About Somatic Experiencing

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Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a transformative approach that supports individuals in resolving trauma and stress by addressing the body and nervous system’s innate ability to heal. The methodology, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, draws from indigenous healing practices including Eastern yogic and Buddhist meditation techniques as well as neuroscience and psychology. It works with the body’s memory stored in the deeper parts of the brain, enabling the resolution of stuck fight, flight, or freeze responses and restoring natural self-regulation.

SE focuses on the autonomic nervous system, the source of trauma-related symptoms, without requiring clients to re-tell or even recall their traumatic stories. Through gentle guidance, it allows the body to release unprocessed survival energy, facilitating a return to a nervous system with greater capacity and emotional resilience. 

My trauma-informed approach combines SE techniques with tools from Parts Work, Nia Healing Dance (intuitive somatic movement), Yoga, Mindfulness, and Non-Violent Communication. If a client is interested, I may also bring in spiritual practices such as ancestor veneration and offerings. I take a decolonial, abolitionist approach to mental health, recognizing that individual experiences are tied to historical, social, political contexts. Above all, I deeply honor the sovereignty and agency of anyone I have the honor of witnessing in this work. 

Whether you’re looking to heal from past trauma, manage stress, or move through a life transition, Somatic Experiencing offers tools that help you navigate life with more ease. Sessions are held either in-person in Oakland or virtual via Zoom, and require a commitment of at least six weekly sessions to begin. The fee for a 55-minute session is $200 with sliding scale options when available. Schedule a free consultation to explore if this approach aligns with your goals.