I had the opportunity to work with Debra Clydesdale in a Somatic Experiencing™ demo centered around natural disasters. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was stepping into, but I immediately felt I was in the right place—surrounded by people who deeply understood the power of this work. What happened on that stage, though, far exceeded any expectations I had.
Debra is a masterful SE™ practitioner. Her skill, calmness, and presence were immediately apparent, and the way she guided me through the process was not only professional but also deeply compassionate. I could feel myself surrendering to the experience, trusting the process in a way I hadn’t before. Being able to not only learn the material and practice it firsthand but also to be part of the demo was an experience that proved to be incredibly profound, useful, and satisfying.
During that time on stage, I experienced something that shifted my understanding of both SE™ and myself. It wasn’t just the release of emotions or sensations—it was the realization that this work is far more than just a technique or method. It is a deeply intuitive, powerful practice that has the potential to heal and restore on a profound level. It feels right for me in a way that no other approach ever has. There’s something so real and authentic about SE™ that resonates deeply within me.
When the demo ended, I felt light, empowered, and alive. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and I walked off that stage with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. The energy I felt was not just a temporary high—it was a deep, grounding shift in my body and mind. I knew that this was the kind of work I wanted to do for myself and with others.
A few days later, I had a session with one of my own clients, and I found myself using the same techniques and approaches I had experienced with Debra. The results were nothing short of transformative. It was amazing to see how SE™ had such a profound effect on me, and now I had the chance to bring it into my own practice. It felt as if I was seeing it all through a new lens—no longer just as a student or participant, but as a guide for others.
What amazed me most was the parallel between my own healing and my client’s. The sense of release, the deep connection, and the empowerment I had felt in my own SE™ experience were now unfolding in real time with my client. I could see their shift in the same way I had experienced mine, and it brought me full circle. It was a moment of gratitude and recognition—not just for the practice, but for the serendipity of how this work flows from one person to another, creating a ripple effect of healing.
I am deeply grateful for Somatic Experiencing, for the teachings of Peter Levine, and for the incredible guidance of Debra. But my gratitude doesn’t stop there. I am thankful for the whole community that supports SE™—from the staff, the assistants, and my own SE™ practitioner, to everyone who has contributed to bringing this transformative work into my life. Each of these people has played a part in helping me see the world, and myself, in a whole new light.
Somatic Experiencing has changed my life in ways I never thought possible, and I’m committed to this work for the long haul. It feels like my calling, and I am proud to be a supporter for life. I look forward to continuing to grow with SE™, and to sharing this incredible, healing practice with others. The impact of SE™ is real, and its ability to transform lives—starting with my own—is something I will never take for granted.
Testimonial from Beginning I student
San Deigo, 2024