Susan Kenny, SEP
Mind Body Healing Practitioner
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based therapeutic approach to healing trauma, stress, and emotional dysregulation. It was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, who observed that animals in the wild experience extreme stress (like being chased by predators) but don't develop trauma in the way humans do. He realized the key difference is that animals naturally discharge the survival energy that builds up in their bodies — by shaking, trembling, running, or releasing tension.
Humans, however, often suppress these instinctive physical responses due to social conditioning or fear, which can cause the survival energy to get "stuck" in the body. This trapped energy can show up later as anxiety, chronic tension, emotional overwhelm, health issues, or PTSD.
What Happens in a Somatic Experiencing® Session?
At its core, Somatic Experiencing is about:
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Helping the body complete the survival responses that were interrupted (fight, flight, freeze, fawn).
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Gently guiding awareness to internal sensations ("interoception") like warmth, tightness, trembling, or spaciousness.
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Using "titration" — meaning working in tiny, manageable steps — so the nervous system isn't overwhelmed.
Focusing more on felt sense and body wisdom than on retelling or rehashing traumatic stories.
Reconnecting with the Body to Build Resilience and Restore Balance
Rather than diving into the trauma itself, SE helps people build resilience, restore natural regulation of the nervous system, and reclaim a sense of safety and vitality in their bodies.
In a session, you might:
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Notice a tightness in your chest and gently track how it changes.
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Feel small waves of shaking or warmth as the body releases held energy.
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Use grounding tools to help balance sensation with a feeling of safety.
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Move between difficult sensations and comforting ones to build strength in holding emotional complexity.
Who Benefits From Somatic Experiencing?
Anyone who has experienced trauma at any point in life
Individuals with developmental, relational, or trauma
People navigating anxiety or panic attacks
Anyone feeling chronically stressed or overwhelmed
ndividuals who feel emotionally numb or disconnected
People managing chronic physical pain, illness, or fatigue
Those with complex conditions
Those experiencing depression or lack of motivation
How does Somatic Experiencing work?
Working together, we will develop a safe therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, compassion and mutual respect. Through a process called co-regulation we will explore both internal and external resources, settle your nervous system and strengthen self-regulation skills.
Somatic Therapy is done at a gentle pace that is attuned with your needs. Sometimes it may involve active movement, playfulness, curiosity or quiet reflection as we notice internal sensations and emotions.
The use of healing pillows, weighted blankets, and other therapeutic tools are used to enhance comfort and healing through sensory experience.
Let’s Work Together
Contact me today to start your healing journey. We work together to find the best path forward for you. This will include a free consultation, completing intake paperwork and scheduling future appointments.
Susan Kenny, SEP
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner
Transforming Touch® Practitioner
MindBody Healing Practitioner
Tel: (415) 246-2804