Embodiment through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory

Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress related disorders that was developed by Peter A Levine, PhD. The SE approach, based on the Polyvagal Theory, addresses the root cause of trauma symptoms by gently facilitating the release of trapped survival energy that was bound in the body during a trauma response of fight, flight, freeze, or collapse. Together, we will explore the implications of Body-oriented psychotherapy and recent findings in the neurosciences, on how the brain and body deals with emotional information, while also providing an understanding of effective therapeutic action. Through a combination of theoretical explanation and body-oriented exercises, participants begin to develop a deep and intrinsic body awareness that helps to draw them into the vibrant experience of contact with their eternal now, flow, and wholeness. This session will describe how Polyvagal Theory provides a neurophysiological, yet intuitive, understanding of the role that bi-directional neural communication between our brain and our body plays in the process of embodiment. The theory provides an understanding about the disruptive impact of being numb and disembodied on our mental and physical health. The theory identifies principles that may lead to becoming successfully embodied and having a positive impact on our physical, mental, and social health.