Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine to address trauma and chronic stress or overwhelm. It is based on the premise that trauma is not just a psychological event but also a physiological one that becomes "stuck" in the nervous system or body. SE focuses on helping clients tune into their bodily sensations and gently guide them to complete the body's natural responses to threat, which may have been interrupted during the traumatic event. By doing so, SE aims to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and improve mental health and, in some cases, chronic health conditions.
Rather than requiring a person to relive or re-tell traumatic events in detail, SE emphasises slow, mindful exploration of sensations, movements, and internal experiences. Practitioners help clients build awareness of their physical responses and use techniques like "titration" (introducing small amounts of distressing material) and "pendulation" (moving between states of activation and calm) to help regulate the nervous system. This process supports the gradual release of stored survival energy, leading to the eventual resolution of trauma.
Somatic Touch
Somatic Touch (ST) is a hands-on therapeutic approach that uses gentle, intentional physical contact to support regulation of the nervous system, particularly in individuals affected by early developmental trauma. Grounded in principles from Somatic Experiencing and other body-based modalities, it aims to create a sense of safety and connection through touch, helping clients tune into their internal bodily sensations and restore a sense of wholeness. Rather than manipulating muscles or tissues like in traditional body-based treatments, ST focuses on presence, attunement, and subtle interaction between the body’s systems to support healing at a deep level. As in SE, the client and therapist maintain a dialogue throughout the session. ST sessions take place on a massage table and clients remain clothed. Every therapeutic touch session begins with the client’s consent and encouragement to say “no” or “stop” at any time.
I have trained in SE Touch during my Advanced SE training year with Dr. Abi Blakeslee, senior faculty at Somatic Experiencing International.
I also did NeuroAffetive Touch training with Dr. Aline LaPierre, the creator and director of NeuroAffective Touch. NeuroAffective Touch integrates psychodynamic psychotherapy with somatic bodywork to support emotional healing through safe and attuned touch. Dr. Aline LaPierre is also the President of the United States Association of Body Psychotherapy and Editor-in-Chief of the International Body Psychotherapy Journal.
Practicalities
If you are interested in working together, we would begin with a brief telephone consultation. If, after this conversation, you decide to proceed, we would schedule an initial session, either online or in person. This session also serves as an opportunity for us both to assess whether continuing to work together on a regular basis would be a good fit.
I generally meet with clients on a weekly basis, preferably at the same time each week. My practice is oriented toward long-term work, allowing time to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship. This also ensures that the pace of the work aligns with and respects the capacity of your nervous system.