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In Somatic Experiencing it is essential in working with Trauma to ground the person in resources, before navigating the traumatic terrain. SE begins to develop and expand the resource-repertoire of our clients in the safety of the healing session. Learning to experience resources in our bodies enables us to work with trauma symptoms safely. Resources are like holding on to a tree and getting to higher ground before unleashing flood gates of trauma, and titration is like opening the floodgates only a little at a time. Without a stable ground to hold onto, one could easily be swept away by the strong current of trauma and re-enactment.
In Somatic Experiencing resources or "conflict free states" are grounded in the clients body as positive (or neutral) sensori-motor states. It is not just visual imagery, but rather visual kinesthetic sensory experience. It is not just thinking of a "safe place", but experiencing the feeling of safety in the body "now". When one has access to internal sensory experiences of inner strength, support, peace, love, connection with nature, determination, connection with friends, one has found an internal "higher ground" and one has more capicity to digest, heal and integrate the traumatic experience safely and gently.