At Stellar Pro we understand that for many people, the experience of trauma is something that can affect their daily life. It can cause intense emotional distress and lead to psychological issues that impede mental wellbeing. If left untreated, these issues can become incredibly difficult to manage.
Fortunately, there is a powerful alternative therapy available that can help with healing trauma: Somatic Experiencing (SE). Stellar Pro has clinicians who are SE certified and ready to help you begin the first steps to healing from trauma.
In this blog, we will explain what Somatic Experiencing is, how it works, and why mental health professionals should become certified in it. We will also explain the numerous benefits associated with becoming certified in SE. Read on to learn more about this remarkable form of therapy and the exciting possibilities of becoming certified in SE.
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach founded by Dr. Peter Levine that aims to help individuals heal from trauma through a body-oriented approach. By focusing on the physical sensations and experiences associated with trauma, SE aims to restore the individual’s health and well-being. Somatic Experiencing can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other stress-related disorders.
What is the body-based approach of Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based approach used to treat trauma and restore a sense of physical and emotional balance. This approach recognizes that trauma is not just a psychological experience, but also a physical one that can become trapped in the body. By focusing on bodily sensations and reactions, SE practitioners can help clients release pent-up energy and emotions, and learn to better regulate their nervous system responses.
SE is not just for trauma survivors, but also for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. SE can help individuals better tune into their body’s signals and increase their self-awareness, leading to better self-care and improved relationships. Additionally, mental health professionals can benefit from becoming certified in SE. By integrating SE techniques into their practice, they can expand their treatment options and offer a more holistic approach to their clients.
How does Somatic Experiencing (SE) help in treating trauma?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic method that aims to help individuals release the physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of trauma stored in the body. Dr. Peter Levine, the founder of SE, believes that traumatic experiences can cause a state of dysregulation in the nervous system, leading to chronic symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and physical pain. The SE approach involves guiding individuals to pay attention to their body sensations, increase awareness of their inner experiences, and learn how to self-regulate. Through this process, individuals can learn to release the trapped energy from traumatic events and restore balance to their nervous system.
SE is suitable for individuals who have experienced any form of trauma, whether it be a natural disaster, physical injury, or emotional abuse. It has been found effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Many mental health professionals believe that becoming Somatic Experiencing certified is a valuable addition to their expertise. This certification involves a three-year program that includes workshops, case consultations and personal sessions, as well as a rigorous testing process.
According to the results of a research study conducted by the Trauma Research Foundation, individuals who attended an SE training program reported significant post-training improvements in their adaptive responses to trauma, including improved stress tolerance, better self-awareness, and enhanced ability to identify and regulate their emotions.
What is trauma?
Trauma is a psychological and physical response to overwhelming experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters, or violence.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is an alternative therapy method that focuses on identifying and releasing the physical tension that trauma has created in the body. By beginning to release this held tension, the body is gradually brought back to a state of balance and regulation. When an SE practitioner helps a client navigate the experience of arousal within their own body, it can lead to healing and a greater sense of empowerment.
According to Peter Levine, the founder of SE, “Trauma occurs when one is immobilized during a life threat and overwhelming experience.” SE can help clients move from immobility to mobilization through the completion of a natural, bio-logical orienting response that involves shaking, trembling or other physiological discharge. In order to effectively help those suffering from trauma, it is important for mental health professionals to understand how to work with both the physical and psychological symptoms of trauma.
Somatic Experiencing offers a unique and effective way of approaching this challenge, making it a valuable tool for mental health practitioners.
What type of trauma does Somatic Experiencing (SE) work for?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a specialized, holistic therapy approach that helps individuals heal from trauma. It is a body-oriented method that focuses on releasing pent-up energy and emotions that have been stored in the body as a result of traumatic experiences.
SE is especially effective for trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The therapy aims to address the root cause of these conditions rather than just the symptoms, by addressing physical sensations and nervous system responses to traumatic triggers.
SE can be used for any type of trauma, whether it be from a single event or a prolonged period of stress. Some examples of experiences that could lead to trauma include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, loss of a loved one, or a chronic medical condition. It is important to note that everyone’s experience with trauma is unique and complex, and therefore requires an individualized approach. SE is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a tailored therapeutic approach designed to meet individual needs.
Who Should Become Somatic Experiencing Certified?
Looking for a new certification? Somatic Experiencing (SE) has become an alternative therapy of choice for treating trauma experienced by individuals. It is a powerful tool that can be used by anyone who is passionate about helping others find healing and recovery. Mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and counselors, are among the ideal candidates for obtaining certification in SE. But who exactly should consider becoming certified in Somatic Experiencing?
