Somatic Experiencing Brisbane

Nervous System & Trauma Therapy

Somatic Experiencing Service

What is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based, trauma-informed approach developed by Peter A. Levine that helps resolve stress, shock, and trauma stored in the nervous system (Single-event trauma, accidents, surgeries, PTSD, etc and Developmental trauma) Rather than focusing only on thoughts or memories, it works with how trauma shows up in the body especially in patterns of fight, flight, or freeze.

SE supports the release of “stuck” survival energy by gently guiding clients to become aware of their body sensations and gradually process unresolved responses. This helps regulate the nervous system, reduce trauma symptoms, and restore a sense of safety, resilience, and balance.

It is grounded in a multidisciplinary understanding of physiology, psychology, and neuroscience, and has been used for over 40 years to support healing from PTSD, developmental trauma, and chronic stress.

As part of somatic psychotherapy, SE uses a “bottom-up” approach, working through the body to access and heal the emotional brain, while also integrating cognitive (top-down) processes. This holistic method helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, better understand their responses, and develop greater emotional regulation and well-being.

What to Expect in Your SE Session

Sessions are slow, supportive, and guided by your capacity. You won’t be asked to relive trauma. Instead, we gently work with body awareness to build safety and resilience.

In sessions, you may:

  • Learn to regulate your nervous system
  • Develop awareness of body sensations and emotional patterns
  • Gently process trauma without overwhelm
  • Release stored tension and stress
  • Reconnect with a sense of calm, safety, and self

How It Can Help

Somatic Experiencing may support:

  • Anxiety, stress, and burnout
  • Trauma (including PTSD, single event Trauma, accidents, surgeries and childhood trauma)
  • Emotional overwhelm or numbness
  • Nervous system dysregulation
  • Attachment wounds and relationship challenges

This is a “body-first” approach to healing—supporting your system to do what it naturally knows how to do: restore, regulate, and heal.