Somatic Experiencing In Bozeman

Somatic Experiencing in Bozeman, MT: A Body-Centered Approach to Trauma Healing

At Root Therapy & Wellness, we specialize in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a groundbreaking body-centered therapy. SE helps resolve trauma and chronic stress by reconnecting individuals with their body’s innate healing wisdom. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, or lingering stress, our licensed practitioners will guide you toward reclaiming safety, resilience, and vitality.

Understanding Somatic Experiencing: A Body-First Approach to Trauma

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is rooted in the understanding that trauma disrupts the nervous system’s natural ability to self-regulate. Unlike traditional talk therapy, SE focuses on physiological responses – such as muscle tension, breathing patterns, and nervous system activation – to release stored trauma energy and restore balance.

How Trauma Manifests in the Body

  • Frozen Survival Energy: Trauma can leave the body stuck in fight, flight, or freeze responses, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, or emotional numbness.
  • Dysregulated Nervous System: Symptoms like hypervigilance, digestive issues, or insomnia often stem from an overwhelmed autonomic nervous system.
  • Unresolved Motor Responses: Incomplete physical reactions (e.g., fleeing, pushing away) during traumatic events can linger as tension or pain.

SE helps clients gently complete these interrupted responses, allowing the body to discharge trapped energy and return to equilibrium.

Our Somatic Experiencing Program

At Root Therapy & Wellness, we blend SE’s core principles with personalized care to address trauma at its root.

Core Techniques We Use

  • Titration: Gradually exploring traumatic sensations in small, manageable doses to prevent overwhelm.
  • Pendulation: Shifting attention between areas of tension and relaxation to build nervous system resilience.
  • Resourcing: Anchoring clients in positive sensations (e.g., warmth, safety) to stabilize during sessions.
  • Orienting: Using sensory cues (e.g., sight, sound) to ground clients in the present moment.
  • Tracking: Observing bodily sensations without judgment to identify and release stored trauma.

    Who Benefits from Somatic Experiencing in Bozeman, MT?

    SE is effective for:

    • Trauma Survivors: PTSD, childhood abuse, accidents, or medical trauma.
    • Chronic Stress & Anxiety: Overwhelm from work, relationships, or caregiving.
    • Physical Symptoms: Unexplained pain, migraines, or digestive issues linked to nervous system dysregulation.
    • Emotional Blockages: Feelings of numbness, shame, or dissociation.

    Why Choose Root Therapy & Wellness?

    • Expertise: Our practitioners are trained in SE’s advanced methodologies, including touch-based interventions and Polyvagal Theory integration.
    • Holistic Integration: Combine SE with mindfulness, yoga, or physical therapy for comprehensive healing.

    Call us at (406) 219-5388 to schedule your Somatic Experiencing or occupational therapy consultation. Services without a qualifying medical need are offered on a private pay basis, and we’re happy to answer any questions about what that means for you.

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    Diane O

    The staff are friendly, easy to talk to and helpful. Kezia explained to me how scar tissue from surgery can keep the muscles in a tight position. Even with physical…

    Shain G

    Karna does a phenomenal job with my daughter! Great facility and great people who help find solutions based on years of experience.

    Kezia Peterson

    MOTR/L

    Owner, Occupational Therapist

    Kezia Peterson is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Root Therapy & Wellness. As a result of multiple car accidents, resulting in chronic back and neck pain, as well as migraines and vision concerns, she understands this impact that this has on an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, as well as work and play, and the mental challenges that can result from coping with pain on a daily basis.

    Her understanding of pain has led her to pursue multiple different modalities of training, with the goal of helping her patients by meeting them where they are at, understanding their goals, and ensuring that they have the best team of providers to help them get to the root of their dysfunction in order to allow their systems to achieve healing from every level possible.

    Clinical Focus Areas:

    • Upper extremity injuries
      • Hand/wrist/elbow/shoulder pain
      • Fractures
      • Arthritis
      • Sprains / Strains
    • Chronic pain
      • CRPS – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
      • Back/neck
      • Headaches / Migraines / Concussions
      • Abdominal pain

    Education & Training

    • B.S in Psychology, North Dakota State University, 2003
    • M.S. in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, 2009
    • Visceral Manipulation [VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4]
    • Myofascial Release
    • Craniosacral therapy [CS1, CS2]
    • Somato Emotional Practitioner Certification
    • Kezia is currently undertaking the certification process to become an SEP – a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This allows for her to support her patients in moving on from past traumas that may be contributing to their inability to move past pain patterns. She will complete her advanced level training and earn her certification in January 2024.