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Somatic
Experiencing

Effects of traumatic events from the past are well- researched and documented but still highly underestimated These effects manifest, sometimes years later, as depression, fear, panic attacks, sleep problems, concentration difficulties, feelings of alienation, migraines, fatigue, chronic pain, relationship/commitment problems, burnout, back problems and many more.
The processing of physical and psychological traumas (e.g. traffic accidents, injuries, abuse, violence, threats, torture, loss of a loved one) demands a particularly careful approach.
Traditional methods of psychotherapy for trauma processing mainly address the issues cognitively through conversation. However, this increases the risk of re-traumatization. In addition, some experiences just cannot be put into words.

Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, takes into account the reactions in the body and nervous system that occur during a threatening or traumatic event. The underlying biological mechanisms are based on behavioral observations in the animal world. These go back to the hunter-prey behavior, an initial stimulus-response cycle with three basic options: fight, flight or freeze (playing dead) reflexes.

With Somatic Experiencing, traumatic experiences are handled with particular care, but also in depth. The goal is to overcome and integrate the traumatic event.