Somatic Experiencing Therapists in Vancouver

Browse 4 therapists offering Somatic Experiencing in Vancouver. 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

4 therapists for Somatic Experiencing in Vancouver

Browse 4 therapists offering Somatic Experiencing in Vancouver. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Nicole Neufeld

Nicole Neufeld

Hi, I'm Nicole (she/they). You might wonder what therapy can offer you, and that is a fair question. I used to ask the same thing and I remember my first therapy session as a client, I was so nervous I got in a car accident on my way to the appointment. Being vulnerable and sharing a piece of yourself can be so intimidating. It makes sense to feel nervous. Reaching out for support is challenging, and can also be empowering, I commend you for considering it. I am committed to providing as safe a space as is possible to those who would choose to trust me with their story. Part of that includes an understanding of how systemic power and inequity impacts us all. I navigate the world as a white, settler woman. I also have lived experience with chronic illness, and a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. These, among other pieces of my identity, impact my lived experiences of the world as your identity impacts yours. Because of this, I use an intersectional, systemic approach in my work, leaning on Feminist Theory and utilize AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Narrative techniques. I believe you have resources and answers within yourself, and I am honoured to support you as you discover and grow in your own strength. I take a collaborative approach, meaning you get to play an active role in deciding how our time together is spent. Ultimately, I am committed to your healing and will use all of the tools at my disposal to support you on your journey. My hope for you is that you flourish in your life, and are able to feel all of the joy and delight that comes from that.

Online
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SA

Sarah anne Trivett

i, sarah anne (they/them), am a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary registered clinical counselor residing on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) nations. in my therapy practice i use a creative blend of internal family systems (parts work) and somatic therapies to support individuals, couples, and multi-partner relationships to connect to themselves and others with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. many of my clients are queer, non-monogamous, neurodiverse, or kinky, and i aim to provide an inclusive space for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with self, others, and spirit. my approach to sexuality is non-pathologizing and pleasure-centered. spiritually, i hold a non-dual and animate worldview, which supports me to approach therapy from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of body and environment. i’m delighted to be offering ketamine-assisted-therapy in collaboration with field trip health and am currently completing the requirements to be an approved psilocibin-assisted-therapy provider with therapsil. outside of work, you’ll find me playing with clay, drinking tea mindfully, wandering in the woods, taking a dance class, and reading books.

Hybrid
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Julie Chang

Julie Chang

Julie has Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counselling and is currently finishing her doctorate’s degree in clinical psychology. In addition to professional training and experiences in psychotherapy and treatment, clinical counselling, behavioural intervention, and neuropsychological assessments, Julie also has a background in psychological research at the doctoral level and uses the empirical insights gained from previous studies to supplement her current clinical practice, making her unique as a practitioner of both clinical-scientist and scientist-practitioner models. Julie has worked with BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA), Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV), Chimo Community Services, and local medical clinics and healthcare centres. She has provided individual and couple/family therapy, treatments, and assessments to individuals for disorders and issues including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, feeding and eating disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, neurocognitive disorders, affect management, self-regulation, stress management, sexual/physical abuse and violence, crisis intervention and stabilization, couple/marital/parenting conflicts, academic/work stress, identity crisis/exploration, self-introspective needs, loneliness, and relationship difficulties. She identifies as a cisgender female who is open to clients belonging to the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Julie applies an integrated theoretical framework informed by trauma theory, understanding of behavioral and neuropsychology, and multicultural sensitivity to her eclectic therapeutic approach. As an advocate of positive psychology who understands that mental health is more than the absence of illness, she focuses on building success and helping clients flourish rather than merely reducing distress. Her clinical repertoire includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CASE Approach for Risk/Suicide Assessment, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing/Body Awareness Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Clinical Hypnosis. Owning to her mixed ethnic heritage, she is a native speaker of English, Mandarin, and Hokkien, and has conversational-level skills in Japanese and Cantonese.

Hybrid
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Larissa Mowat

Larissa Mowat

Hi, I’m Larissa (she/her). I navigate the world as a queer, cis woman with mixed ancestry. My mom’s side being settlers from Europe and my dad’s family being Coast Salish from Sq’ewqétl (Skowkale) First Nation. That in-between space shapes how I understand identity belonging, and the complexity of people’s experiences. My counselling approach is flexible and relational, drawing from person-centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), strengths based, and mindfulness and rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed care. I recognize that many of the struggles we carry are shaped not just internally, but by the systems and environments we exist in. I work with young adults and adults, including women and folx who identify as queer and LGBTQIA+, and aim to create a space where all parts of you are welcome, even and especially the messy or uncertain ones. Outside of counselling, I enjoy slowing down through arts and crafts (most recently diamond art and junk journaling) and spending time with my therapy cat (who often likes to sit in on work-from-home sessions). I also love exploring new places, whether that’s close to home or another country. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Hybrid
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Looking beyond Vancouver? Browse all Somatic Experiencing therapists in Canada.

Somatic Experiencing therapists in Vancouver — at a glance

accepting new clients
4/ 4
offer online sessions
4/ 4
offer sliding scale fees
2/ 4

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 Vancouver?

Browse therapists in Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

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