Somatic Experiencing Therapy

​Laura recognises the profound impact trauma can have on both the mind and body. Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SE) is an integrative approach which helps to support individuals in their journey towards healing from trauma and stress-related conditions

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SE is a body-oriented therapeutic approach which works with sensation and resource to resolve the states of fight, flight and freeze, without the need to 'retell' the story. 

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Core Tenets of Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing Therapy is grounded in several core tenets that shape its approach to healing:

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• The Body's Innate Capacity to Self-Regulate: The body has an incredible inherent ability to self-regulate and heal. Through trauma therapy, you can learn to tap into this innate capacity to restore balance and resilience in the nervous system.

• Trauma Resides in the Body: Understand that trauma is not solely confined to the event itself but is deeply held within the body. Unresolved traumatic experiences can manifest as physical sensations, emotions, and dysregulated nervous system responses.

• Undischarged Survival Energy: Traumatic symptoms stem from the retention of survival energy in the nervous system. By focusing on discharging this pent-up energy, allowing the body to release the held tension and complete the physiological response that was interrupted during the traumatic experience.

 

SE can help with

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• Chronic or persistent pain

• Anxiety, depression, panic attacks

• Compulsive behaviours or patterns

• A general feeling of 'being stuck'

• ​Challenging or traumatic incidents from which you feel you can’t move on

• Planning surgery or recovering

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How Somatic Experiencing Can Help You

 

Somatic Experiencing Therapy can assist individuals dealing with various challenges, including:

​Trauma Recovery: Somatic experiencing aids in processing and resolving the effects of trauma, whether stemming from specific events or chronic stress, by gently engaging with the body's sensations and reactions related to the trauma.

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• Stress-Related Conditions: SE techniques can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and other stress-related conditions by promoting relaxation and restoring balance in the nervous system.

• Emotional Regulation: Through trauma therapy, individuals can enhance their capacity to regulate emotions, allowing for a greater sense of emotional stability and resilience.

• Mind-Body Connection: By creating a deeper understanding of the intricate connection between physical sensations, emotions, and mental well-being, empowering individuals to navigate their experiences more effectively. Our combination of SE and Pilates deepens this connection.

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Somatic Trauma Therapy

In trauma therapy, somatic experiencing therapy is a non-invasive approach that prioritises creating a safe space for individuals to explore their bodily sensations and responses. By gradually titrating the exposure to traumatic memories and bodily sensations, SE aims to facilitate a gradual and natural healing process.

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Events such as vehicle accidents, falls, near drowning, birth trauma, anaesthesia, sporting accidents, etc. may have contributed to a feeling of being stuck, avoiding or re-enacting life patterns, anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders or narrowed life choices. This can occur when the nervous system has simply encountered too much, too fast or too soon. 

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From Laura: 

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"I work from a Pilates Therapy approach together with Somatic Experiencing. This allows you, the client, to work from a resourced state and find support and meaning both bodily and psychologically. This is based upon the belief that the body, mind, emotions and spirit all mutually influence one another and are affected by traumatic and resourcing experiences. I offer a therapeutic relationship based on values that are ethical, compassionate, respectful, honest and non-judgmental. I will hold our sessions in confidence and in a space that is safe."

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