Somatic Experiencing (SE™) by Peter A. Levine

Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is a body-based trauma healing method developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. It’s built on the understanding that trauma isn’t just what happened - it’s what gets stuck in the body when we’re unable to complete a natural survival response.

Rather than focusing on the story or memory, SE gently guides a person to track physical sensations (tightness, heat, trembling, etc.) and nervous system patterns — allowing the body to slowly release trapped energy from fight, flight, or freeze states.

Peter Levine’s work was inspired by observing how wild animals naturally shake off trauma after life-threatening experiences. Humans, he found, often suppress these same instincts - leading to stuck survival energy, chronic dysregulation, and symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, or shutdown.

SE is a gentle, non-verbal approach that helps restore a sense of safety, regulation, and embodied presence - without needing to relive the trauma.