Professional Training in the Somatic Experiencing® (SE™)

This training provides a smooth and in-depth understanding of neurophysiology and trauma theory, as well as principles of trauma healing. The program spans three years, with two six-day modules each year, totaling 36 days of intensive work throughout the training period (72 hours per year). This rhythm allows each participant to learn, consolidate, and integrate new skills while undergoing personal sessions and regular supervision during the course.

SE™ trainings are conducted in over 50 countries worldwide, and upon successful completion, participants receive the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) certification, accredited by EASE.

First Level – Year 1

Acquiring fundamental knowledge and skills in the bio-physiological model of SE™ for trauma processing.

• Understanding the physiology of traumatic stress and its impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
• Practicing the core SE™ method for tracking sensations to access ANS reactions.
• Learning titration and establishing continuity through felt sense in the body.
• Exploring neurophysiology of each aspect of the threat response: defensive orientation, fight/flight/freeze, deactivation, and completion, as well as exploratory orientation.
• Developing skills to work with the SE™ model for tracking sensations that support the completion of threat response cycles and incomplete survival reactions.
• Training in titration (dosing) of trauma processing in SE™ to ensure healthy integration of experience.
• Introduction and integration of Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory on ANS functions.
• Understanding the SE™ model – SIBAM (Sensation, Image, Behavior, Affect, Meaning) and its significance in the context of trauma.
• Examining connection dynamics – oversaturation and insufficient connection of SIBAM elements with physiological reactions during stress experiences.
• Self-regulation – skills for identifying, normalizing, and stabilizing traumatic responses.
• Avoiding the dangers of re-traumatization by acquiring skills to recognize and stabilize responses.
• Supporting clients in recovery and maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Investigating the appropriate use of touch within SE™ context.

Intermediate Level – Year 2

Studying the different categories of trauma according to the SE™ model.
Understanding the key characteristics and signs of each trauma category, as well as specific approaches and interventions for effective work with each. These skills can also be applied to other traumatic or highly stressful experiences.

• Global high-intensity activation: prenatal and perinatal trauma, early childhood trauma, anesthesia, suffocation, choking, drowning.
• Strong impact/failed physical defense: falls, high-impact accidents, head trauma, car accidents, and similar incidents.
• Inescapable attack: assault, animal attacks, rape or sexual violence, prevention of escape.
• Physical trauma: surgical interventions, anesthesia, burns, poisoning, injuries from accidents or attacks.
• Natural and man-made disasters: earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, floods, war, terrorism.
• Terror: witnessing incidents, observing violence or harm caused to others.
• Torture and ritual violence: military torture, concentration camps, refugee camps.
• Emotional trauma: severe neglect, abandonment, and loss, ongoing violence.

Advanced Level – Year 3

Further integration and deepening of understanding of SE™ theory and practice, developing greater resonance capacity with clients. Skills for working with complex traumas and syndromes (IBS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue). Expanding the use of touch in SE™ practice.

• Mastery of stabilization when working with complex traumas.
• Exploring the SE™ concept of “coherence” in working with complex traumas.
• Refining touch skills that support holding and coherence.
• Understanding the relationship between ANS dysregulation and SE™ models for syndromes (non-reciprocal connection between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems).
• Expanding understanding of Polyvagal Theory in relation to working with syndromes.
• Enhancing SE™ skills in “titration” and “pendulation” when working with highly sensitive clients.
• Mastery of the SE™ model for working with eyes.
• Developing skills for working with different trauma categories through touch.
• Understanding how SE™ uses joints, body diaphragms, and internal organs to access ANS responses and help complete incomplete survival reactions.
• Examining questions related to the scope of practice regarding the integration of SE™ and touch in participants’ personal professional practices.