Somatic Experiencing
Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s stored in the body.
If you’ve experienced trauma, you may notice patterns like anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, chronic tension, difficulty relaxing, feeling disconnected from yourself, or reacting to stress in ways that feel out of your control. These are signs that your nervous system is still holding onto past experiences, keeping you stuck in survival mode.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based approach to trauma healing that helps you gently release stored stress, reconnect with your body, and restore a sense of safety. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), I work with you to track the physical sensations, emotions, and patterns that arise in response to past experiences. Rather than revisiting trauma through words alone, SE focuses on helping your nervous system process what has been stuck, allowing you to move toward healing in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
How Somatic Experiencing Works:
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on thoughts and emotions, SE helps regulate the body's instinctive responses to stress and trauma. This process happens gradually, without forcing you to relive painful memories. Sessions are tailored to your pace and comfort level, incorporating techniques such as:
Body Awareness: Gently noticing physical sensations, movements, and shifts to understand how trauma is stored in your system.
Pendulation: Moving between moments of tension and ease to help your body release stored stress in a manageable way.
Titration: Processing trauma in small, controlled doses to prevent overwhelm and promote integration.
Resourcing: Strengthening your ability to feel safe, grounded, and resilient before engaging with trauma-related sensations.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing can be especially helpful if you:
Struggle with anxiety, chronic stress, or a sense of being "on edge"
Experience dissociation, numbness, or feeling disconnected from your body
Have unresolved trauma from past abuse, accidents, medical procedures, or other distressing events
Have tried talk therapy but still feel stuck in patterns of fear, avoidance, or overwhelm
Want a gentle, body-centered approach to healing that doesn’t require revisiting trauma in detail
Healing is not just about understanding what happened—it’s about helping your body and nervous system feel safe again. If you’re ready to explore Somatic Experiencing, reach out via 615-510-7573 or amandawhitehurstlcsw@gmail.com to learn more. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Contact Me
Reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to ask any questions or determine if I’m the right fit for you. I look forward to hearing from you.