Natalia Roma Grzyb
Somatic Experiencing®
This therapeutic method developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine that helps release tension accumulated in the body and restore the natural balance of the nervous system. It is based on the premise that trauma is not caused by the difficult event itself but by the body's response to the threat, which remains unresolved. SE allows for the gradual discharge of this frozen energy in a safe and gentle way, without the need to relive the trauma. This method helps improve stress regulation, reconnect with the body and emotions, and reduce symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, chronic tension, or difficulties in building relationships. I am a member of the Polish Somatic Experiencing Association.
Application of Somatic Experiencing®
Anxiety, worry, panic attacks. Excessive caution.
Exhaustion, chronic fatigue, lethargy, sleep problems.
Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts.
Extreme mood swings, outbursts of anger or crying in response to everyday situations.
Misunderstood emotional or physical reactions to specific smells, places, colors, etc.
Depression, apathy, lack of motivation to live.
A sense of helplessness, confusion, and loss of control.
Chronic pain - not justified by the physical condition.
How the session looks like?
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) sessions differ from traditional talk therapy because we primarily work with sensations coming from the body. Below is a description of how to begin cooperation and the course of the sessions.
01
Consultation
The consultation session aims to discuss your needs and better understand whether the proposed working method is appropriately suited to your expectations, symptoms, and the goal of further cooperation. During the consultation session, elements of Somatic Experiencing® (SE) may also be introduced to provide an experience of the practical application of this method. Typically, we start with 2-3 consultation sessions, and only after that do we decide whether to begin cooperation.
02
Psychoeducation: How to "Understand" Your Body?
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is based on the premise that our body and nervous system have the ability to heal the effects of trauma by discharging the energy generated during a traumatic event. It is the signals coming from the body that are key to reducing or completely eliminating distressing symptoms. We will begin by observing these bodily signals and gaining a better understanding of their function.
This process takes place in a safe and supportive environment—at your own pace. We work through sensations, subtle movements, and the gradual release of tension.
03
Your history
Sometimes we begin the therapeutic process already knowing exactly which past event we want to work on. It also happens that we don’t know where the symptoms we experience—such as anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, etc.—come from. The Somatic Experiencing approach is a versatile method that can be used in both cases.
At the same time, to work with trauma symptoms, we do not need to recount our difficult experiences in detail.
04
Matching tools with your needs
The tools used in Somatic Experiencing® (SE) can be fully tailored to your needs, preferences, and history. For example, focusing on the breath may be supportive for some, while it may trigger a panic attack in others. At this stage, we will explore tools that are individually suited to your needs.
I completed my Master's degree in Psychology at the SWPS University in Wrocław. Currently, I am participating in a 3-year SE™ (Somatic Experiencing) training program, certified by Somatic Experiencing® International, Colorado, USA. This means that I am a psychologist and SE therapist in training – in the process of specialization. My work is regularly supervised. I work in both Polish and English. I am a member of the Polish Somatic Experiencing Association.
What is Somatic Experiencing?®
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) assumes that the effects of trauma, anxiety, and sensory overload not only impact our mind but are also deeply rooted in the body. In SE, we work on creating a bridge between the mind and bodily sensations, which allows for more effective processing of difficult experiences. Somatic Experiencing® sessions may differ from traditional talk therapy as they focus primarily on bodily sensations. SE helps restore balance in the body by reducing symptoms and the intensity of traumatic experiences. It integrates psychology, neurobiology, stress physiology, and ethology.
Mind and Body
Self-regulation
Transitioning between difficult experiences and supportive resources to allow the nervous system to restore its natural ability to self-regulate.
Simply understanding your symptoms and being aware of their presence does not make them disappear. Somatic Experiencing® (SE) creates a bridge between what we know and what our body feels.
Mindfulness of the signals from the body
Developing the ability to notice and interpret the physiological reactions of your body.
The principle of gradual tension releas
The work with the body at an appropriate pace aims to gradually release tension without causing a feeling of being overwhelmed.
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