1. What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and stress disorders, developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. It works by helping the nervous system release stuck survival energy and restore natural self-regulation.
๐ Reference: Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
๐ Somatic Experiencingยฎ Trauma Institute โ What is SE?
2. How does SE differ from traditional talk therapy?
Unlike talk therapy, which focuses mainly on thoughts and emotions, SE emphasizes body sensations and physiological states. By tuning into the bodyโs felt sense, clients can renegotiate traumatic memories without re-living them.
๐ Reference: Levine, P. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books.
3. Is Somatic Experiencing evidence-based?
Yes. While more research is ongoing, studies show SE reduces PTSD symptoms, improves autonomic nervous system regulation, and supports overall well-being.
๐ Example Study: Brom, D. et al. (2017). Somatic Experiencing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Outcome Study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3), 304โ312. DOI link
4. What happens in a typical SE session?
The practitioner helps you track sensations (tightness, heat, tingling, release) rather than focusing on the story.
Gentle titration: revisiting traumatic material in small, manageable doses.
Pendulation: guiding awareness between distress and safety.
Completing interrupted fight/flight/freeze responses so the body can return to balance.
๐ Reference: Levine, P. (2015). Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past. North Atlantic Books.
5. Is SE safe if I have experienced severe trauma?
Yes, when practiced by a trained practitioner. SE avoids overwhelming the nervous system by working gradually. Clients are guided toward safety and grounding throughout.
๐ Reference: Levine, P. (2012). Freedom from Pain: Discover Your Bodyโs Power to Overcome Physical Pain. Hay House.
6. How many sessions do I need?
It varies. Some clients feel relief after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work, especially with complex or developmental trauma. SE is a process of gentle unwinding, not a โquick fix.โ
๐ Clinical observations summarized in: Levine, P. A. (2020). An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey through Somatic Experiencing.
7. Can SE be combined with other therapies?
Yes. Many practitioners integrate SE with:
Psychotherapy (CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR)
Bodywork (yoga, massage, craniosacral therapy)
Mindfulness and meditation practices
This combination often deepens results by addressing both mind and body.
8. Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. SE emphasizes working with the bodyโs responses rather than retelling the traumatic story. This helps avoid re-traumatization.
๐ Reference: Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger.
9. Whatโs the difference between hypnosis and guided meditation?
Hypnosis is a therapeutic process involving focused attention, absorption, and suggestion, tailored to specific goals (e.g., reducing anxiety, changing habits).
Guided meditation typically offers generalized relaxation or awareness, not individualized suggestions for change.
๐ Reference: Yapko, M. D. (2012). Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis (4th ed.). Routledge.
10. Are hypnosis and meditation the same brain state?
Both involve focused attention and altered awareness, but hypnosis is goal-directed while meditation is usually exploratory or present-centered.
๐ Research: Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2014). Hypnotic Approaches for Chronic Pain Management: Clinical Implications of Recent Research Findings. American Psychologist, 69(2), 167โ177. DOI: 10.1037/a0035644
11. How does suggestion work in hypnosis compared to meditation?
Hypnosis uses specific therapeutic suggestions to reframe experiences, change behaviors, or alter perceptions.
Guided meditation may use imagery or metaphors but rarely applies them to personalized outcomes.
๐ Reference: Yapko, M. D. (2014). Mindfulness and Hypnosis: The Power of Suggestion to Transform Experience. W.W. Norton.
12. Can guided meditations be hypnotic?
Yes. Many guided meditations inadvertently use hypnotic principles such as relaxation, imagery, and suggestion. However, without intention or tailoring, they lack the precision of clinical hypnosis.
๐ Reference: Yapko, M. D. (2014). Mindfulness and Hypnosis.
13. Which is more effective for anxiety or depression: hypnosis or meditation?
Hypnosis tends to be more targeted, with stronger evidence for symptom reduction when combined with psychotherapy.
Meditation supports general well-being but may not address specific issues directly.
๐ Meta-analysis: Milling, L. S., et al. (2019). Clinical Hypnosis in the Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336โ357.
14. Is hypnosis just relaxation like meditation?
No. Relaxation may occur in hypnosis, but itโs not required. Hypnosis is defined by focused attention and receptivity to suggestion, not relaxation alone.
๐ Reference: Yapko, M. D. (2003). Hypnosis and Treating Depression: Applications in Clinical Practice. Routledge.
15. Do I lose control under hypnosis compared to meditation?
Absolutely not. Hypnosis enhances self-control and choice by helping people access and use inner resources. Both hypnosis and meditation rely on voluntary participation.
๐ Reference: Yapko, M. D. (2012). Trancework.
16. What conditions benefit more from hypnosis than meditation?
Evidence shows hypnosis is particularly effective for:
Pain management
Depression and anxiety
Habit change (smoking, weight management)
Trauma treatment (when integrated with other therapies)
๐ Study: Montgomery, G. H., et al. (2000). Meta-analysis of hypnotically induced analgesia: How effective is hypnosis? International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 48(2), 138โ153.