Somatic Experiencing Therapy  IN THE UK

Calm Your Nervous System. Resolve Trauma at the Level of the Body
 
​Specialisms: Sexual abuse, grief, anxiety, dissociation, relationships, spirituality
No obligation · Confidential · Online across the UK and internationally
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Effective Trauma Recovery 
​Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a pioneering body-focused approach to healing trauma and stress, developed by Dr Peter Levine. It works by helping the nervous system complete survival responses that were interrupted during overwhelming experiences, leading to lasting relief from trauma-related symptoms.

What is Somatic Experiencing?
Instead of analysing trauma through thoughts or memories alone, SE emphasises bodily awareness to resolve dysregulated fight, flight, freeze and collapse responses.

Trauma isn’t caused solely by the event(s), but by how the body and nervous system failed to complete the natural survival responses needed to discharge that stress. SE supports this release gently and safely, helping you feel more relaxed, whole and happy.
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​​How does Somatic Experiencing work?
It's a 'bottom-up' approach, working with organic bodily sensations. not just thoughts and emotions. Key principles include:
  • Body Awareness and the Felt Sense: Paying right attention to physical sensations 
  • Resourcing: Identifying internal and external support
  • Titration: Gradual sensation in manageable increments
  • Pendulation: Alternating between states of arousal and calm to build resilience.
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This gentle, respectful method allows the nervous system to complete unresolved defensive responses in a controlled way, reducing physiological stress reactions.

​With skilful 'listening', innate new possibilities for recovery and wholeness are revealed. SE helps gradually shift lanes from living a life governed by the past to leading a new life rooted in inner strength, open to the limitless possibilities for good ahead.

SESSION DETAILS 

Maggie Richards, Somatic Experiencing Therapist
Maggie Richards | Certified SEP since 2010
Format: Online (in-person on request)
Duration: 60 minutes | Fee: £75
Next step: Free 20-minute consultation
Professional Memberships
  • Among the first SEPs to practice in the UK & former Co-Chair, SEA UK
  • Member of the Information Commissioner's Office 
  • ​"Bear ye one another's burdens; and so you shall fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

Frequently asked questions

How many SE sessions will I need?
Every process is unique. Many clients start feeling better regulated within weeks; the overall number of sessions depends on individual history and resources.

How often should SE sessions be?
Weekly or fortnightly sessions best help establish safety and containment. Some clients opt for occasional “top-ups” later.

What can somatic therapy for trauma help with?
Somatic Experiencing is suitable for adults and adolescents with:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
  • Complex trauma and childhood trauma
  • Anxiety, panic, grief, anger
  • Chronic stress, fatigue and burnout
  • Dissociation and emotional dysregulation
  • Chronic pain linked to stress responses
  • Nervous system hyper-arousal.
By directly engaging nervous system regulation, SE supports relief from symptoms that traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address.

 The therapeutic Journey by david reis

Somatic Experiencing trauma therapy explained