your attention to your lower body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice the sensations in your hips, legs, and feet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_Container_Mental_Calm_Exercise\"><\/span><b>Mental Container \/ Mental Calm Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This involves visualizing a container where you can store distressing thoughts or memories, which can be revisited when you feel more capable of handling them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visualize a container.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mentally place any distressing thoughts or memories into the container.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close the container and set it aside for later.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Patting_Exercise\"><\/span><b>Patting Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This involves gently patting different parts of your body to increase <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/body-awareness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">body awareness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, promote relaxation and develop a sense of being contained and safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With your hand in a cupping position, tap your body all over, from your feet to your head. Start at your feet and gently pat your body all the way up to your head. .<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice the sensation of touch and the presence of your body.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-54528\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-9-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"somatic experiencing therapy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-9-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-9-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-9-1.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-9-1-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-9-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_5_Senses_Exercise\"><\/span><b>The 5 Senses Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This exercise involves tuning into each of your five senses one at a time to help ground yourself in the present moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spend a moment focusing on each of your five senses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice what you can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Stretching\"><\/span><b>Somatic Stretching<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-stretching\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">somatic stretching<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to releasing muscular tension through gentle movement and awareness of how your muscles feel in various positions and movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a comfortable stretch.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you stretch, pay attention to the sensations in your muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Boundaries_Exercise\"><\/span><b>Boundaries Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Definition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This involves visualizing or physically establishing personal boundaries to improve feelings of safety and control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand or sit comfortably.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visualize a bubble or shield around you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is your personal space, and you have control over who or what comes into it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><i>Read more:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-grounding-exercises\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11 Somatic Grounding Exercises for When You Need To Manage Your Triggers<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_Do_Somatic_exercises_On_My_Own\"><\/span><b>Can I Do Somatic exercises On My Own?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a specialized therapeutic approach that should be conducted by a trained therapist. It is a delicate process that could potentially retraumatize an individual if not handled correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, some self-care techniques may draw from principles similar to SE, such as mindfulness and body awareness. You can certainly work on enhancing body awareness and mindfulness at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the paragraphs below, you can find some exercises and tips drawn from various sources that can help you practice Somatic exercises at home:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Exercise_To_Process_Triggers\"><\/span><b>Somatic Exercise To Process Triggers<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This involves noticing when you are triggered and taking a moment to ground yourself. A trigger could be anything such as scent, smell, object etc. that brings up memories of the experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to the physical sensations in your body, breathe deeply, and place your hand on the area that has experienced a shift or change. You do not need to dive deeper into the sensation. Just notice it and allow it to unfold while you body finds its way back to safety. This allows the body to process the unresolved emotions and creates a passageway to release the tension.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Your_Felt_Sense\"><\/span><b>Use Your Felt Sense<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Experiencing uses your \u201cfelt sense\u201d to access physical sensations, behaviors, and emotions internalized from traumatic experiences. You felt sense refers to the changes that occur in your internal landscape as you become more aware of sensations, emotions, and images. This might involve noticing subtle bodily sensations, such as a fluttering in the stomach or tension in the shoulders. To use your felt sense, attune to your body and notice what it appears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Orienting_To_5_Senses\"><\/span><b>Orienting To 5 Senses<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This technique involves focusing on your five senses to ground yourself in the present moment. You might take a few moments to notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Take your time to fully engage with these sense and observe that appears in your internal space as you do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integrate_Healing_Into_Your_Daily_Life\"><\/span><b>Integrate Healing Into Your Daily Life<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways to integrate healing your nervous system into your daily life. This could involve regular mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, or gentle physical movements like yoga or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/benefits-of-stretching\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stretching<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-54529\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9-4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"somatic experiencing training\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9-4.