Self-development and SE

 

Somatic experiencing® (SE) is a body-oriented approach for healing trauma and stress disorders. Developed originally by Dr Peter Levine, this method is highly effective in dealing with the effects of trauma and overwhelm on the nervous system.

SE® involves observation of response and recovery to trauma situations. These involuntary responses are physiological, facilitated by the autonomic nervous system and the brain stem. This includes the latest understanding of neuroscience, affect regulation, and the poly-vagal theory.  It considers the body's normal and essential reactions to threat, and how symptoms and disease occur when the autonomic nervous system remains stuck in arousal.

These responses can continue in the body as if the trauma is still occurring, with symptoms including anxiety, flashbacks, depression, pain, behavioral problems, addiction and overwhelm. Through SE® techniques of increasing awareness of bodily sensations, we can access restorative patterns, allowing the nervous system to be regulated.

Dr. Levine observed that when threatened, animals automatically mobilise a tremendous amount of energy to enhance their chances of survival. Chemicals and hormones are released that increase strength, perception, stamina and pain tolerance. For an animal in the wild, once a threat has passed, or they have escaped successfully, the body naturally discharges accumulated hormones, and the nervous system returns to the pre-threat state allowing traumatic symptoms to be quickly resolved.

Humans experience identical bodily reactions when we feel under threat. However, we can get stuck in our complex-thinking brain and remain in the physiological state of shock and stress. Our body continues to respond as if the trauma is still occurring, keeping us in a state of constant readiness and unnecessary reactivity.

The SE® method consists of a variety of gentle, somatic-based techniques designed to re-regulate these disturbances. Through the awareness of bodily sensations, we are able to gradually access restorative physiological action patterns, allowing the highly aroused survival energies to be safely and gradually released.

A review from one of my clients:

Donna helped me with Somatic experiencing® which she skilfully engages alongside integrative health practices.

I have been able to work through even deeper-rooted traumatic experiences in a safe space, and I know this has positively affected my relationships with my children.  Immediately after working through this using methods taught by Donna, my son and I are happily communicating together.

I cannot recommend enough working with Donna. I feel fully present and empowered in my journey

“Donna was recommended to me following the death of my son and has been an integral part of my ongoing journey with grief. Donna has a rich knowledge of both Western and Eastern medicine and offers wonderful emotional support and guidance. I also cannot recommend her highly enough.”

cC

Problems had left me pretty 'fragile' emotionally, and I was also very stressed due to a high-pressure job. Donna recognised this immediately and taught me ways to manage my stress, which we practiced. I appreciated Donna’s genuine compassion and empathy for my situation. Consequently, I would have no hesitation in recommending Donna's services.

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