One group that could benefit from this certification are those who work with trauma survivors. Individuals who have experienced serious trauma often have difficulty processing the events they have experienced, and may struggle to manage their emotions and physical sensations. Adopting the SE approach can be incredibly helpful for these individuals, as it can help them to better manage their stress responses and reconnect with their internal sensations in a safe environment.
Other professionals who may benefit from Somatic Experiencing training are coaches, massage therapists, and yoga therapists. Coaches can integrate SE techniques to help their clients better move through personal or professional transitions. Massage therapists can improve their ability to be attuned to and respond to their clients’ physical and emotional needs. Yoga therapists can use SE techniques to help their clients better connect with their bodies during their practice.
In order to become certified in Somatic Experiencing, it is necessary to complete a rigorous course of study and to demonstrate your ability to apply SE techniques effectively. This process includes both theoretical study and hands-on practice. Becoming certified allows you to become part of a growing community of professionals dedicated to helping others find healing, and also enables you to use the SE approach in your practice.
What are the advantages of becoming Somatic Experiencing certified?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It is aimed at helping people recover from traumatic experiences by allowing them to identify and release physical tension, emotions and sensations related to trauma. Becoming Somatic Experiencing certified requires undergoing extensive training and education in the field, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, and trauma. By becoming certified, mental health professionals can expand their skill set and become better equipped to help patients struggling with trauma.
Benefits of becoming Somatic Experiencing (SE) certified
If you are a mental health professional looking for an alternative therapy to help clients overcome trauma, Somatic Experiencing (SE) is worth exploring. This gentle approach to healing trauma focuses on the body’s physical sensations and helps individuals activate their innate healing mechanisms to overcome traumatic experiences. Here are the benefits of becoming SE certified:
1. Expand your therapeutic skills: As a mental health professional, you are constantly looking for new ways to help your clients. Being certified in SE will allow you to expand your therapeutic skills and add a powerful tool to your toolkit.
2. Meet the growing demand for SE: The demand for trauma-informed care is growing, and SE is gaining popularity as an effective therapy for treating trauma. By becoming SE certified, you can meet the growing demand for SE and help more people overcome trauma.
3. Join a supportive community: SE is a community-based approach to treatment, and by becoming certified, you will join a supportive community of practitioners. This community is passionate about advancing the field and helping others overcome trauma.
4. Lead to personal growth: Becoming SE certified is not only beneficial professionally, but it can also lead to personal transformation. As you learn more about SE and help clients overcome trauma, you may also experience personal growth and healing.
How to become Somatic Experiencing certified?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in trauma therapy or you are already a mental health professional looking to expand your skill set, becoming Somatic Experiencing certified may be the right path for you. Somatic Experiencing is an alternative therapy method designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma to regulate their nervous system and restore their sense of safety and well-being. Here are the steps you need to take in order to become Somatic Experiencing certified:
1. Start with the basics: Before you can become certified in Somatic Experiencing, you must complete the introductory level of the program, which includes workshops, seminars, and online coursework.
2. Meet the requirements: In order to become certified, you must have a master’s degree or higher in a mental health field and have a current license or certification to practice. You must also have completed at least two years of clinical practice before applying to the program.
3. Attend the advanced level: Once you have completed the introductory level and met the requirements, you can enroll in the advanced level of the program, which includes more advanced workshops, case consultation, and practice sessions.
Becoming Somatic Experiencing certified can be a rewarding way to expand your therapeutic skills and help individuals who have experienced trauma to heal. As Dr. Peter Levine, the developer of Somatic Experiencing, explains, “When we experience and express our emotions – like fear, rage, and grief – in a way that is powerful and embodied, we release the energy that has been bound up by trauma and restore our capacity for joy, love, and connection”.
Conclusion
When it comes to treating trauma, there are many valid therapy methods available, but Somatic Experiencing (SE) stands out. SE is a unique and holistic approach that recognizes the key role the body plays in healing from trauma. The main aim of SE is to help individuals experience and release pent-up emotional and physical energy caused by traumatic events that can get trapped in the body, resulting in persistent physical and emotional symptoms. By working with somatic cues like body sensations, movements, and postures, SE helps individuals release their patterns of trauma response, thereby reducing the intensity of symptoms and promoting a sense of wellbeing.
One significant advantage of SE is its potential to help individuals of all ages, including children. Unlike talk therapy, which can involve reliving and discussing traumatic events, SE is focused on calming the nervous system and re-balancing the body to promote healing. This makes it an excellent alternative therapy option for those who may not be comfortable revisiting traumatic events or discussing them in great detail.
SE is a valuable tool for mental health professionals to have in their arsenal, as it provides an effective trauma healing process that complements other therapies. Additionally, becoming a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner means you have specialized training in somatic therapies, making you a sought-after expert in the field of trauma therapy.