with Jenna Williams, MA, PCC, SEP
Somatic
Experiencing
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OVERVIEW
What Is Somatic Experiencing ?
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Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to working with the effects of stress and trauma. Rather than relying primarily on talking through the details of a stressful event, SE brings attention to the body and nervous system, including sensations and other internal experiences as they arise in the present moment.
Because somatic means “of the body,” SE pays attention to these internal cues as a source of information — and, ultimately, one's body wisdom. It also draws on the innate capacity of the nervous system to gently move through and recover from highly stressful and overwhelming experiences when enough safety and support are present.
Although SE originated as a therapeutic model, it is also integrated into coaching and other professional fields, where its somatic lens adds depth to the focus of coaching and can support trauma recovery.
SE can be helpful for people who have been significantly impacted by high stress or trauma and want to change ongoing limiting patterns. This work supports greater self-understanding and self-compassion around patterns such as:
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Becoming easily triggered, with reactions that may include hostility, passive aggression, withdrawal, avoidance, or distraction
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Experiencing intense emotions, emotional overwhelm, or numbness in response to those triggers, including nervous system dysregulation
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Some degree of disconnection from your body or emotions
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Chronic tension, fatigue, or shutdown
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Difficulty feeling safe or connected during stress — or more generally
For Therapists: SE can also support therapists who feel called to deepen their understanding of the nervous system and somatic work for their professional application, personal growth, or both.
Who Can Benefit
Wait, What the Heck Is "Body Wisdom"?
Hint: It's actually a big deal.
Before I did this work, I had no idea why people in the self-growth arena talked about the body having wisdom. I mean, I understood that the body has a biological intricacy that is nothing short of amazing: it makes our hearts beat and organs function, creates our breath every day until one day it stops, and coordinates pregnancy, childbirth, and the continuation of the human species. I understood all of that obvious stuff easily. What I didn’t understand was how the body — or my body — could be more than something I didn’t pay much attention to unless it hurt. I had no idea it could actually be WISE.
And here's what I came to learn and
experience inside of myself:
SE Coaching can help you seize an opportunity, navigate a difficulty, and move forward from the effects of any overwhelming life situations or trauma. Our work together creates a trusting, non-judgmental space where your voice, choice, and nervous system’s pace are honored. Sessions can include any of these activities, when they resonate with what you desire and need in each session:
SOMATIC ACTIVITIES
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Practice orienting to the current environment, grounding, and physical support exercises
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Explore breath and different types of movement
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Gently touch into bodily sensations and emotions
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Work with your impulses and energy and how they relate to your desires, needs, and boundaries
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Explore your behavioral stress responses and your relational beliefs and patterns
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Identify which nervous-system states are present
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Practice ways to shift your state to increase your sense of safety and connection, including connection to your most grounded, authentic self
COACHING ACTIVITIES
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Get clear on your goal for each session and what would help you make the most out of our time
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Explore your strengths, growth areas, challenges, and possible resources to support your progress
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Align with your values and needs, identify your options, and make decisions that feel better to you
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Build foundational emotional intelligence skills
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Engage in experiential exercises to deepen your awareness and practice new approaches
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Strengthen confidence and self-trust
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Identify strategies for making progress with the right level of support, challenge, and accountability
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SE sessions
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REAL Transformation!
DEEP WORK
“Jenna’s coaching is compassionate, intuitive, and profoundly effective. She helped me slow down, listen to my body, and reconnect with myself in a way that felt empowering and safe. Each session brought meaningful shifts and clarity that led to life-changing results, both emotionally and in my daily life. I highly recommend her to anyone ready for real transformation. I am beyond grateful for you, Jenna. Thank you!”
DANA S.
★★★★★
(Google review)
" This coaching has changed my life. I have achieved goals as well as delved deeply into the root causes of what was blocking me before. The work with cognitive and somatic techniques has guided me into becoming the best person I can be in all aspects of my life, I feel very honored to have been able to work with Jen... Her talent and expertise...has benefited me, my work and my family life. I am forever grateful to her."
CATHERINE K.
★★★★★
(Google review)
