“The trauma is not in the event, but in the nervous system.”
Dr. Peter A. Levine
“The trauma is not in the event, but in the nervous system.”
Dr. Peter A. Levine
The Biology of Trauma
Trauma occurs when the body continues to react to a past event as if survival were still at stake – even though the danger has long passed. Often, the smallest triggers are enough: a sound, a glance, a memory. Beneath these reactions lie old survival responses that have become “stuck” in the nervous system – the freeze response (a state of immobility or shutdown), alarm, or withdrawal. These can appear both physically and emotionally: a pale face, panic, immobility, or an outburst of anger.
Trauma changes the brain and the entire physiology. The body remains on high alert, even without any immediate threat. The world feels unsafe, and emotions such as fear, helplessness, or anger take hold. The emergency energy stored in the nervous system pushes to be released, post-traumatic symptoms such as irritability, panic, or dissociation are the body’s attempts to cope with this state.
Somatic Experiencing ( SE )® works directly with these patterns – gently, body-oriented, and step by step. Central to this is a process known as pendulation – moving between stressful sensations and stabilising resources. Nothing is forced; instead, attention is placed on what is happening in the body: What impulses, feelings, inner images, or thoughts arise? And what is strengthening you in this moment?
The aim is to release the frozen survival energy in small, manageable doses – without overwhelming or retraumatising the person. Whatwas blocked in the past can begin to move again. The freeze response gives way to a renewed sense of agency. “I can’t” becomes “I can.”
Early and complex trauma – such as develop mental trauma – often requires more than a purely body-oriented approach. SE can be effectively combined with other methods, such as Ego State Therapy or the Internal Family Systems Model ( IFS ) developed by Richard Schwartz.
SE can also be used when memories are absent or the subject feels too overwhelming to approach directly. The body remembers and it can have healing new experiences even decades later. It is never too late for a new beginning.
This process unfolds slowly, in small steps exactly at the pace the body can handle. This prevents retraumatisation and allows the freeze response to gradually give way to the ability to act again.
SE is also possible without detailed storytelling the body remembers. And it can heal even many years after the event.
For more Information please visit the page of the Association for Somatic-Experiencing: www.somatic-experiencing.de
Somatic-Experiencing Deutschland e.V.
Ruhrallee 80 45136 Essen
Tel: 0201-24 87 04 46 Fax 0201–24 87 04 47
E-mail: info(at)somatic-experiencing.de