Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based therapy that cares for the body and the nervous system first, allowing the body to heal so that the mind can heal. If you can imagine trauma as the experiences that get “stuck” inside of your body, SE is a way to gently release that stuck trauma and experience more resilience and range within your own nervous system. The beauty of SE lies in its foundational belief that the capacity to heal is our birthright. The mind can take a back seat as you tap into the innate wisdom of your body.
When trauma is left unresolved, it manifests in the body and often shows up as chronic tension, panic attacks, hypervigilance, distractibility, and even migraines. SE focuses on the body’s sensations, which reveal how emotions have become stored in patterns inside your system that, once released, allow for overall healing.
By gently guiding you to tune into these bodily sensations and facilitating the release of stored tension, SE fosters a pathway to holistic healing. If you sense your body is holding onto the effects of trauma or you’re getting stuck in the same patterns such as shutting down, fighting and getting agitated, or freezing, Somatic Experiencing may be helpful for you.
somatic experiencing
Somatic FAQs
How do I know if SE is right for me?
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Your therapist will help assess if SE is a good fit for your clinical needs. However, some helpful questions to ask yourself are, “Do I feel like I am getting stuck in the same patterns, even though I “know” what I “should” do?” “Do I experience frequent headaches, chronic tension, or panic attacks, especially during times of stress?” “Have I tried talk therapy to little success, and now I am looking for something deep and profound?” If you answered yes to any of these, SE could be what is next for you.
How do I get started?
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form OR you can email or call one of us directly. You might even check in with yourself to notice if there is one way you are drawn to communicate and go with that! From there we will walk you through the next steps for assessment and answer any questions along the way.
What makes you different?
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We both are licensed professional counselors in the state of Georgia, and then in addition we both have completed the 3-year Somatic Experiencing training through Somatic Experiencing International. We are the only practice in the Atlanta area that offers solely somatic work as the focus- it’s time to bring the healing work of embodiment to this wonderful city.
What does a therapy session using SE look like ?
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It truly depends on the client! SE is designed to eventually allow a person to complete a self-protective response and release this extra survival energy that is bound in body. Because we are unique individuals, both the protective response and that extra energy is going to be different for every person. Now, the way of exploring to find those two elements will be similar for everyone (SE techniques that you will get to learn with your therapist!), however, one of the “fun” parts of therapy is getting curious about your unique nervous system and learning yourself through the body. This is where having a trained guide is SO helpful, because we know what to look for, how to help you move through the sensations happening in your body, and how to pace it. We get to partner WITH you because you are the one in your body.
internal family systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that views every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts guided by a core Self. It teaches that the mind is naturally multiple—and that this multiplicity is healthy—because, like members of a family, inner parts can be pushed into extreme roles but also have valuable inherent qualities. IFS helps people access their undamaged, compassionate Self, which knows how to heal, and from that inner leadership, understand and transform their parts, fostering both inner and outer connectedness.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Inside Out, the creator of this modality was consulted in the movie’s creation because it is a beautiful representation of parts work. In addition to being a non-pathologizing psychotherapy, IFS also provides a way of better understanding personal and intimate relationships and stepping into life with the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. Regarding the research base for IFS. Early randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies suggest that IFS may benefit patients with depression and/or PTSD, including consistent improvements in self-compassion. Parts work is also very lovely to expand one’s capacity to hold that multiple opposing truths can be true at the same time.
If you, or a part of you, feels curious or drawn towards this work, reach out to Alex for more information to get started.
*Alex is Level 1 Certified through the IFS Institute, and is currently being trained in the Level 2, Intimacy From the Inside Out (parts work for couples)
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IFS / What does it treat?
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship challenges
- Sexual and gender identity
- Grief and loss
- Eating disorders // body image for all genders
- Substance use
- Self esteem and identity struggles
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IFS/ Is it right for me?
If you’re feeling stuck and/or confused by your own thoughts and behaviors, or find yourself repeating patterns despite wanting change, IFS could be a transformative tool. If you have ever said, “Well a part of me feels crazy, but I’m fine!” Ooh, these are different parts of you showing up, defending you, etc. Parts work also works well if you are a visual person or really imaginative or tend to be more cognitive but do not like CBT.
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IFS / What to Expect in Session
Your therapist will guide you to explore your Internal System while also connecting with your true Self to aid in the healing process. The goal is not to get rid of any parts because you have no “bad” parts, but instead it is to start to develop that self compassion and understand the parts and the system leading to healing wounds that have long affected your well-being. Parts work also can overlay nicely with somatic work if there is interest in both.
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