Somatic Experiencing®
methodology
What is
Somatic Experiencing®?
Somatic Experiencing® is a pioneering, body-based approach for resolving trauma, shock, and other stress disorders. It is the life's work of internationally recognized trauma researcher and psychotherapist Peter A. Levine, combining his studies in stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, ancient healing practices, and medical biophysics with 45 years of successful clinical work. The SE® method focuses on safely releasing the traumatic shock (excess energy) that becomes trapped in the body during overwhelming experiences, allowing the natural transformation and healing of wounds from PTSD, emotional, and early childhood traumas.
The SE® point of view
SE® offers a framework to identify where individuals are stuck in fight, flight, or freeze responses, and provides tangible, practical tools to release these ingrained physiological states.
It offers an effective toolkit for professionals in various helping fields, including mental health, medicine, physical and occupational therapy, bodywork, addiction treatment, first responders, education, and other areas.
SE® teaches simple yet powerful tools to mobilize the body's innate healing processes.
How it works
Somatic Experiencing® defines trauma not primarily in the event itself but in the body's physiological responses to the event. In a threatening situation, the body initiates automatic survival programs: fight, flight, freeze, or collapse. The heightened state of readiness only subsides when the immense unused energy mobilized for survival has been discharged; otherwise, the body and the nervous system remain stuck in this state. Trauma occurs when the necessary energy activated for survival becomes trapped in the nervous system.
Somatic Experiencing® is, in essence, a non-verbal communication with the memories and experiences stored in the body. It gently guides the nervous system to release the blocked energy caused by trauma. SE® facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of survival energy trapped in the body, directly addressing the root cause of trauma symptoms. As this energy is released, a sense of freedom, vitality, and the experience of safety in the body return, allowing a renewed sense of ease and well-being.
Our Programs
Transgenerational transmission of trauma
3-day workshop
In early 2026, we are planning a 3-day professional workshop on working with transgenerational trauma, led by the fantastic Heike Gattnar.
The workshop will be held in English, with simultaneous interpretation provided.
Planned date: February 27-March 1, 2026.
Details coming soon.
Somatic Experiencing®
online Introductory
November 29-30, 2025
A two-day weekend workshop that provides an overview of the SE® methodology and equips participants with tools they can use in their personal lives and at work. Participation in the workshop is a prerequisite for the 6-module Professional Training.
The workshop will be led by Mariëlle Maaswinkel, SEP, NARM and IFS practitioner.
Somatic Experiencing® Training
This training, designed for professionals, offers comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the neurophysiology of trauma theory and the foundational principles of trauma processing. It provides a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on the body and mind, and teaches practical interventions and strategies that enable you to offer clients a gentle and highly effective approach to trauma healing.