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9-4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9-4.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9-4-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9-4.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Risks_of_Somatic_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Are The Risks of Somatic Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic therapy, including Somatic Experiencing (SE), is generally considered safe, and research indicates its potential effectiveness in reducing symptoms of traumatic stress and related disorders (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, like any therapeutic approach, it may carry certain risks or challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delving into traumatic memories can be emotionally intense and cause distressing physical sensations. Some people may experience a temporary increase in symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or somatic complaints (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207192\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another risk is associated with the therapists themselves. Therapists working with highly traumatized clients are at higher risk of developing symptoms of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-stages-of-burnout\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">burnout<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and compassion fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, while somatic therapy focuses on releasing trapped emotions from the body, this process can sometimes bring up intense emotions and memories, potentially leading to emotional overwhelm during sessions. It&#8217;s essential that these therapies are guided by trained professionals who can navigate these complexities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, somatic therapy might not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with severe mental health conditions, such as psychosis or complex disorders, may require additional care or alternative therapeutic approaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, it&#8217;s crucial to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider before starting somatic therapy or any new treatment approach. They can provide guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Somatic_Experiencing_Involve_Touch\"><\/span><b>Does Somatic Experiencing Involve Touch?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Experiencing can involve touch, but it is not a requirement. When used, touch is always consensual, non-invasive and is applied gently to help the client focus on bodily sensations. The use of touch depends on the individual client&#8217;s comfort level and the therapeutic strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Trauma_Release_Feel_Like\"><\/span><b>What Does Trauma Release Feel Like?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma release can be a unique experience for each individual. It can be accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional reactions, including shaking, crying, laughing, deep sighs, or feelings of warmth. Everyone&#8217;s experience is different, and there&#8217;s no &#8220;right&#8221; way to feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_Somatic_Experiencing_Take_to_Work\"><\/span><b>How Long Does Somatic Experiencing Take to Work?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The length of time it takes for Somatic Experiencing to work varies from person to person. Some individuals may begin to feel a shift in their symptoms after just a few sessions, while others may require several months of regular sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors such as the severity and duration of the trauma, individual resilience, and the presence of a supportive environment can all influence the timeline.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Goal_of_Somatic_Experiencing\"><\/span><b>What Is the Goal of Somatic Experiencing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of Somatic Experiencing is to help individuals resolve symptoms of trauma and restore equilibrium to their body and mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It aims to help individuals develop a greater awareness of their bodily sensations and learn how to regulate their emotions and reactions to a stressful event. Ultimately, the goal is to promote healing and improve overall well being.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Experiencing Therapy is a powerful approach to healing trauma-related and stress disorders. This guide provides an in-depth look into the therapy&#8217;s techniques, goals, and benefits, helping you understand how it could be a pivotal part of your journey towards emotional and physical wellbeing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_experiencing\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1.gif\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we experience something deeply traumatic, our minds &#8220;shut down&#8221;, unable to process and cope with the distress. But this does not happen because there is something intrinsically wrong with our brains. It just means that the nature of the distress exceeds our personal resources to cope with it. When discussing trauma and the aftermath, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":54523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209,138],"tags":[],"coauthors":[125,87],"class_list":["post-54504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises","category-therapy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Somatic Experiencing Therapy: A Guide to Getting In Touch With Your Innermost Self - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dive into our comprehensive guide on \u2605 SOMATIC EXPERIENCING \u27a4 Therapy. Understand its principles, explore its methods, and discover how this body-focused therapy can help you navigate through trauma and stress, promoting overall health and resilience.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Somatic Experiencing Therapy: A Guide to Getting In Touch With Your Innermost Self\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dive into our comprehensive guide on \u2605 SOMATIC EXPERIENCING \u27a4 Therapy. Understand its principles, explore its methods, and discover how this body-focused therapy can help you navigate through trauma and stress, promoting overall health and resilience.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-experiencing.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Eve Chalicha, Kristen Fleming, RD\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Eve Chalicha, Kristen Fleming, RD\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Eve Chalicha\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d1d11e4a15fabff24babb9717275e520\"},\"headline\":\"Somatic Experiencing Therapy: A Guide to Getting In Touch With Your Innermost Self\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/\"},\"wordCount\":3139,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-experiencing.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\",\"Therapy\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">When we experience something deeply traumatic, our minds \\\"shut down\\\", unable to process and cope with the distress. 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