Somatic Experiencing vs Hypnosis: Which one fits your needs?
In the world of therapeutic practices, both somatic experiencing and hypnosis have gained recognition for their ability to cultivate healing and growth. While they share the goal of helping individuals overcome challenges, their methods, philosophies, and areas of focus could not be further apart. Along my healing journey I have studied both somatic experiencing and hypnosis and have been under the care of practitioners from each of these modalities. Through the lens of being a student and a client this article aims to highlight what sets these two approaches apart and when you might choose one over the other.
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
Somatic Experiencing is a body-centered therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and release trauma that is stored in the nervous system. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system, which governs our fight, flight, or freeze responses. Trauma disrupts this balance, leaving the person stuck in trauma responses where they are continually finding themselves triggered, dysregulated and battling trauma symptoms, all of which impedes their ability to live a normal joyful life.
SE emphasizes the mind-body connection by gently focusing on physical sensations and bringing awareness to the present moment. Individuals can release “stuck or trapped” energy from past traumatic events by:
Repairing boundaries
Gently expressing repressed emotions
Completing protective and defensive responses
Mobilizing thwarted trapped impulses held in the body, mind & spirit.
Allowing the fight, flight & freeze to be expressed and metabolized out of the body
When clients are able to move through the above aspects of trauma resolution they then move toward a state of peace, regulation, empowerment and resilience.
Core Focus: Nervous system regulation and resolving trauma stored in the body.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis, on the other hand, is a technique that uses relaxation and focused attention to induce a trance-like state. In this state, the mind becomes more suggestible, allowing the therapist to work with the subconscious mind to address challenges.
In recent years, hypnosis for trauma has become increasingly popular as trauma has become a massive buzz word and people are waking up and realizing their symptoms stem from traumatic experiences. Hypnosis practitioners have begun to explore and refine ways to use this modality to address deeply rooted issues. Many therapists now use hypnosis for childhood trauma to help clients reduce their emotional responses and uncover subconscious blocks stemming from past trauma. Hypnosis however, does not educate or train practitioners in trauma, the nervous system or how to identify and work with trauma states - however that does not mean that it can’t be supportive to one’s healing.
The hypnotic state facilitates access to the subconscious, where deeply held beliefs, habits, and memories reside. By making suggestions during this state, a therapist can help clients shift unhelpful patterns or uncover insights.
Core Focus: Accessing the subconscious mind to change thought patterns, behaviors, or perceptions.
Key Differences Between Somatic Experiencing and Hypnosis
While both SE and hypnosis promote healing, their methods and goals are fundamentally different and distinct.
1. Core Philosophy
Somatic Experiencing: SE is rooted in neurobiology and emphasizes the mind-body connection as the primary doorway of healing. Trauma is seen as an injury to the mind, body & spirit that is trapped and stored in the nervous system, and the therapy focuses on releasing this stored energy through gentle, body-centered interventions.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis is based on psychological principles and focuses on the mind, specifically the subconscious. It aims to reprogram thought patterns and behaviors by working in a trance-like state of heightened suggestibility.
2. Therapeutic Approach
Somatic Experiencing: SE is non-directive and client-led. The therapist helps clients track sensations in their bodies, allowing the body to guide the process of healing. The focus is on helping the client stay present and to gradually discharge trapped energy without becoming overwhelmed.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis is often more directive. The therapist induces a trance state and uses guided suggestions to help the client address specific challenges, whether it’s breaking a habit or reducing phobias.
3. Level of Awareness
Somatic Experiencing: Clients remain fully conscious and aware throughout the session. They are also very active in their participation in the session which supports resilience and fostering empowerment.
Hypnosis: In hypnosis, clients enter an altered state of consciousness. While they are not asleep or unconscious, their external awareness may fade as the focus shifts inward to the subconscious mind. Clients have little to no collaboration with the practitioner and sometimes do not remember everything they experienced in a session.
4. Areas of Application
Somatic Experiencing: Somatic Experiencing was designed specifically for trauma resolution, PTSD, C-PTSD and nervous system dysregulation. To understand the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD and if you are dealing with one of them click here. It emphasizes long-term integration and helps build resilience in the face of future stress.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis is versatile and can be used for issues like anxiety, phobias, habit control (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss), moving through life transitions, and enhancing confidence or motivation.
5. Outcome Goals
Somatic Experiencing: SE seeks to resolve the root causes of trauma by helping the body return to its natural state of balance. It is about creating sustainable safety and stability in the nervous system.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis is often goal-oriented and designed to create immediate changes in thought patterns or behaviors, such as overcoming a fear or shifting a habit.
When to Choose Somatic Experiencing vs. Hypnosis
Choose Somatic Experiencing if:
You are working through trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD or chronic stress. To understand the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD and if you are dealing with one of them click here. SE is especially helpful if past experiences feel stored in your body, you are having physical symptoms that the medical system is unable to explain, or you often feel disconnected from your self or stuck in a state of heightened alertness or numbness.
Choose Hypnosis if:
You’re looking to shift specific behaviors, beliefs, or habits, or if you’re addressing subconscious blocks. Hypnosis is also helpful for managing anxiety, phobias, or moving through life transitions.
Final Thoughts
While both Somatic Experiencing and hypnosis are valuable therapeutic tools, they address different aspects of healing. SE focuses on the body and the nervous system, making it ideal for trauma resolution and emotional regulation. Hypnosis, by contrast, works with the mind, tapping into the subconscious to create change. Hypnosis and trauma is often discussed together, but the effectiveness remains uncertain and requires further rigorous research to validate.
Ultimately, the choice between SE and hypnosis depends on your unique needs and goals. A skilled therapist can help you decide which approach is best suited to your healing journey.
Brianna Anderson, SEP
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