Laura Lane Pilates Therapy
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.
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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.
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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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Anxiety, depression, panic attacks
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Compulsive behaviours or patterns
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A general feeling of 'being stuck'
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​Challenging or traumatic incidents from which you feel you can’t move on
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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.
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Emotional Regulation: Through trauma therapy, individuals can enhance their capacity to regulate emotions, allowing for a greater sense of emotional stability and resilience.
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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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Useful Links
Click here to understand more about chronic health disorders, anxiety, pain and addiction
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Information about SE in the UK can be found here
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The origins of Somatic Experiencing
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9 common human experiences that can be traumatic - but are often seen as not (Irene Lyon)
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Wendy Maltz - Relearning Touch
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Videos
A video explaining SE in more detail can be found here
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Research into SE can be found here
How animals discharge embodied trauma - video
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Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) questionnaire
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How care taking can be a trauma response
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Private studio in Christchurch
£90
Free initial 20 minute online/phone consultation
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Online remote sessions possible
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48 hour cancellation policy
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The Role of the Somatic Experiencing Therapist
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SE-trained therapists create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their bodily sensations and responses. Through compassionate guidance, therapists help individuals navigate their experiences, fostering a sense of safety and trust in the therapeutic process.
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The Journey of Healing:
Somatic Experiencing acknowledges that healing from trauma is a unique and individualised journey. As you engage in our sessions, you will gradually build a greater capacity to regulate your nervous system responses, reduce symptoms of distress, and cultivate a deeper connection between the body and mind.
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Empowering Self-Healing:
SE ultimately empowers individuals to harness their body's innate capacity to self-regulate and heal. By cultivating a deeper understanding of the body's wisdom and resilience, individuals can reclaim a sense of safety, vitality, and well-being.
At Laura Lane Pilates Therapy, Laura is dedicated to providing a nurturing and empathetic space for individuals to embark on their healing journey, utilising the transformative power of Somatic Experiencing to promote holistic well-being.
FAQ's
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE), and how does it differ from traditional talk therapy?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centred therapeutic approach aimed at resolving trauma and stress-related conditions by focusing on the body's sensations and responses. Unlike traditional talk therapy that primarily involves verbal dialogue, SE gently explores bodily sensations and assists individuals in regulating their nervous system responses to promote healing.
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Who can benefit from Somatic Experiencing Therapy?
SE can benefit individuals dealing with various challenges, including trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and stress-related conditions. It's beneficial for anyone seeking a holistic approach to healing that acknowledges the interconnectedness of body and mind. SE sessions are tailored to suit the needs and comfort levels of each individual, making it suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
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What can I expect during a Somatic Experiencing session?
During an SE session, you'll work collaboratively with a trained SE practitioner in a safe and supportive environment. The practitioner will guide you through gentle exercises to help you become more aware of bodily sensations related to past traumatic experiences. The process may involve tracking bodily sensations, pendulating between comfort and discomfort, and titrating exposure to gradually support your nervous system's healing without overwhelming you.
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