FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN ENRICHMENT

First conceptualized by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1970s, Somatic Experiencing is an approach to trauma that, rather than focusing only on thoughts or emotions associated with a traumatic event, expands to include the natural bodily responses. Across the globe, Somatic Experiencing® has come to be considered an effective, innovative treatment for trauma prevention and resolution.

As an emerging evidence-based psychotherapeutic model, Somatic Experiencing® aims to interrupt and reduce the impact of trauma, to support the resolution of current and past trauma, and to edify individuals and communities against further threats to public health, mental health, and relative safety.

Somatic Experiencing® International is dedicated to deepening understanding of the Somatic Experiencing® modality and how it can heal trauma. We strive to position SE™ as a leading, global best practice for healing trauma through certification, research, and public awareness.

As an organization founded with education at our core, our primary focus is on helping the helpers. In more than 40 countries, professionals participate in our robust and comprehensive trainings, held both in-person and online. Training is delivered through a combination of lectures, live demonstrations, guided practice sessions, audio‐visual case studies, and suggested readings. Students enroll in one of our many offerings: a three‐year curriculum designed to lead to the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner certificate (SEP), short courses on the basic principles of Somatic Experiencing®, and assistant and provider programs.

Another part of our focus is on advancing SE™ research to become an evidence-based modality. An evidence-based approach to medicine, education, and other disciplines is based on a robust body of rigorous scientific studies and emphasizes the practical application of the research findings. Applying evidence-based principles in Somatic Experiencing® treatment ensures that providers have the best evidence as a starting framework, while simultaneously affording them the flexibility to individualize treatment. This also provides professionals the ability to assess research data and decide if and how to incorporate SE™ into their practice. Somatic Experiencing® International provides expert guidance, digital libraries of resources and statistics, and community conversations to promote the advancement of SE™ research.

Simultaneously, through direct utilization of SE™ principles, Somatic Experiencing® International operates an innovative crisis intervention and peer support intervention called the Crisis Stabilization and Safety (CSS) program. By providing crisis intervention in a structured peer-to-peer model, CSS provides psychosocial education and direct support to individuals to support the shared goals for community healing, wellness, and sustainable resilience.

All programs are created and delivered with inclusive, culturally-sensitive and responsive, and international perspectives in mind.

Somatic Experiencing® International is composed of more than 1,400 staff, faculty, coordinators, and training assistants impacting more than 40 countries as of 2021.

Our experienced faculty come from diverse professional backgrounds and teach Somatic Experiencing® on six continents. Potential faculty members are carefully screened, selected from a group of senior SE™ Practitioners, and undergo a rigorous, extensive faculty training and mentoring program. Each faculty member is held to the highest professional and ethical standards and are monitored through regular class evaluations.

Somatic Experiencing® International is led by an engaged Board of Directors who—on the basis of their specific knowledge, skill, and experience—make valuable contributions to our current functioning and future development. The Board, with members from both within and outside of the SE™ community, collectively holds responsibility for stewardship of SEI. The Board seeks guidance as necessary from advisors recommended by and including Peter A. Levine, PhD, from a number of committees addressing various aspects of SEI's work, and from expert consultants in a variety of disciplines.

Lastly, SEI has 10 workgroups and committees dedicated to initiatives that support our community and advance our strategic plan: from Curriculum Development to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), SE Research, Mentorship, and more.

As of November of 2021, more than 125,000 professionals across six continents have been trained in Somatic Experiencing® through the SEI curriculum, with new courses being offered throughout the year and hundreds of new students enrolling.

SEI has begun the process of publishing and compiling videos, podcasts, articles, and books related to SE research with topics such as key concepts in SE™ work, SE™ in attachment, and SE™ for PTSD treatment. In doing so, SEI has become the preeminent source for resources on SE™. Our Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner directory is also the most comprehensive database of SEPs available worldwide. Community Conversations, which bring together key members from the SE™ community to discuss SE™ interventions, applications, and connections across disciplines, are housed on social media and our website.

Finally, the Crisis Stabilization and Safety (CSS) program launched its pilot programs in 2021, providing direct services and trainings across the United States for those impacted by disasters.

For 2022, SEI continues to grow: we are in the process of creating a global, inclusive, and diverse professional association to serve Somatic Experiencing® Practitioners, students, and affiliated groups. In addition, we will be expanding our public health offerings in multiple markets across the United States and establish sustainable community support systems in the country’s most vulnerable areas.