Our Work
The healing work offered at Somatic LA is actually a combination of two different but related therapies: the Somatic Therapy (also called Somatic Experiencing) of Dr. Peter Levine and the Body Electronics of Dr. John Whitman Ray. It should also be mentioned that this work is supported and influenced by the Polyvagal Theory of Dr. Stephen Porges, and the Vagal Nerve regulation techniques introduced by Dr. Stanley Rosenberg.
Somatic Therapy is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. When there is trauma in the body, there is often a level of physical disassociation or disconnect that we experience, either knowingly or unknowingly. Somatic relies on a facilitator to work with the patient to become aware of the body's physical sensations, and in doing so, to release the trauma stored in these areas of the body.
While Somatic Therapy is very powerful and effective on its own, we also use the "points-holding" technique (Body Electronics) to further enable radical body regeneration. This healing methodology comprises a highly nutritious habitual diet and a unique style of accupressure point-holding. By holding specific points on the body, we are working to break calcifications, or crystals, that are causing disruption in natural body function, and help regulate the nervous system, ultimately helping the body return to a state where it is able to heal itself.
This combination of therapies can offer profound results in not only trauma release, but also physical regeneration, nervous system regulation and a change/expansion in consciousness.
About Trauma
To be clear, trauma may begin as acute stress from a perceived threat or as the end product of cumulative stress. Both types of stress can seriously impair a person’s ability to function properly in their lives. Trauma may result from a wide variety of stressors such as accidents, medical procedures, sexual or physical assault, emotional abuse, neglect, war, natural disasters, loss, birth trauma, or the persistent stressors of ongoing fear and conflict. It can also simply be the cumulative trauma of challenging life experiences, such as losing a loved one, divorce, or any number of other experiences.
Who Can Benefit From Somatic Therapy
The benefits of Somatic and Points Holding Therapy are many, and can be profound for people with many different symptoms and syndromes. As this is a trauma therapy, it can be very useful for those suffering from PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma. However, these therapies can also help in the healing of many different types of traumas and conditions.
Here are just a few:
- Those who have had experienced recent or distant physical traumas and are still having physical pain
- Those who have had chronic physical pain that has persisted over a long period of time
- Those who experience a high level of stress and overwhelm in their day-to-day lives
- Those who are feeling "stuck" in their lives, or "stuck" in a pattern or way of thinking/being
- Those looking to break negative patterns in their relationships and personal interactions
- Those experiencing chronic fatigue, or problems in sleeping patterns
- Those experiencing depression, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts
These are just a few common conditions that Somatic/PNE may be able to help. If you are suffering from something not listed here and have questions as to if Somatic/PNE may be able to help, please contact us and we'll get right back to you.