Somatic Experiencing Therapists in Surrey

Browse 1 therapist offering Somatic Experiencing in Surrey. 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 Surrey

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

Maitri Gupta

Maitri Gupta

Starting therapy is daunting. Existing in this world is not easy! There is much uncertainty and hurt. I congratulate you for taking the initial steps to find the right fit for you. I believe that everyone has the right to healing and community. We heal in community. The work I do with my clients in essence is relational. The work you will do in therapy is a radical act of self-advocacy in a world that often demands from us productivity and perfectionism. As a social justice activist, yogi, and post-modernist my approach to healing work is holistic. I aspire to go beyond the medical model and do not conform to what the norm demands from us. As your therapist, I engage with you curiously to go deeper, exploring many aspects as you unpack the layers of your narratives. Healing can only begin when we separate who we are from our problems. Coming from a bi-cultural background, I believe the narratives we have to speak to our individualistic and collective experience of events. It is vital to look within and around the communities to which we belong. I can provide services in Hindi, Punjabi, and English. My goal as a therapist is to facilitate mindful exploration of your trauma in a safe, collaborative, and open space. I want to hear your stories. Revisiting painful, challenging, and stressful stories can be a complex process. You are not alone! We work at your pace to restore your agency so that you can reclaim the narratives that serve your interpersonal growth and well-being. Through a trauma-informed lens, together, we can unpack: Anxiety and Low Moods Addictions Abuse Sexuality Social Anxiety Self-esteem and self-worth Burnout Challenges around social justice advocacy and activism Fear and hopelessness Body Image Self-Care Chronic Illness Ableism Navigating bi-cultural reality and expectations Relationships Perfectionism ADHD Feelings of isolation My approach is multi-faceted, and I will be combining traditional talk therapy with somatic psychology practices. I believe movement is essential for our healing and self-regulation. With virtual sessions, I want us to acknowledge that we are present with each other in our whole bodies and not just our floating heads. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with your senses and body through practices such as tapping exercises or body scans. I will also lean on my mindfulness philosophy to help guide a process through which you can access inner wisdom, be present in the here and now, to release your traumas, and narratives which no longer serve you. My mental health work background is grounded in traditional Vedic-Yoga practices, Buddhist psychology, and Western psychology. Over the last decade, I have strived to do collective healing work through my activism and mental health aid for community members. I am committed to supporting you on your healing journey with great compassion. At this time, I can only see clients that are currently residing in Canada. I wish to express gratitude, and acknowledgment that I currently live, work and play in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-waututh Nations.

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Looking beyond Surrey? Browse all Somatic Experiencing therapists in Canada.

Somatic Experiencing therapists in Surrey — at a glance

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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 Surrey?

Browse therapists in Surrey 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 Surrey?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits and the therapist's professional designation. If your SE therapist in Surrey 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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