Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
If you are in crisis, please contact a crisis line immediately. USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — UK: Samaritans 116 123 — IN: iCall 9152987821
Somatic Experiencing
Body-Based
Somatic Experiencing (SE) was developed by trauma therapist Dr. Peter Levine, based on his observation that animals in the wild rarely develop PTSD because they complete the physiological fight-or-flight response through their bodies (shaking, trembling). Cancer patients often undergo procedures, surgeries, and chemotherapy without any opportunity to discharge the biological stress response creating a 'frozen' or 'braced' nervous system. SE works directly with the body's sensations to complete interrupted survival responses and restore nervous system regulation.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
Tracks 'felt sense' (interoceptive body awareness) and identifies areas of tension, bracing, or numbness that reflect incomplete survival responses. Uses 'titration' approaching traumatic material in tiny doses and 'pendulation' oscillating between distress and resource states to gradually discharge trapped survival energy. Restores nervous system capacity to move fluidly between activation and rest rather than staying locked in high-alert states.
What a Session Looks Like
5060 minute individual sessions, typically weekly. Requires a certified SE Practitioner (SEP). Unlike talk therapies, much of the work happens in silence while tracking body sensations. Typically 1030 sessions depending on complexity. Often integrated with other modalities (EMDR, psychotherapy). Touch may be offered (with consent) to support nervous system regulation.
Cautions & Considerations
- Requires a trained and certified SE Practitioner directory at traumahealing.org
- Can temporarily intensify physical symptoms as bound energy is released
- Touch elements require explicit ongoing consent patients should feel empowered to decline
- Active cancer treatment may limit the body's capacity for this work timing matters
- Not suitable as initial intervention in acute crisis stabilisation first
- Evidence base smaller than EMDR or talk therapies, though growing