What to Expect in Somatic Experiencing® Therapy

Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is more than just “noticing where you feel something in your body.”
It’s a specialized, step-by-step process that helps your nervous system release old patterns of stress, shutdown, or hyper-vigilance at a pace that feels safe and deeply supportive.

Many clients say, “I think I’ve done somatic therapy before…”
If your last therapist briefly asked about body sensations, that’s a great start—
but SE™ is a much more guided and structured method—and here’s what it’s actually like:

2. You Talk — and I Track What’s Happening Beneath the Words

As you share what’s on your mind, I’m listening to your story and observing the subtle cues your nervous system sends:

• breath changes

• energy shifts

• places where you seem activated or disconnected

When something meaningful shows up, I may gently ask:

“As you say that, what do you notice in your body?”

This isn’t a one-off question.
It’s how we follow your body’s lead into the deeper healing work.

1. We Begin by Grounding and Arriving

Before diving into anything difficult, we help your system settle.

This may look like:

• noticing the room

• feeling your feet

• checking in with your breath

There’s zero pressure or performance. We’re just helping you find a sense of “here I am.”

3. We Work in Small, Manageable “Bites”

You will not be pushed to relive trauma.

We go slowly—moving between activation and ease.
In SE™, this is called “pendulating.” This allows your nervous system to release old patterns without becoming overwhelmed.

Clients often notice:

• a deep breath they didn’t realize they were holding

• softening or warmth

• a sense of relief or clarity

• emotion moving without feeling flooded

Sometimes big emotion arises; sometimes it doesn’t.
Both are completely normal.

4. It’s a Felt Experience and a Conversation

Somatic therapy feels different from traditional talk therapy because you experience change, not just insight.

You remain clothed, seated comfortably, and completely in control. There’s no physical contact.
This is still talk therapy—just with a powerful added layer of nervous-system awareness.

Clients often describe sessions as:

• grounding

• surprising

• relieving

• clarifying

A common reflection is:
“Something shifted… and I didn’t have to force it.”

5. Yes—Somatic Therapy Works Beautifully Online

Thankfully, SE™ doesn’t require being in the same room.

Whether we meet virtually or in person, we use the same tools:

• grounding

• orienting

• sensation tracking

• pacing the work

Many clients even feel safer doing this from their own home, where their nervous system can settle more easily.

6. You Leave Feeling More Yourself

Sessions often end with a sense of:

• more breath

• more space

• more clarity

• less overwhelm

• “I can handle things again.”

This is not about trying harder.
It’s about helping your nervous system do what it naturally knows how to do: settle, release, and restore balance.

Want to see if this is right for you?

I offer a free consultation where we can talk about what you’re navigating and whether somatic therapy feels like a good fit. Learn more about SE™ here or on my website, here