AR Somatic Experiencing Testimonials
"Somatic Experiencing or SE therapy is helping me connect with my true self. I spent many years trying to ignore overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Everyday activities would sometimes send me into a panic.
I’m honestly not sure how to describe the experience of some sessions. Oftentimes there aren’t even many words involved. Exploring the connection between emotions and the physical self has elicited powerful, visceral responses throughout my body, radiating a sense of warmth and healing that is hard to put into words. Sometimes we’ll be focused on events that I don’t consciously recognize as highly traumatic or impactful, and then next thing I know, the tears are streaming and rinsing away what feels like years of pent-up tension. After nearly eight months of this therapy, the positive impact on my daily life is undeniable. I feel lighter overall, and when anxiety does pop up, I’m now better equipped to recognize and deal with its effects. I regularly recommend SE to friends and to anyone interested in fostering a deeper connection with themselves. This journey of self-discovery and healing has been transformative, and has equipped me with valuable tools to understand the complex emotions we all experience." - Daniel
"My history with traditional “talking” therapy hadn’t really done much for me. I was not totally aware of what Somatic Experiencing was but I’m thankful I’ve learned. For years, I’ve had inexplicable stomach issues that have dramatically improved since my first appointment. The body-based therapy has helped me tremendously since my first appointment a few months ago. The heavy amount of sadness, and guilt, and burden that I’ve carried around for so many years recently no longer feels like dredging through my own emotional mud. The exercises that I’ve learned and implemented in my daily life has made such an impact on me - mentally, emotionally, and physically. Traditional therapy never did much for me but Somatic Experiencing and body-based therapy has allowed me to process my experiences and traumas in a new way that is actively increasing my quality of life." - Alex
"I have been an RN for 33 years. Major PTSD related to death of son by suicide. Was a little skeptical about Somatic Experiencing at first, although willing to give it a try. For the first time in 20 years, I can truly see light at the end of the tunnel. Flashbacks are now non-existent, and nightmares are gone as well. I would highly recommend anyone suffering from trauma symptoms to let Somatic Experiencing help to make you whole again." - John
"I have had years of traditional talk-based therapy and meds. Yet, I felt stuck and frustrated at my lack of progress. A friend told me about Somatic Experiencing (SE). I was gently led with SE to understand my body's response to trauma, the Fight, Flight, and Freeze as responses to trauma, and how to release trauma safely. I have healed more in the last 4 months than in the past 15 years." - Beth
Finally, I found the Somatic Experiencing Therapy method. It changed everything for me. The work I have done has truly helped me in the transformation of my life. For the first time since I can remember, I am able to leave my house without going into fight or flight. SE helped me to truly heal the root causes and traumas that have sustained my long-suffering. I am amazed as I see myself coming back to life. Somatic Experiencing Therapy is one of the single best decisions I have made for my mental health and well-being." - Blair
"Dr. Phelps uses somatic, body-oriented, psychotherapy therapy methods and provides comprehensive care and treatment without a focus on pharmaceuticals. My involuntary body movements subsided dramatically; stammering and stuttering speech pattern has normal rhythm and tempo. I have made substantial progress in a short time. I am empowered to deal with stress and to leave past trauma behind me." - Angela
"In my most recent SE session, I connected with my past trauma without reliving it. I was able to release the old fear and anger through SE techniques. It allowed me to reshape the memory. Each SE session moves me one step closer towards inner peace." - Lori
"I started Somatic Experiencing therapy after a twenty-year struggle with daily flashbacks from a violent attack which began to manifest in additional physical symptoms and anxiety. Over several sessions, my body learned to process the unprocessed trauma it had been carrying for two decades, and my brain learned to trust my body again. Since we completed our first cycle of sessions together, I’ve not experienced a single flashback in the same manner as before; instead, the attack feels past tense rather than present. I entered the Somatic Experiencing therapy not knowing what to expect. I’d experienced more traditional therapy, based in talking, in the past, and while beneficial to me in many ways, that focus on the verbal story of what happened to me left me stuck. Through Somatic Experiencing therapy in a safe and comfortable environment, it allowed me to come to physical terms with the memories and reactions stored in my body. I recommend SE therapy to anyone experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or physical symptoms that might be linked to past trauma. For me, it was life changing, and I continue to utilize the tools I learned in therapy for self-care, balance, and mental health." - Bryan
“I was a little skeptical about seeing a psychologist let alone someone who specializes in Somatic Experiencing. I saw a difference after the very first session. Prior to my first session I would cry myself to sleep, not understanding WHY the events in the world were happening, including the loss of my dad. After the first session— I went home— didn’t even realize I went straight to sleep that night. This was unbelievable because I’ve tried everything, including taking medicine. I can’t believe how far I’ve come. Somatic Experiencing is hands down-THE BEST — reverse psychology on the planet.” - Tiffany.
“The method of Somatic Experiencing to help me relieve stored trauma works. SE gets to the root cause of my emotional challenges. I did talk therapy, and though it did serve a purpose at the time, nothing compares to the emotional release of the Somatic Experiencing method. I recommend this method for anyone on the healing of emotional trauma.” - Karen
"SE is a significant departure from any therapy that I have previously received. Learning to feel before I speak and locate what is going on in my body has been a completely transformative process for me. In just a few sessions I can tell I’m making progress and I look forward with great anticipation to the freedom and healing that this process will bring. I highly recommend Somatic Experiencing therapy." - Jason
"One Somatic Experiencing or SE session, I came in with the usual after work stress, and brought up that I had a sharp pain in my side. Through being patient and curious of the pain, I was brought back to a childhood experience of almost drowning. I was able to sit in the space of the room speaking of what I was noticing in my body. But mostly with the mental resources I had from past SE sessions, there was little talk of the problem, and more moving that old trauma energy. It felt like I was trying to break myself free from what was keeping me down. I focused on that energy (as my arms literally began to move on their own in the session to push my older male cousin off of me who was dunking me under water) until I actually felt in my muscles that I defended myself, and swam back to the surface. It was one of the most empowering and fulfilling SE sessions I had had. I was 4 years old." - Marleigh