Somatic Therapies: SE and CHI for Two

What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?

Do you feel like you are getting stuck in the same patterns, even though you “know” what you “should” do?

Do you experience frequent headaches, chronic tension, or panic attacks, especially during times of stress?

Have you tried talk therapy to little success, and now you are looking for something deep and profound?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based therapy that cares for the body and the nervous system first, allowing the body to heal so that the mind can heal. If you can imagine trauma as the experiences that get “stuck” inside of your body, SE is a way to gently release that stuck trauma and experience more resilience and range within your own nervous system. The beauty of SE lies in its foundational belief that the capacity to heal is our birthright. The mind can take a back seat as you tap into the innate wisdom of your body.

When trauma is left unresolved, it manifests in the body and often shows up as chronic tension, panic attacks, hypervigilance, distractibility, and even migraines.* SE focuses on the body’s sensations which reveal how emotions have become stored in patterns inside your system that, once released, allow for overall healing.

By gently guiding you to tune into these bodily sensations and facilitating the release of stored tension, SE fosters a pathway to holistic healing. If you sense your body is holding onto the effects of trauma or you’re getting stuck in the same patterns such as shutting down, fighting and getting agitated, or freezing, Somatic Experiencing may be helpful for you.

Alex Middleton is currently a Somatic Experiencing Practicioner (Level 2) in year two of the three year training process to become an SEP. Email her here to book now.

What is CHI for Two?

Chi for Two is an ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association) Approved program. This means Chi for Two is considered one of the highest quality professional level trainings in somatic movement and therapy. This modality brings awareness of the energizing dance we have in relationships especially those with a power differential such as parent/child.

When we experience trauma, our bodies create patterns in our nervous system that can dictate and impact how we react in certain situations and in different relationships years after the experience. It also means these patterns get passed down through generations.

Chi for Two uses partner exercises, movement, art, processing, and meditation to help heal multi-generational trauma. It is very similar to Somatic Experiencing except that it does not use the concept of "window of tolerance." Instead it sees all movement as tolerable. Chi for Two invites clients to more fully exist in their bodies and in their relationships.

Houston Stowell is currently in the middle of the multi-year process to become a Chi for Two Embodiement coach. She is in weekly sessions with Chi for Two creators, Dee Wagner and Caroline Gebhardt, as well as participating in the therapy herself.