How it can show up in daily life

Trauma doesn't always arrive as flashbacks. Plenty of people just notice that they stay on alert in familiar rooms, or freeze and turn very agreeable when someone's angry. Sleep is poor, and a sudden noise can be hard to shake. For some people the main thing is feeling flat, as though they've lost touch with their own body.

Some of these responses started as ways of getting through something hard, and they did the job. Understanding where they came from can help. It doesn't always change what your body does.

How I work with it

Somatic Experiencing was developed by Dr Peter Levine. It pays attention to sensation and movement, and to how the body responds to stress. In a session I might ask what you notice in your breathing or posture while you describe an ordinary situation, and I'll ask what feels steady.

We go in small steps, and you can pause or change direction at any point. You don't have to describe what happened in detail. I'd rather you tell me very little and feel steady than tell me everything and feel flooded.

Parts work from Internal Family Systems sits alongside it, especially when different parts of you pull in opposite directions. One part might want closeness while another expects to be hurt.

The first session

It runs 90 minutes. We talk about what's brought you in, how it's affecting your life and what you'd like support with, and I explain how the work goes. If something gets too big, we slow down and come back to something solid, like the feel of the chair under you. Sessions after the first are 60 or 90 minutes.

What the research says

The research on Somatic Experiencing is still developing. The evidence is more limited than for established trauma-focused treatments such as trauma-focused CBT and EMDR, and I wouldn't present this work as a replacement for them. Many people see a GP or psychologist as well, and I'm glad to work alongside them.

About me

I'm a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Teaching Assistant with Somatic Experiencing International. My parts work is informed by IFS Level 1 training. I'm also completing a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Ikon Institute.

Questions people ask

Do I have to talk about what happened? No. You can share as much or as little as you like. We can work with what's happening now and the physical responses that come with it.

Can this help if I've already done talk therapy? Some people look at somatic work because they understand their experiences well but their body still reacts. It may sit alongside other treatment, and results differ from person to person.

Is Somatic Experiencing an evidence-based treatment for PTSD? Research is emerging, with some promising findings, but it's more limited than for the trauma-focused treatments above.

Do I need a diagnosis? No. If you want an assessment, a GP or a qualified mental health professional can help.

What does it cost, and is it covered by Medicare? Fees are on a sliding scale, currently $140 to $220 per session. Sessions aren't Medicare rebatable, and you don't need a referral.

Where I see people

Melbourne Integrated Therapies, 8-10 Mansfield Street, Thornbury, and Glo Health, 358-360 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick. Online sessions work from anywhere in Australia.

Start with a free call

A free 45-minute call gives us time to talk about what's happening, how I work and whether this suits you. There's no obligation afterwards.

If you're in danger, call Triple Zero (000). For support right now, Lifeline is on 13 11 14.

A note on what I do

I'm not a registered psychologist or psychiatrist, and I don't diagnose mental health conditions. Somatic work can sit alongside clinical care and doesn't replace it.