Somatic Experiencing (SE) Touch Skills Work
The Role of Touch
Touch can bring up many different reactions. For some, it feels soothing and reassuring — a natural way to connect, feel safe, and know they are cared for. For others, especially those who have experienced trauma or abuse, touch may feel foreign, overwhelming, or even frightening. In those moments, avoiding touch can feel safer.
In somatic touch work, there is no “right” way to feel. Every response is respected. Over time, gentle and attuned touch can offer comfort, connection, and support — always at a pace that feels safe.
Saying “no” can be difficult, especially if others have taken advantage of your kindness. Through Somatic Experiencing®, it becomes easier to set boundaries and feel safer in your own body. For some, early experiences — such as illness, hospitalization, or a parent who struggled to connect — left gaps in the ability to feel secure. SE helps repair those gaps, supporting both physical and emotional safety.
When touch feels safe, it can lower stress, awaken the body’s natural “feel-good” chemistry, and make safety something you can truly experience — not just imagine.
Safety and Choice in Touch
In Somatic Experiencing, safety comes first. You always decide if, how, and when we use touch. Some clients choose hands-on work, while others prefer to focus on conversation or self-touch. Your needs guide the session, and we honor your pace.
Sensations help lead the process. We may experiment with self-touch, practice boundary-setting, or notice what feels supportive. Sometimes that means adding touch, and sometimes it means removing it. I’ll help you find the words if they’re hard to say, so you can grow more confident in expressing your needs.
Touch can happen in different ways: some clients prefer to sit, while others recline fully clothed on a massage table, often with a cozy blanket. You share what you notice inside, and I reflect what I observe from the outside. Together, we build safety, clarity, and connection through the language of sensation.