Reintegrating Fragmentation of the Primitive Self: Discussion of “Somatic Experiencing”

This paper, solicited for discussion in response to Levit’s interweaving of psychoanalytic theory with Somatic Experiencing^® (SE™), was written by the founder of SE and two SE instructors. Building on the work of Levine (1976, 1997, 2010, 2015, 2018), the authors elucidate the theory and application of SE, highlighting the importance of attending to neurobiological and physiological processes in healing trauma. Interoception, or the conscious awareness of one’s own bodily sensations, is outlined, with an emphasis on the relationship between interoception, empathy, and physiological regulation. Core physiological regulators (like the autonomic nervous system) are detailed, with suggestions for tracking autonomic shifts and supporting completion of survival and defensive responses (social engagement, fight, flight and freeze) in therapeutic encounters (Levine, 2018; Porges, 2001). The functional purpose of dissociation and traumatic memory is reviewed (Levine, 2015). Clinical applications for resolving traumatic implicit, or nonconscious memories, are explored. Finally, the authors conclude the paper by affirming the utility of integrating SE into psychoanalytic approaches to therapy.