Combining EMDR and Somatic Experiencing in Carlsbad, CA: How These Two Powerful Therapies Work Together
At Wholeness Collective Therapy Group, we are committed to offering integrative, trauma-informed care that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Two of the most effective therapies for trauma healing are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE). While each is powerful on its own, combining EMDR and Somatic Experiencing can create a synergistic approach that enhances healing by addressing both cognitive and bodily aspects of trauma. In this blog post, we’ll explore what EMDR and SE are, how they complement each other, and why their integration can be a game-changer for those seeking to heal from trauma.
Understanding EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become “stuck” in the brain, causing distress and symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts. By using bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements, taps, or sounds—EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and integrating them into a healthier narrative.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol that includes identifying target memories, developing coping strategies, and reprocessing trauma in a safe, controlled way. It is highly effective for single-event traumas, such as accidents, as well as complex trauma from prolonged stress or abuse. Clients often report feeling lighter, less triggered, and more empowered after EMDR sessions.
Understanding Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing, developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, is a body-based therapy that focuses on releasing trauma stored in the nervous system. Trauma can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like hypervigilance, chronic pain, or dissociation. SE helps individuals tune into bodily sensations—such as tightness, warmth, or tingling—to process and release trapped energy from incomplete survival responses (fight, flight, or freeze).
SE uses techniques like titration (processing trauma in small doses), pendulation (moving between discomfort and safety), and resourcing (building internal strengths) to gently guide clients toward nervous system regulation. Unlike talk therapies, SE prioritizes the body’s felt sense, making it ideal for those who struggle to verbalize their experiences or feel disconnected from their bodies.
Why Combine EMDR and Somatic Experiencing?
While EMDR and SE are distinct, they share a common goal: helping individuals process and heal from trauma. Their integration is powerful because they address different aspects of the trauma response—EMDR focuses on cognitive and emotional reprocessing, while SE targets the body’s physiological responses. Together, they create a holistic approach that can be more effective than either therapy alone, particularly for complex trauma or clients with both psychological and physical symptoms.
Here’s how these therapies complement each other:
Cognitive and Somatic Integration: EMDR excels at reprocessing distressing memories and beliefs, but some clients may feel “stuck” if trauma is deeply embedded in the body. SE’s focus on bodily sensations can help release physical tension or dissociation, enhancing EMDR’s cognitive work.
Enhanced Safety and Regulation: SE’s emphasis on resourcing and grounding helps clients build a sense of safety, which is critical for successful EMDR processing. By establishing nervous system regulation, SE prepares clients to engage with EMDR’s bilateral stimulation without becoming overwhelmed.
Addressing Non-Verbal Trauma: Some traumatic experiences, especially from early childhood, are pre-verbal and stored primarily in the body. SE’s body-based approach can access these implicit memories, while EMDR helps integrate them into a coherent narrative.
Preventing Re-Traumatization: SE’s titration and pendulation techniques ensure that trauma processing is gradual and manageable, reducing the risk of overwhelm during EMDR’s reprocessing phases.
How EMDR and SE Work Together in Practice
At Wholeness Collective, our therapists are trained to integrate EMDR and SE in a seamless, client-centered way. A typical session might begin with SE techniques to establish safety and grounding. For example, a therapist might guide you to notice the sensation of your feet on the floor or focus on a calming resource, such as a memory of a safe place. This helps regulate your nervous system and prepares you for EMDR work.
Once grounded, the therapist may transition to EMDR, guiding you to focus on a target memory while using bilateral stimulation (e.g., following a light bar in our office or though our remote EMDR platform). As you process the memory, the therapist might incorporate SE by asking you to notice bodily sensations that arise, such as a tightness in your chest or a shift in your breathing. If intense sensations emerge, the therapist may pause EMDR to use SE’s pendulation, helping you move between the discomfort and a resourced state of calm.
This integrated approach allows for fluid movement between cognitive reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic release (SE), ensuring that both the mind and body are engaged in healing. Sessions are tailored to your pace, with the therapist checking in regularly to ensure you feel safe and supported.
Benefits of Combining EMDR and SE
Integrating EMDR and Somatic Experiencing offers a range of benefits, including:
Holistic Healing: By addressing both cognitive and somatic aspects of trauma, this approach promotes deeper, more comprehensive healing.
Increased Resilience: SE’s focus on nervous system regulation enhances emotional and physical resilience, making EMDR processing more effective.
Reduced Physical Symptoms: Clients often report relief from trauma-related physical symptoms, such as chronic pain or tension, as SE releases stored energy.
Greater Emotional Clarity: EMDR helps reframe negative beliefs, while SE fosters a stronger connection to the body, leading to improved emotional awareness and regulation.
Flexibility for Complex Trauma: The combination is particularly effective for complex or developmental trauma, where both cognitive and somatic interventions are needed.
Who Can Benefit from This Approach?
Combining EMDR and SE is suitable for anyone seeking to heal from trauma, including those with:
Single-event traumas (e.g., accidents, assaults, or natural disasters).
Complex or developmental trauma from childhood abuse, neglect, or chronic stress.
Symptoms like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or dissociation.
Physical symptoms linked to trauma, such as chronic pain or fatigue.
Difficulty verbalizing experiences or feeling disconnected from the body.
This approach is also ideal for those who have tried traditional talk therapy but feel stuck or want a more embodied healing process.
Why Choose Wholeness Collective?
At Wholeness Collective Therapy Group, our therapists are trained in both EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, allowing us to offer a tailored, integrative approach. We prioritize safety, collaboration, and empowerment, ensuring that your healing journey feels supportive and personalized. Whether you’re new to trauma therapy or seeking to deepen your healing, our team is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.
Getting Started
Ready to explore how EMDR and Somatic Experiencing can work together for you? Contact Wholeness Collective Therapy Group to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, answer questions, and create a plan that honors your unique needs. Together, we can help you release the burdens of trauma and rediscover a sense of wholeness.