Somatic Experiencing® is a form of somatic therapy that works alongside counselling and psychotherapy. It recognises that our experiences are shaped not only by our thoughts, but also by our nervous system.

Our nervous system is constantly working to protect us. It responds not only to what's happening in the present, but also to what it has learnt from our past experiences. This means our thoughts and our nervous system don't always tell the same story.

Many of us have learnt to ignore, override or disconnect from our nervous system, particularly during periods of stress, trauma or overwhelm. Somatic Experiencing® helps you build awareness of your nervous system by noticing the signals it is sending, understanding what they may mean, and giving you greater choice in how you respond.

As this awareness grows, so too does your capacity to stay present with discomfort, rather than automatically reacting or relying on coping strategies that may no longer serve you. This creates the opportunity to respond differently, allowing your nervous system to learn from new experiences. From this foundation, unresolved experiences can be processed and integrated, reducing the influence they continue to have on your present.

As the nervous system becomes less occupied with protecting against past experiences, many people notice a reduction in symptoms and find they have more energy available for the relationships, work and experiences that matter most to them.