Is Somatic Experiencing the same as “Energy Work”?

No, Somatic Experiencing and Energy Work are different. Somatic Experiencing is rooted in the scientific disciplines of animal physiology, neurobiology, and health psychology. It’s easy to mistake the experience of shifting physical sensations for energy work. During a somatic experiencing session, the practitioner tracks the subtle body cues and checks in with you to verify your experience. The immobile energy that was trapped during the threat is released as physical sensations of tingling, the desire to move, shake, run, or punch. It is the movement of these sensations that heals. In Energy Work, the client is a passive recipient of the therapists hands and intentions. In Somatic Experience, it is your body that is guiding the session.
 
Can I combine Somatic Experiencing with Massage?

No, I keep these offerings separate because massage is passive and somatic experiencing is active. Massage sedates the sympathetic nervous system and is a wonderful form of self-care. The recipient needs only to receive the massage. With Somatic Experiencing, however, your participation creates the healing. During a Somatic Experiencing session, your nervous system will go between moments of activation (sympathetic nervous system response) and restoration (parasympathetic nervous system response). The real gains happen with your active involvement. Somatic Experiencing is an opportunity to “peak behind the curtain” of your automatic nervous system responses and safely witness together your triggers and your comforts.
 
Does Somatic Experiencing involve touch?

It can. Unlike a massage, it is fully clothed and generally involves gentle holds that we do for ourselves. Occasionally, with your permission, I may apply gentle touch.
 
Do you take insurance?

No
 
How effective are your virtual sessions since this is body centered work?

Extremely! Being in your home environment surrounded by your personal triggers and joys is very helpful in facilitating this body-centered work.

How is Somatic Experiencing different from talk therapy? 

Your body and what it has to say is more important in Somatic Experiencing than words. If your head is gently shaking “no” while your story is saying “yes,” this would be a point of interest in a Somatic Experiencing session. Spontaneous physical gestures, however subtle, experimenting with how your body feels when it gets to create a physical boundary, as well as, gestures that suggest an incomplete fight, flight, or freeze response are starting points in a Somatic Experiencing session.
 
Is it ok to receive other therapies concurrently?

Absolutely. Somatic Experiencing is a wonderful addition to talk therapy. And, receiving massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, or physical therapy are all wonderful forms of self-care and healing.
 
What conditions can Somatic Experiencing help with? 

It can help with the physical symptoms related to trauma, abuse, accidents, injuries, medical procedures, and dental work. It can also help with feeling stuck and shut down, anxiety, addictions, and compulsive behaviors. 

For a more complete list visit TRAUMAHEALING.ORG