What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing™ (SE), to me, is all about getting us back in tune with our natural senses and innate wisdom. It is wonderful for nervous system regulation, which helps us find safety within ourselves, clear energetic blocks & heal traumas.
We all have a natural ability to heal. SE supports this process by helping the body release trapped survival energy and restore balance to the nervous system. Through gentle guidance, clients learn to recognize and complete self-protective responses, gradually increasing their capacity to tolerate difficult sensations and emotions. This approach addresses trauma at its root, fostering resilience and a deeper sense of safety within.
How can SE help?
For me, Somatic Experiencing has been life-changing. It has helped me heal from a lifetime of chronic health challenges, establish stronger boundaries with myself and others, and find freedom from suicidal ideation, chronic depression, and PTSD—all rooted in stress and trauma. SE didn’t just help me cope; it allowed me to truly heal. Here are some further ways SE can help…
Grief & Loss
Grief is not something to "get over"—it's something to move through.
Process grief gently and naturally, allowing for healing, integration, and eventually, a sense of peace. Ultimately, we help grief flow instead of overwhelming the system—Many people fear that if they fully feel their grief, it will consume them. I will gently guide you to experience emotions in manageable waves, preventing emotional shutdown or chronic distress.
Chronic Illness & Pain
Your body isn’t failing you—it’s doing its best to protect you.
Calm an overactive nervous system—Chronic pain and illness often keep the nervous system in a state of high alert (fight/flight) or shutdown (freeze). SE helps shift the body out of survival mode, reducing tension, fatigue, and inflammation over time.
Shock Trauma
Your body is designed to recover—we will help it complete the process.
Release frozen survival energy—Accidents and sudden traumas can leave the nervous system stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. We will work slowly together to complete the body's natural protective responses, discharging stored energy and restoring a sense of safety again.
Depression & Anxiety
You don’t have to fight your mind—your body holds the key to healing.
Anxiety often stems from hypervigilance, while depression can result from a prolonged freeze state. SE helps your body realize the threat is over, allowing you to feel safe, present, and engaged again. Many people with anxiety feel flooded by emotions, while those with depression feel disconnected from them. I will facilitate a safe way to experience feelings in manageable doses, preventing emotional shutdown or spiraling.
ADHD/ADD
Your brain isn’t broken—your nervous system may just need support.
Instead of forcing focus or suppressing traits, SE works with the body’s natural rhythms, helping ADHD individuals harness their creativity, intuition, and energy in sustainable ways. It helps develop a deeper awareness of bodily cues, making it easier to recognize when to rest, when to focus, and when to move for better self-regulation. https://youtu.be/FkBFJN5vRTw?si=bCFtXED-0aM-UySQ
How do we get started?
Finding the right fit for you is essential and I highly encourage everyone to choose their practitioner based on how comfortable and safe they feel with the individual. Do not ignore your intuition.
We’ll begin with a 20 minute complimentary phone or Zoom call to discuss your needs, explore how I can support you, and ensure we’re a good fit. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions. If we find we aren’t a good match for each other, I’m more than happy to help connect you to further SE resources.
If we decide to work together, you’ll complete a simple intake form, and we’ll schedule your first session.
Each session lasts one hour, with flexible scheduling options.
All sessions are currently done over Zoom and can include health coaching, gentle movement, and therapeutic remote touch work.
1 Hour Sessions are $125
I accept a couple clients at a discounted rate for those with significant financial stress. Please contact me to discuss your needs and to see if I have the capacity to work with you at this time. I am not a therapist; my practice falls under the umbrella of Health Coaching or Life Coaching in the state of Oregon.
What does an SE session look like?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, SE focuses on body awareness and nervous system regulation, allowing you to process experiences without becoming overwhelmed. During sessions, we gently slow down your experience, creating space for the body to process and integrate events in real time. By mindfully tracking your nervous system responses—including sensations, images, emotions, thoughts, and movement—we help your system find balance and resilience. Every step is guided within your window of tolerance, ensuring a sense of safety while gradually expanding your capacity for regulation and healing.
