18/09/2026
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Part 2 — The nervous system & the physiology of stress
Our nervous system is continually taking in information from the world around and within us, and responding to what it perceives.
When we encounter something that feels somewhat of a threat, the body mobilises into the fight or flight response.
This is a very real physiological response.
Adrenaline and other stress hormones are released. Heart rate and breathing increase. Blood flow shifts towards the muscles. Digestion becomes less of a priority. Attention becomes focused on what is happening right now.
The body is preparing us to act.
This response is protective. It is part of our innate survival physiology, something our bodies have been doing long before we had words to describe what was happening.
This is our animal instinct. 🐅
Once the threat has passed, the nervous system can naturally begin to settle and the body can return towards a rested physiological state.
But when an experience is particularly intense, prolonged, or happens at a time when we don't have the resources to fully respond, the body can continue to carry aspects of that activation.
You might notice this as tension, restlessness, a racing heart, shallow breathing, difficulty settling, feeling on edge, or a sense that your body hasn't quite found its way back to ease.
Somatic Experiencing® begins with an interest in this body-based experience.
Rather than needing to retell everything that has happened, attention can gently come to what is happening here and now, in the body.
Through small, manageable steps, we become curious about sensations, impulses, tension, activation and settling. Space to notice your nervous system and what it is trying to do, with gentle presence and attuned awareness. 🩷
It is a way of listening to and being with your body with awareness, curiosity and care. With an understanding of the science of stress and threat response physiology and how to listen to and support your body at this level.
Bookings now open 💌
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