EMDR with Somatic Experiencing Integration
The integration of EMDR and Somatic Experiencing represents a powerful evolution in trauma treatment. As one of the few Seattle therapists with both EMDR certification and extensive Somatic Experiencing training (Levels I-III), I've witnessed how this combination addresses trauma at every level, creating more complete and lasting healing than either approach alone.
Understanding Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine, recognizes that trauma is fundamentally a dysregulation of the nervous system. When we experience overwhelming events, our natural fight, flight, or freeze responses can become stuck, leaving us with:
Chronic tension or pain
Hyper vigilance
Emotional numbing
Panic attacks
Disconnection from our bodies
SE works by gently helping the nervous system complete these interrupted defensive responses, allowing the body to return to its natural state of regulation.
Why EMDR Alone Sometimes Isn't Enough
While EMDR is remarkably effective, some clients experience limitations:
Overwhelming Body Sensations
During EMDR processing, intense physical sensations can emerge:
Flooding of body memories
Panic or overwhelm
Inability to stay present
Dissociation from the body
Without somatic tools, these sensations can halt processing.
Incomplete Discharge
EMDR processes the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma, but sometimes:
Physical tension remains
The body stays in defensive postures
Survival energy remains trapped
Nervous system stays activated
Limited Body Awareness
Many trauma survivors have learned to disconnect from their bodies. They might:
Not notice physical sensations
Miss important body signals
Process only "from the neck up"
Lose valuable somatic information
How Somatic Experiencing Enhances EMDR
Building Capacity First
Before diving into EMDR processing, I use SE to help you:
Develop Felt Sense
Learn to notice subtle body sensations
Differentiate between sensations
Track changes in your body
Build curiosity rather than fear
Expand Window of Tolerance
Increase capacity for difficult sensations
Practice pendulation (moving between activation and calm)
Build resilience in your nervous system
Create more space for processing
Establish Resources
Find body-based calm states
Develop somatic anchors
Practice self-regulation
Build internal safety
Enhanced Processing During EMDR
When we combine approaches during active EMDR work:
Tracking Dual Awareness
Monitor both trauma memory and present-moment body
Notice what wants to move or shift
Stay grounded while processing
Prevent overwhelming activation
Completing Interrupted Responses
Allow frozen movements to complete
Let the body show what it needed to do
Release trapped survival energy
Honor the body's wisdom
Organic Bilateral Stimulation
Natural body movements can enhance processing
Walking or swaying during breaks
Self-touch and self-soothing
Body-led bilateral movements
My Integrated Protocol
Having completed both EMDR certification and SE Levels I-III, I've developed an integrated approach:
Phase 1: Somatic Assessment (1-2 sessions)
Map your nervous system patterns
Identify activation and settling cues
Assess body awareness levels
Note areas of tension or numbness
Phase 2: Resource Building (2-4 sessions)
SE techniques for regulation
Somatic resources for EMDR
Practice titration (working with small amounts)
Build body-based safety
Phase 3: Integrated Processing (Variable)
During EMDR, I continuously integrate SE by:
Pausing to discharge activation
Following body impulses
Tracking nervous system state
Allowing organic movements
Phase 4: Somatic Integration
After memory processing:
Check for residual body activation
Complete any remaining responses
Integrate new body patterns
Establish new baseline
The Science Behind Integration
Research supports this integrated approach:
Polyvagal Theory
Stephen Porges' work shows trauma affects our autonomic nervous system. The combination addresses:
Dorsal vagal (freeze/shutdown)
Sympathetic (fight/flight)
Ventral vagal (social engagement)
Memory Reconsolidation
Combining approaches may enhance:
More complete memory processing
Deeper neural pathway changes
Integrated mind-body healing
Lasting transformation
Neuroplasticity
Using multiple pathways promotes:
Greater brain integration
New neural patterns
Flexible responses
Resilient nervous system
Who Benefits Most from Integration?
This combined approach particularly helps:
Complex Trauma Survivors
Multiple traumas creating body patterns
Developmental trauma affecting nervous system
Attachment wounds held somatically
Chronic disconnection from body
Those Who've Tried EMDR Before
Previous EMDR felt overwhelming
Incomplete resolution
Body symptoms remained
Couldn't stay present
Highly Somatic Presentations
Chronic pain linked to trauma
Panic attacks with strong body symptoms
Conversion symptoms
Medically unexplained symptoms
First Responders and Veterans
High activation/adrenaline patterns
Trained to override body signals
Multiple cumulative traumas
Need to maintain professional functioning
What to Expect in Integrated Sessions
Different Pacing
More time building resources
Gentler approach to activation
Regular check-ins with body
Flexibility between modalities
Active Participation
You're the expert on your body
We follow your nervous system's lead
Your pace determines progress
Collaboration is key
Homework Integration
Body awareness practices
Gentle movement exercises
Nervous system regulation tools
Integration activities
My Unique Training Combination
My diverse background uniquely qualifies me to offer this integration:
EMDR Certification
Full EMDRIA certification
Advanced EMDR training
Complex trauma protocols
Ongoing consultation
Somatic Experiencing
Completed Levels I-III
Body-based trauma resolution
Nervous system regulation
Organic processing
Additional Body-Based Training
Trauma-sensitive yoga certification
Embodiment practices
Breath work
Movement therapy principles
Depth Psychology
PhD understanding unconscious patterns
Symbolic body expressions
Psyche-soma connections
Holistic healing approach
The Power of Choice
What I love about this integrated approach is the flexibility:
Some sessions might be more EMDR-focused
Others might emphasize somatic work
We can shift moment-to-moment
Your system guides the process
Investment in Comprehensive Healing
While this integrated approach might involve:
More initial sessions for resource building
Slower initial pacing
Greater attention to detail
More comprehensive assessment
The benefits include:
More complete resolution
Less likelihood of reactivation
Body-mind integration
Sustainable healing
Is Integrated EMDR-SE Right for You?
Consider this approach if:
Standard EMDR felt incomplete
You have strong body symptoms
Previous therapy neglected your body
You want comprehensive healing
You're ready for deep transformation
During our free consultation, we can explore whether this integrated approach matches your needs and goals.
