Somatic Experiencing

The term somatic comes from the Greek word soma, which means “body.” Somatic healing therapies fall within the spectrum of mind–body therapies, and they specifically refer to those therapies that work with a bottom-up approach.

Unlike other forms of trauma therapy, Somatic Experiencing intentionally avoids directly evoking traumatic memories and, therefore, does not focus on thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic experience. SE approaches these memories using the body as a gateway, exploring them gradually and indirectly by promoting more adequate, safer, and comfortable bodily experiences.