It is based on the observation that prey animals, while routinely threatened, are rarely traumatized because they utilize innate mechanisms to regulate and discharge the high levels of arousal associated with defensive survival behaviors.

Although humans are born with virtually the same regulatory mechanisms, the functionality of them is often overridden or inhibited by the rational parts of our brain, fear, immobility and social isolation or perceived isolation.

SE employs the awareness of body sensation to help people 'renegotiate' their trauma experiences rather than relive them.

With appropriate guidance in to the 'felt sense', clients can access their own defensive mechanisms to safely and gradually discharge the built up and frozen energy of the shock or trauma state.

This allows a dramatic reduction of symptoms and reconnection to the world.

Our Somatic Experiencing is provided by Dave Berger, LCMHC, PT, MA