Finding Ground: A Therapist's Journey into Somatic Experiencing and Forest Therapy
Finding Ground: A Therapist's Journey into Somatic Experiencing and Forest Therapy
My First Steps
I remember my first attempt at integrating Somatic Experiencing (SE) into a forest therapy session. Standing among towering pines with a client, I felt simultaneously excited and uncertain. After years of traditional outdoor therapy practice, this new approach felt foreign, yet somehow intuitive. That session taught me more about presence and patience than any training manual could – lessons I'm eager to share with fellow therapists beginning this journey.
Understanding Somatic Experiencing: Starting with the Basics
When I first encountered Dr. Peter Levine's work on Somatic Experiencing, I struggled to explain it to colleagues. Now, after more work with this practice, I understand it as a gentle approach to healing that honours the body's innate wisdom. The foundational premise is surprisingly straightforward: trauma and stress get stored in our bodies, and through careful attention to bodily sensations, we can release this stored energy.
Key Principles I Wish I'd Known Earlier:
The body naturally moves toward healing when given the right conditions
Healing happens in cycles of activation and settling
Small steps lead to sustainable change
The nervous system speaks its own language
The Forest Connection: Why Nature Amplifies Somatic Work
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (2023) validates what I've observed in my practice: natural settings enhance our ability to sense and regulate our nervous systems. The study showed that participants demonstrated:
43% improved interoceptive awareness in natural settings
67% better ability to identify subtle body sensations
52% increased capacity for emotional regulation
Learning the Integration: My Early Challenges & Breakthroughs
First Challenge: Pacing
Initially, I tried to do too much too quickly. I've learned that simple exercises yield the most profound results:
The Ground and Sound Exercise (my go-to starter):
Find a quiet natural spot
Notice three points of body contact with the ground
Listen for the furthest natural sound you can hear
Notice any shift in body sensation
Repeat with closer sounds
Personal Note: I still use this exercise myself before sessions. It helps me embody the presence I hope to facilitate for clients.
Safety First: Working with Trauma in Natural Settings
One of my earliest lessons came from a client with complex trauma. While the natural setting initially felt overwhelming, we discovered that starting with "micro-doses" of nature exposure worked best:
Beginning sessions near the building
Using car windows as a safe boundary
Gradually expanding comfort zones
The Learning Curve: Real Moments from My Practice
A Breakthrough Moment
During a session last fall, a client who struggled with chronic anxiety noticed how tree branches moved in the wind. "They bend without breaking," she observed. This organic metaphor led to a profound somatic release that no amount of indoor therapy had achieved.
When Things Don't Go as Planned
Not every session unfolds perfectly. Once, an unexpected thunderstorm triggered a client's trauma response. This taught me to:
Always have backup indoor spaces available
Develop clear safety protocols
Trust the wisdom of retreat when needed
Current Learning Edge: Where I'm Growing
As I continue my training, I'm exploring:
Advanced nervous system tracking techniques
Weather-specific adaptations
Integration with other modalities
Practical Tips for Beginning Practitioners
Starting Your Integration Journey
Start with your own somatic practice
Choose one technique to master
Practice with colleagues before clients
Document subtle shifts and observations
Build a support network of fellow practitioners
Essential Skills Development
Focus on developing:
Present-moment awareness
Comfortable silence
Non-judgmental observation
Clear boundaries
Flexible responses
Client Work: Finding Your Way
After hundreds of sessions, I've learned that each client interaction is unique. However, some guidelines have proved invaluable:
Session Structure
Begin with grounding
Introduce body awareness gradually
Allow natural pauses
End with integration
Leave time for reflection
Looking Forward: The Growing Edge of Practice
Current research at several universities is exploring how this combination affects:
Trauma resolution rates
Nervous system regulation
Long-term resilience building
Treatment adherence
Personal Reflections: What I Wish I'd Known
Looking back on my journey, I wish someone had told me:
Trust emerges from authenticity, not expertise
Nature does most of the work
The body knows the way
Less intervention often yields better results
A Note to Fellow Learners
Remember, this work is as much about our own growth as it is about our clients' healing. Every awkward moment, every uncertain pause, every surprised discovery contributes to our development as practitioners.
As you begin integrating these approaches, be patient with yourself. The body, like nature, has its own timing. Trust the process, stay curious, and remember that your learning journey enriches your clinical work in ways you might not yet recognize.
Keywords: Somatic Experiencing, forest therapy, trauma therapy, nature therapy, body awareness, therapeutic integration, healing practices, therapist development
