Somatic Experiencing Therapists in Port Coquitlam

Browse 1 therapist offering Somatic Experiencing in Port Coquitlam. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based approach to trauma therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1970s and 1980s. Levine observed that animals in the wild regularly face life-threatening situations yet rarely develop lasting trauma symptoms the way humans do. He theorized this is because animals instinctively discharge the survival energy that gets activated during a threat, often through trembling or shaking. In humans, that energy can become trapped in the nervous system, showing up later as anxiety, numbness, chronic tension, or post-traumatic stress.

What to look for in a Somatic Experiencing therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Certification as an SE Practitioner (SEP) through Somatic Experiencing International
  • Experience with your specific trauma history or presenting concerns
  • Skill with titration and slow pacing for nervous system regulation
  • Comfort integrating SE with other modalities if needed

1 therapist for Somatic Experiencing in Port Coquitlam

Browse 1 therapist offering Somatic Experiencing in Port Coquitlam. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Cordelia Mejin

Cordelia Mejin

Hi, I’m Cordelia and I’m honoured that you are here. I desire to provide gentle and compassionate care, empathy and a safe place as I believe that we as humans have longings to feel seen, heard, known, understood, felt, accepted, and cared for, especially in difficult moments. The one thing that remained constant throughout my life is that I have always found meaning in connecting with others on an authentic, deep, heart level and in making meaningful impact in the lives of others. A longing to lead a life in alignment with who I am at the core of my being led me to pursue counselling not just as a profession, but as a calling and passion. I love what I do and am honoured that I get to hold space for my clients and see transformation happen in their lives. It makes my heart full to know that I am making a daily difference, one person at a time. I consider it an honour to walk alongside you and to meet you where you are at – be it a time when you are navigating everyday difficulties, a time when you feel lost, a time of grief, loss and transitions, a time when hope feels out of reach, or a time when you find that you are desiring growth and change within yourself and in your relationships. Although I am experienced in my work a generalist, I have specialized training and extensive experience in the area of grief and loss. Additionally, I have special training and extensive experience in various areas of concern. My personal experience of grief and painful loss of my family member’s death led to my deep devotion and passion to people who are grieving a death and/or non-death losses. Through my own journey of integrating grief into my life story, I developed a strong desire to support others in carrying their grief, remembering their person and integrating their grief into their life story. As one who grew up in a multicultural community, I have strong cultural awareness and strive to provide culturally sensitive therapy from a place of cultural humility. I value holding space for your story to be told and acknowledged in a supportive space where your experiences are validated, honoured, processed and integrated into your life story in a way that is fitting for you. In sharing your stories and allowing them to be witnessed in the presence and safety of a therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that what may have once felt unbearable becomes less heavy and eventually more bearable. On A Personal Note As one who is nearing my mid-30s, I have navigated various challenges, including life transitions, chronic pain, endometriosis and grief of all kinds (death and non-death losses). I cherish beautiful moments that unfold in life while also seeing the value of holding space for feelings that emerge from the difficult places of life. It is from my lived experiences and my own human-ness that I draw my compassion for each person I encounter in the therapy room. I live in beautiful British Columbia with my husband whom I have been married to for almost a decade. I treasure spending quality time with my family and friends. I am an avid reader, and am most fulfilled when I am outdoors in nature. I enjoy hiking, biking, playing the piano, listening to music and visiting new places around the world. I look forward to getting to know you and to connecting with you. It is my honour to meet you. Warmly, Cordelia

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Frequently asked questions

What is Somatic Experiencing used for?

SE is used primarily for trauma, PTSD, and stress-related conditions where the nervous system has become stuck in survival mode. It can help with anxiety that has a strong physical component, chronic tension, emotional numbness, and stress-related physical symptoms. It is used for both single-incident and complex or developmental trauma.

How is Somatic Experiencing different from other trauma therapies?

SE works through body sensation and nervous system awareness rather than cognitive processing or memory reprocessing. It does not require you to talk through traumatic events in detail. This distinguishes it from approaches like trauma-focused CBT or EMDR, though some therapists integrate SE with other methods.

How many sessions does Somatic Experiencing take?

The length varies considerably depending on the complexity of your history and goals. For straightforward stress responses, meaningful progress may come within ten to twenty sessions. For complex or developmental trauma, SE work tends to be longer-term. Your therapist can give a better estimate after an initial assessment.

Is Somatic Experiencing evidence-based?

SE has growing research support. Studies have shown benefit for PTSD symptoms, including a randomized controlled trial published in Psychological Trauma. Research is still expanding compared to longer-established approaches like EMDR or trauma-focused CBT, but clinical evidence is building across multiple populations.

Do I have to talk about what happened to me in SE sessions?

Not necessarily. SE does not require you to narrate traumatic events in detail. The approach focuses on body sensation and nervous system responses, which means meaningful work can happen without revisiting the story of what occurred. Your therapist will follow your pace and comfort.

Can I do Somatic Experiencing online?

Yes. Many SE-trained therapists offer sessions online. While in-person work has some advantages for body-oriented approaches, video sessions can still be effective because the therapist tracks verbal reports of sensation and visible nervous system cues. Check each therapist profile for available session formats.

What does discharge mean in Somatic Experiencing?

Discharge refers to the release of survival energy that became stored in the nervous system during a threatening experience. It can show up as trembling, spontaneous deep breaths, warmth, or a sense of physical settling. SE therapists support discharge as a natural part of healing rather than something to suppress.

How do I find a Somatic Experiencing therapist in Port Coquitlam?

Browse therapists in Port Coquitlam who list Somatic Experiencing or somatic therapy as a specialty. For SE specifically, look for providers who have completed training through Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) and have experience with trauma or the concerns you are working on. Check whether they offer in-person or online sessions.

Is Somatic Experiencing covered by insurance in Port Coquitlam?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits and the therapist's professional designation. If your SE therapist in Port Coquitlam is a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker, sessions may be partially or fully reimbursable. Check your policy for eligible designations and annual limits before booking.

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