What Is Somatic Experiencing®?

Have you ever wondered how wild animals can go from a life-or-death chase to peacefully grazing just moments later? They have a natural ability to “shake off” the stress and reset their nervous system. Our bodies have the same potential, but sometimes, especially after a scary or overwhelming experience, that natural reset gets stuck. This is where Somatic Experiencing® (SE) comes in.

SE is a gentle, body-centered approach to healing trauma. It works with the idea that trauma isn’t just a story in your head; it’s also a physical response stored in your body. When we experience a threat, our body’s natural fawn, fight, flight, or freeze responses kick in. If we can’t fully complete these actions—like running away or fighting back—that survival energy can get trapped. This can lead to symptoms like anxiety, chronic stress, and a feeling of being on high alert or it can cause a sense of shutting down – a freeze state associated with low mood and depression.

Instead of reliving the impacts of the traumatic event, SE helps you safely explore and release that stuck energy. A therapist will guide you to pay attention to your body’s sensations, like warmth, tingling, or pressure, in a very slow and controlled way. This process, called titration, breaks down the experience into small, manageable steps so you never feel overwhelmed.

By allowing your body to complete those self-protective responses that were interrupted, SE helps to reset your nervous system. This can lead to a greater sense of coherence—a feeling of inner balance and being more present in your body and your life.

What Is Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) Touch Therapy?

SE can be used with or without touch. When touch is used, it’s not like a massage. You remain fully clothed, and the therapist uses gentle, intentional contact with their hands (or sometimes forearms or feet) to support your body.

This type of touch can be especially helpful for:

Calming an overactive nervous system: A gentle hand on your back or shoulders can provide a sense of safety and grounding.
Releasing tension: Supporting an area of your body can help it to naturally let go of held-in stress.
Feeling connected: If you feel numb or disconnected from a part of your body, gentle touch can help bring awareness back to that area.

The goal of SE touch is to help your body feel safe enough to complete its natural healing process. It’s a collaborative process where your comfort is the priority. Your therapist will always ask for your permission before using touch, and you have the right to change your mind and withdraw consent at any time.

What to Expect in Session

It’s common for the body to shake, tremble, or vibrate during this process as it releases old energy. Afterward, some people feel a sense of calm and fatigue, while others feel a renewed sense of energy. The experience is unique for everyone.

Is Somatic Experiencing® Right for You?

If you’re seeking trauma recovery, stress relief, or support for nervous system regulation, Somatic Experiencing® may help you reconnect with your body’s natural capacity to heal.

I offer Somatic Experiencing® therapy for clients across Georgian Bay and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario. Whether you’re in Collingwood, Barrie, Wasaga Beach, or Toronto, sessions are available to support trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, and stress relief.

Our Mission

To provide clients with an accepting, friendly space to discover their healing path and to develop therapeutic relationships that sustain, inspire and guide them.

To provide clients with highly skilled, self responsible and self aware psychotherapists and yoga therapists who are always striving to learn about advancements in their fields and to continually develop themselves.

To create psychoeducational opportunities for clients to empower them to learn about their symptoms and how they can move towards healing and growth.

To provide innovative training programs that develop highly competent, self aware, self responsible, and inspiring psychotherapists and yoga therapists.