SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that helps cleanse the mind and body of residual effects of past trauma associated with negative experiences. Joint research efforts by Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni led to the discovery that the body often holds onto (rather than dissipates) physical forces, and often the accompanying emotional energy, triggered by physiological, psychological, emotional or spiritual trauma. As the body heals, it can isolate or wall off, this energy into what is called an “energy cyst”. Although a body can initially adapt to the presence of this “energy cyst”, eventually the body weakens or tires of this accommodation and can develop symptoms of pain, dysfunction or emotional stress.
The goal of an SER session is a comfortable holistic mind-body approach to dissolve the residual effects of past trauma and negative emotional experiences from the mind, body, and spirit and to gain insight as to how that held trauma is influencing their physical and emotional health.
The SomatoEmotional Release process requires sensitivity and expertise on the part of the therapist and a positive attitude and trust from the client.
As a practitioner, I have studied in advanced CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release techniques and am prepared to help guide my client through the process of more deeply understanding and releasing emotional trauma which might include: violent assaults; sexual, emotional or physical abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood traumas, traumatic relationship issues, and others.
What to Expect During a Session
Gentle and subtle body work is combined with dialogue to assist the process of release and to increase an awareness of your “inner self.” This work truly accesses and assists the body in healing that very powerful and basic “mind-body connection”, facilitating healing at the source level of the pain or problem. Sometimes, an awareness or association of past trauma may arise during the course of a craniosacral session and the release progresses within the framework of the physical bodywork being done during that session. Or, as larger issues become apparent, several focused sessions might be helpful to fully and safely allow the body to release the effects of the held physical/emotional trauma.