Course material is taught in 7 training modules of 4 to 6 days in length, spaced out over 3 years.

The SE^™ Professional Training curriculum is delivered through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and guided practice sessions with other students.  

Beginning Level

Develop foundational knowledge and skills in the SE biophysiological model for the resolution of trauma.

Typically consists of two 5-day live training modules, spaced 2 to 4 months apart.

• Understand the physiology of traumatic stress and its effect on the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• Practice the fundamental SE method of tracking sensation to access responses in the ANS
• Learn the neurophysiology of each aspect of the threat response: defensive orientation, fight/flight/freeze, deactivation and completion, and exploratory orienting
• Develop skill in working with the SE model of tracking sensation to support completion of the threat-response cycle and incomplete survival responses
• Learn how to “titrate” (modulate) the SE trauma-renegotiation process to ensure healthy integration of experience
• Begin to integrate Porges’ Polyvagal Theory of ANS function
• Understand the SE model of SIBAM (Sensation, Image, Behavior, Affect, Meaning) and its significance in trauma
• Explore coupling dynamics-the over- and under-association of the elements of SIBAM and elements of physiological responses to traumatically-stressing experiences
• Support clients in re-establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries
• Learn to identify, normalize, and stabilize traumatic reactions
• Acquire brief intervention skills that provide long-term solutions to acute and chronic symptoms of trauma
• Explore the integration of SE into ongoing professional practice
• Explore the appropriate use of touch in the context of SE

Intermediate Level

Learn about the different categories of trauma as addressed in the SE model. Learn the primary characteristics and hallmarks of each category of trauma, as well as specific approaches and interventions for working with each category effectively.

Typically consists of three 4-day live training modules, spaced 2 to 4 months apart.

• Global High Intensity Activation (GHIA): pre- and peri-natal trauma, early trauma, anesthesia, suffocation, choking, drowning
• High Impact/Failure of Physical Defense: falls, traumatic brain injury, motor vehicle accidents, and other high-impact accidents
• Inescapable Attack: assault, animal attack, rape or sexual abuse, inhibited escape
• Physical Injury: surgery, poison, burns, physical injury due to accident
• Natural and Man-Made Disasters, Horror: natural disasters (e.g. earthquake, fires, etc.), war, terrorism, torture, ritual abuse, horror (e.g. witnessing abuse, causing harm to another)
• Emotional Trauma: severe neglect, severe loss, ongoing abuse

Advanced Level

Learn to work with complex trauma and syndromes. Expand on the use of touch in SE practice.

Typically consists of two 6-day live training modules, spaced 4 to 6 months apart.

• Learn about the importance of stabilization when working with complex trauma
• Explore the SE concept of “coherence” in working with complex trauma
• Refine touch skills for supporting containment and coherence
• Learn about the interrelationship between dysregulation of the ANS and the SE model of syndromes (non-reciprocal relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems)
• Develop a deeper understanding of the Polyvagal Theory as it relates to working with syndromes
• Refine the necessary SE skills of “titration” and “pendulation” when working with highly sensitive and syndromal clients
• Learn the SE model for working with the eyes
• Develop SE touch-based skills for working with different categories of trauma
• Understand how SE uses joints, body diaphragms, and the viscera to access ANS responses and to support completion of incomplete survival responses
• Explore scope-of-practice issues relating to the integration of SE and SE touch into professional practice

Upcoming Somatic Experiencing Courses: