Panic attacks are an intense physiological surge from an overstimulated nervous system. Somatic Experiencing® works directly with bodily sensations to restore balance and grounded ease.
How Panic Manifests in the Body
When your fight-or-flight response activates unexpectedly, you may experience a rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shallow breathing, dizziness, or a sudden sense of detachment. These physical reactions are high sympathetic arousal—your body trying to protect you.
How Somatic Experiencing® Helps
Rather than forcing your mind to calm down, Somatic Experiencing® tracks physical sensations in micro-steps. Gently guiding your body to discharge trapped survival energy re-establishes vagal tone and restores a felt sense of calm.
When your body reacts before you have time to think
A panic attack can be frightening because the body's response can feel sudden, powerful and beyond your control. Somatic Experiencing can help you become more familiar with your nervous system and gently explore what happens as activation begins to build. We can start with a conversation about your experience and how we might work together at a manageable pace.