Body-First Approach: SE is a body-oriented therapy that works with the nervous system to heal from stress and trauma, rather than just talking about past events.
Releasing Stored Energy: Healing from the body up, focusing on discharging the fight, flight, or freeze energy that gets stuck in the body after a stressful event.
Nervous System Focus: The aim is to help the nervous system return to a balanced state, allowing clients to feel safer and more resilient

Shake it Off: Animals (like a deer after being chased) instinctively shake to release trapped tension, while humans often stay stuck. SE helps us shake it off.
Titration: Imagine a tense memory as a high-voltage wire. Instead of touching it all at once, SE helps you turn down the power slowly, working with small, safe pieces (drops of sensation) rather than flooding you.
The Pendulation: In life, we go between feeling stressed and feeling calm. SE helps you learn to move back and forth between uncomfortable sensations and places of safety, allowing your body to expand its capacity to handle stress.

Body Awareness (Interoception): Practice noticing inner sensations (like warmth, tension, tightness) rather than just thoughts.

Resourcing: Identify safe places, memories, or physical sensations that make you feel secure to help regulate the nervous system.

S.I.B.A.M. Experiences are made of Sensation, Image, Behavior, Affect (emotions), and Meaning, SE works primarily with the sensation part

Self-Soothing Touch: Placing your hand on your heart or shoulder to create a "container" for a difficult emotion.

Grounding: Feeling your weight on the chair and feet on the floor to help feel present and safe.