Personal Growth Rooted in Cultural Resonance
The decision to join a BIPOC cohort was a defining moment in both our SE™ journeys.
Sharlisa: Being in a space that honored my cultural identity was vital. It allowed me to explore the intersection of trauma and identity in a way that felt deeply supportive. The presence of facilitators and assistants who understood our experiences without explanation was transformative.
Jevita: For me, the BIPOC cohort provided a sense of belonging that I had not experienced in other professional settings. This environment encouraged vulnerability and fostered a collective strength that enriched my learning and healing.
The shared cultural resonance within our cohort underscored the importance of processing trauma through a lens that acknowledges systemic and intergenerational experiences. This approach not only affirmed our identities but also deepened our understanding of the ways trauma and healing intersect.
Integration and Application
SE™ has profoundly transformed how we approach both life and practice.
Jevita: In my work as a therapist, SE™ has deepened the therapeutic alliance with my clients, allowing us to navigate trauma with greater care and effectiveness. Personally, it has taught me to honor my body’s wisdom and embrace healing as an ongoing process.
Sharlisa: SE™ has transformed my professional practice, equipping me to address trauma in an inclusive, body-centered way. On a personal level, it has helped me release intergenerational “stuckness,” fostering resilience and balance in my life.
By integrating SE™ principles into our work, we’ve both experienced a profound shift in how we engage with clients, helping them connect to their bodies and navigate healing journeys with greater agency.
To those considering SE™ training, we offer this advice:
Jevita: Lean into the process and trust the journey. Embrace the challenges and allow yourself to be vulnerable. SE™ has the power to transform not only your professional practice but also your relationship with yourself.
Sharlisa: SE™ is life-changing, offering a path toward healing that goes beyond “talking through” trauma. SE™ provides a connection with oneself deeply and compassionately, creating space for healing beyond the surface.
Our SE™ journeys have taught us that healing is a dynamic, ongoing process. By integrating somatic principles into our lives and practices, we’ve not only transformed ourselves but also gained the tools to support others in their healing journeys. Through this work, we honor the resilience within ourselves, our clients, and our communities—proving that trauma, when understood and embraced, can become a powerful source of strength and wisdom.
About the Authors
This article was collaboratively written by Jevita Hamilton and Sharlisa Byrd, two Somatic Experiencing Practitioners (SEP™s) deeply committed to trauma-informed healing. Drawing from their unique personal and professional journeys, they share insights that reflect their lived experiences, cultural identities, and dedication to fostering resilience within themselves, their clients, and their communities.