I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a demo with the instructor, Debra, during one of our Somatic Experiencing® (SE) training sessions. The focus of the demo was on natural disasters, a topic that resonates deeply with the trauma many of us hold in our bodies, whether from personal experiences or the collective weight of such events.
Being on stage, in front of my peers, and working with Debra was a truly profound experience. Debra is an exceptionally skilled Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and her ability to guide, support, and hold space for healing is something I will always admire. The demo wasn’t just a learning opportunity; it was a moment of transformation. I could feel the power of SE work moving through me, as Debra expertly led me through the process.
In that moment on stage, everything clicked. I realized once again just how powerful and meaningful this work truly is. It’s not just about learning material or practicing techniques; it's about embodying the essence of healing and being present with the body’s wisdom. The experience reaffirmed for me that SE is where I am meant to be. It felt intuitive, real, and right in a way that nothing else ever has.
After the demo, I felt light, empowered, and alive in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. The weight of what had been released was palpable, and I carried that newfound sense of freedom with me in the days that followed.
A few days later, I met with one of my own clients, and I could see the effects of SE playing out in real time, just as they had during my demo with Debra. The process I’d experienced as a participant was now coming full circle, as I facilitated a similar transformation for my client. Seeing her experience that same sense of release and empowerment filled me with gratitude—not just for SE, but for Debra, Peter Levine, the staff, assistants, and my own SEP who have all been part of this journey with me.
It was serendipitous, almost as if everything had aligned perfectly in that moment. I realized how connected we all are in this work, how the healing we receive can ripple out to others. I am more committed than ever to SE, and I am a supporter for life. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the work and the people who have brought it into my life. I feel truly blessed to be part of such a transformative field, and I am excited to continue sharing this gift with others.
Testimonial, 2024