Online Somatic Experiencing®: Does It Really Work?
In our current digital age, this is a question I am asked quite frequently. The answer is, of course, yes! I support clients who engage both exclusively online and in a hybrid of online and in-person therapy. Clients overwhelmingly express positive impacts from SE™, even online.
The goal of this blog is to inform readers of the benefits and considerations of doing Somatic Experiencing® online.
What is Somatic Experiencing®?
Somatic Experiencing® is a therapeutic modality that positions the body as the central tool for healing. Trauma is not caused by the event(s) in and of itself, but rather the impact on our physiology and nervous system.
Often, trauma and/or pervasive stressful events can be experienced as feeling "locked on," or the opposite, being locked "off."
Being locked "on" can look like:
hyperactivity
panic
hypervigilance and
rage
Whereas being locked "off" can look like:
disconnection
exhaustion
apathy and
depression
This is caused by our stress responses (fight, flight, freeze) being left incomplete, even after the real or perceived threat dissipates.
The goal of a therapist employing Somatic Experiencing® is to support clients toward completing these stress responses and restoring vitality, regulation, and a greater connection to self and others.
For a deeper dive into Somatic Experiencing®, check out this blog.
What Makes SE™ Appropriate for Online Therapy?
During online sessions, therapists track not only what the client is sharing, but also their physical cues, such as:
micro-movements
cadence
rhythm of voice, and
client self-reports
Therapists also track through a resonant field, which refers to the therapist's capacity and ability to sense the client's inner experience through their own ability to track physical sensations throughout the session.
Here are some highlights for why Somatic Experiencing® can be effective online.
1. Comfort
Sessions offered through video allow therapists to support their clients while the client is in the comfort of their own homes. There are no stressors from traffic or inclement weather, and there is greater ease of scheduling, which can create greater access to resources during sessions.
During sessions, your therapist will support you in resourcing within the comfort of your own space. Resourcing refers to anything internal or external that can provide a sense of grounding, safety, presence, or even just "okay-ness" during times of discomfort.
Being in your own environment can support an increased ability to resource yourself through things that are already a comfort to you, making SE™ more accessible.
Tips for Creating a Comfortable Therapy Space for Online Somatic Experiencing®
Find a Confidential Space:
To make online therapy more supportive, find a confidential space where your privacy will be secured throughout the duration of the appointment. Somatic Experiencing® will feel much more supportive when you can trust and find comfort in the space you are in.
Personally I ensure:
my doors are locked
I have access to a window for orienting, and
a sound machine in the background
Our bodies can feel the difference between a secure space and an insecure space, which can impact our ability to process during the session. I invite you to play around with your space prior to the session and find what feels right for you.
Gather Items That Help You Feel Comfortable
Feel free to bring comforting items into your session, such as:
If you have a favourite tea or enjoy coffee, please enjoy it throughout the session.
blankets
tactile fidgets like rocks or toys
heat packs, or
even your pets, the list goes on.
Throughout your sessions, your therapist will support you in locating these sources of comfort, as they can be an integral part of resourcing. Sessions can be done while standing, sitting, or any combination of postures that feel comfortable.
2. Flexibility and Accessibility:
Online sessions provide greater flexibility for balancing work, life, and family schedules.
For clients who:
work out of the community
do shift work
travel frequently
Live in rural areas
integrating online SE™ sessions with in-person sessions allows for greater continuity of care. In rural communities, accessibility to qualified professionals can sometimes be a challenge.
Online Somatic Experiencing® increases clients' ability to receive evidence-based and quality care, further supporting the nervous system toward greater regulation, thus improving their connection to self and others.
Tips for staying consistent even with the flexibility of online:
a. Schedule Appointments in Advance
Pre-schedule weekly sessions for the same day and time. This allows for consistency and predictability, which our nervous systems crave.
Pre-scheduling appointments allows for employers to be notified in advance, childcare to be navigated, and perhaps even notifying a spouse or roommate to vacate the space to allow for greater comfort during your session.
b. Check Your Technology Before Your Session
Maintain a stable and secure internet connection. While technical issues happen, try to:
test your internet connection
check your camera
test your audio
prior to your session.
Here is a troubleshooting guide to support creating more stable connections. Should connection be lost, your therapist will call or email you to support reconnection.
Online Somatic Experiencing® in Olds, Alberta and online across Alberta.
Online Somatic Experiencing® sessions are supportive, convenient, and effective. If you have any questions about starting your journey with a qualified therapist, please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to find out if this is the right fit for you.
See other posts about Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) and Trauma Therapy in Olds, Alberta:
Unlocking Peak Performance Part 3: Somatic Experiencing for Athletes
Unlocking Peak Performance Part 2: EMDR Therapy for Athletes
Unlocking Peak Performance: How Sports Therapy Can Support Athletes On and Off the Field
Healing Driving Anxiety and Emotional Trauma from Motor Vehicle Accidents: How EMDR, ART, and SE Therapy Can Help
Trauma and the Central Nervous System: Understanding the Body’s Response to Stress
