Transforming Trauma: A BIPOC Journey Through Somatic Experiencing®

by | Jan 30, 2025 | FEATURED STORIES

Our Beginnings 

 
When we embarked on our journeys to become Somatic Experiencing® Practitioners (SEP™s), our motivations were deeply personal and professional. For Jevita, the goal was to address a persistent “stuckness” in her practice—a sense that clients and she herself were repeatedly hitting invisible walls when navigating trauma. For Sharlisa, the drive stemmed from a similar stuckness in her body, a lingering sensation that traditional therapy methods could not resolve. 

 

Both of us sought something beyond talking—a holistic approach that bridged the mind and the body. SE™ promised not only a new perspective but also a deeper connection to ourselves and our work. This shared intention united us on parallel journeys that were both transformative and deeply healing. 

 

A Community of Belonging 

 
Jevita: Remaining with the same cohort throughout the training was one of the most rewarding aspects of my SE™ journey. The continuity of shared experiences created a sense of community and trust that was invaluable. Together, we supported each other’s growth, sharing deeply personal insights that enriched our collective learning. 

 

Sharlisa: Choosing the BIPOC cohort was essential for me. It provided a culturally safer space where I could process my trauma within the context of my identities. Healing is complex, and processing trauma in a BIPOC environment created a level of trust and understanding that made the work even more meaningful. During the training, we even processed shared traumas, like the grief and fear stemming from mass shootings. This collective resilience strengthened our bonds and created a foundation of trust. 

 

Despite the different formats—online for the early modules and in-person for later ones—the connections we formed were profound. Being part of a culturally resonant and supportive community allowed us to explore the complexities of healing in a way that felt both safe and transformative. 

 

Navigating Challenges and Discovering Strength 

 
While SE™ training is a journey of growth, it is not without its challenges. 

Jevita: During my first year, I faced personal activations that pushed me to confront long-ignored internal battles. The structured, titrated approach of SE™ helped me navigate these challenges at a pace that felt manageable. Working with my personal therapist, who is also an SEP™, was crucial in integrating the material into my life and practice. 

Sharlisa: My first year brought unexpected challenges as well, including a cancer scare and two surgeries. SE™ became a lifeline during this time, providing me with tools to process my fears and confront my mortality. The training taught me once understood and integrated, trauma could evolve into a gift rather than a limitation. 

 

Through these trials, we both learned the value of community and self-compassion. Whether through our cohort or the guidance of facilitators and assistants, the support we received was instrumental in turning challenges into opportunities for growth. 

 

Key Learnings and Transformative Insights 

 
Our SE™ journeys offered profound lessons that continue to shape our personal and professional lives. Understanding and managing our own activations has been one of the most transformative aspects of this work. For Jevita, this awareness enhanced her empathy and effectiveness as a therapist, allowing her to guide clients through their healing journeys better. For Sharlisa, this same understanding deepened her connection to herself, her family, and her community. 

The integration of SE™ theory into practice has been equally impactful. We’ve both learned to navigate trauma with greater precision, helping clients regulate their nervous systems and process their experiences in a holistic way. These insights have not only transformed our professional approaches but have also enriched our personal lives, fostering resilience and balance. 

 

 

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.