Somato-emotional release (SER) is a specialised branch of Upledger Craniosacral Therapy, designed to assist with managing trauma trapped within the physical body. As Bessel Van Der Kolk has described, the physical body – or fascia – quite literally holds the effects of emotional trauma within it. Without releasing these deeply held emotions, beliefs or blockages within the system, their negative effects can continue and can manifest in a wide range of symptoms from the daily stresses and strains of life, to extreme physical pain and/or mental health dysfunctions. SER is sometimes known as somatic-experiencing however some differences may occur.
In SER an area of tightness or block within the physical body is identified. The patient is asked to call to mind any images that come to them at this time. If appropriate, the clinician will open a dialogue directly with the image. The patient feels as if they are in a hypnotic state, where their subconscious is answering, however they are fully conscious of what they are saying. Craniosacral Therapy and SER both aim to activate the receiver’s natural healing and problem-solving abilities.
SER can benefit anybody with an open mind and willingness to live their best life, free from the burden of trauma. For the purpose of this definition, trauma occurs on a spectrum ranging from mild / everyday irritations, to significant trauma such as abuse and major accidents. For example, often the body treats the beliefs and effects of the trauma of having an emotionally cold parent, or being bullied in school, in a similar manner to how it treats what we commonly think of as ‘more significant’ trauma. SER can benefit a range of people, including but not limited to the following:
SER sessions take place with you in a comfortable position – ideally lying down, however we can do seated – and fully clothed. Generally speaking, your initial SER session takes a similar path to our Cairns Craniosacral Therapy sessions, as we aim to locate and treat blockages within the fascial system using light touch. At some point in your first and subsequent sessions, when we notice an area of tightness or block, we may ask you if an image comes to mind. It’s important to be aware that not everyone will ‘see’ an image immediately and this is fine – we can achieve significant treatment gains without you or the therapist speaking at all. Similarly, the image you ‘see’ may seem silly to you – for example, it might be an inanimate object. If it feels appropriate for you to speak, as this inanimate object, to the therapist, please do so – otherwise, SER should not be forced.
After the session, should you go into SER, you may experience a feeling of new knowledge gained, lightness, or answers to problems which you previously couldn’t solve. If you simply experience Craniosacral Therapy, you will still have a lot of the healing benefits of this treatment
Suzanne’s areas of interest include Craniosacral therapy, TMJ, Headaches and Concussion. Her books are currently closed to new clients, however, we can recommend the right member of our team to assist you.
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