Somatic Experiencing
Somatic experiencing is a holistic, body-focused treatment modality that helps resolve both physical and psychological trauma symptoms.
Who is Somatic Experience Therapy For?
Anyone who has experienced trauma can benefit from somatic experiencing. Healing trauma at the core of other conditions is a fundamental part of our approach at Sequoia Behavioral Health. Major or “minor,” old or new, trauma affects us on a physiological level. Some causes of trauma that most commonly affect people are:
- Childhood trauma
- Assault
- Physical or verbal abuse
- Loss of a loved one
- Illness or injury
- Many more
While some life events are more visibly traumatic than others, there are no specific experiences that qualify anyone for this therapy. If you live with the effects of trauma, somatic experiencing may be right for you.
What Happens During Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic experiencing heals trauma on a physical level. When someone goes through a traumatizing event, no matter what it is, the body physically responds to the stress. This is often called the “fight or flight” response, and it has lasting effects. As long as someone holds on to that fear, the physical response will remain as well. Somatic experiencing uses four methods to retrain the physiological and psychological responses to stress: increased bodily awareness, titration, resourcing, and pendulation.
INCREASED BODILY AWARENESS
Mindfulness of the body is the first step. What sensations are you feeling in your head, chest, or throughout your body?
TITRATION
Trauma treatment moves slowly at times. Titration is the act of pausing to assess the body and re-center.
RESOURCING
Resourcing involves looking for positive emotions and physical sensations. This even includes feeling calm or just “OK.” During somatic experiencing, you don’t want to force these feelings, but rather connect to them with intention.
PENDULATION
This refers to the ability to move between trauma response and calm. Through mindfulness, pendulation increases a person’s ability to recover when needed, and appropriately respond to stress.
A Body-Oriented Approach to Healing Trauma
Because a trauma response happens involuntarily in the nervous system, a holistic approach that addresses body responses is most effective. Living in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze impacts the mind and body.
Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioners at Sequoia
Our therapists are trained and certified with Somatic Experiencing International. These resources and a wealth of experience means that we can give you the best possible care.
.webp)
What We Treat
If you are struggling with your mental health, substance abuse, or both, we are here to help you regain control over your life. Our inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are designed to treat a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and co-occurring disorders in a comfortable setting.
Mental Health
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including trauma effects, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and codependency.
Addiction
Substance use disorders we treat include addiction to alcohol, opiates, fentanyl and prescription opioids, methamphetamine and other stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.
Other Behavioral Health Concerns
A mental health crisis can be layered and confusing. If you don’t see your disorder listed—or don’t know exactly why you are struggling—reach out to us to see how we can help. We treat each client at Sequoia on a personal level, and we’re ready to help you overcome whatever you may be facing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Our experienced, compassionate team is here for you. Reach out to us today by calling us or scheduling a conversation at a time that works for you. All information will be kept private and confidential.
.jpg)