I was first introduced to EMDR therapy as a therapist intern 20 years ago and was completely amazed. It was absolute magic witnessing it for the first time. Since then I’ve had the privilege of watching clients transform under the steady rhythm of bilateral stimulation, but I’ve also seen the quiet power of Somatic Experiencing (SE) bring clients back to themselves. Somatic Experiencing is also magic- but it completely different and more subtle way. Both approaches, championed in our practice offer profound paths to wholeness—yet they’re distinct in their dance with trauma. Clients often ask, “What’s the difference?” So, from my lens as an EMDR and SE practitioner, let’s explore how these two methods diverge and what they mean for your journey.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

A bright sun shines in a clear blue sky, symbolizing clarity and renewal through EMDR therapy and Somatic Experiencing in Carlsbad, CA.

EMDR, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, is an evidence-based therapy I fell in love with 20 years ago. It’s designed to reprocess traumatic memories that keep you stuck—think of a car accident or a childhood rejection that still stings. The brain can freeze these moments, replaying them with vivid emotions. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—eye movements via a light bar in our office, or virtual tools online—to help your brain re-file them, reducing their charge. Backed by the World Health Organization and decades of research, it’s structured around eight phases: history-taking, preparation, targeting a memory, desensitizing it, installing a positive belief (like “I’m safe now”), body scanning, closure, and follow-up. Sessions (90-120 minutes) can shift a single-issue trauma in 3-6 visits.

As an EMDR therapist, what I adore about EMDR is its efficiency. You don’t need to narrate every detail—just focus briefly on the memory, follow the stimulation, and check in (“It’s less heavy now”). It’s direct, brain-based, and perfect for those who feel “talked out.”

What Is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing, created by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1990s, takes a different angle. It’s rooted in the body’s response to trauma. Levine observed that animals naturally “shake off” stress, while humans often trap it, leading to chronic tension or disconnection. SE aims to release this pent-up energy by tuning into physical sensations—tightness in your chest, a racing pulse—and gently guiding you to complete stalled survival responses (fight, flight, freeze). There’s no rigid protocol; it’s fluid, unfolding over 50-90-minute sessions based on what your body signals.

SE shines in its subtlety. You might track a clenched jaw, notice it soften, and feel a wave of calm—no deep dive into the story required. It’s less about the “what” of trauma and more about the “how” it lives in you now.

Key Differences between EMDR & Somatic Experiencing

Janelle Nelson, an EMDR and SE therapist in Carlsbad, CA, conducts a therapy session. Both EMDR therapy and Somatic Experiencing in Carlsbad, CA, can offer valuable support.

Focus: EMDR targets specific memories. I’ll ask, “What moment keeps looping?” and we’ll reprocess it—say, shifting “I’m helpless” to “I’m in control.” SE focuses on the body’s imprint. You might not name the event; instead, we’d explore, “What’s that heaviness in your shoulders telling you?”
Approach: EMDR is structured—those eight phases keep us on track. I guide you through bilateral stimulation to rewire the brain. SE is organic, slower-paced. We follow your body’s cues, letting sensations lead without a set roadmap.
Tools: In EMDR, bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps) is the engine—measurable and consistent. SE relies on awareness—your breath, posture, subtle shifts—guided by my prompts, not devices.
Speed: EMDR can be swift. Research shows 80-90% of single-incident trauma clients improve within a dozen sessions. SE often takes longer, unraveling layers of bodily stress over months, especially for complex trauma.
Talking: EMDR needs minimal narration—perfect if words feel hard. SE also limits storytelling but dives deeper into physical experience, which might feel abstract if you’re used to verbal processing.

Which Is Right for You?

My honest answer is it depends! If you’ve got a specific memory—like a bullying incident—or want tangible shifts fast, EMDR’s your match. But SE has its magic, too. If you feel disconnected, tense, or overwhelmed without a clear “why,” SE can ground you. A client once described it as “waking up” her body after years of numbness. My personal favorite —is to blend both. I might use EMDR to tackle a vivid flashback, then weave in SE to ease lingering tightness. Our holistic lens means we meet you where you are. EMDR’s brain-focused precision pairs beautifully with SE’s body-centered depth, especially for complex histories.

The Bottom Line from an EMDR and Somatic Experiencing Therapist in Carlsbad, CA

EMDR and SE both heal trauma, but they’re like different paths up the same mountain. EMDR rewrites the story in your mind; SE rewrites it in your body. Neither is “better”—it’s about fit. If you’re curious, let’s chat. At Wholeness Collective in Carlsbad, CA, we’re here to explore what works for you—whether it’s the light bar’s hum or the quiet rhythm of your breath. Healing’s personal, and we’re honored to guide you toward wholeness, one step at a time.

Find Support with EMDR and Somatic Experiencing in Carlsbad, CA

A woman sits on a cliffside at sunset, symbolizing the mindful healing approaches found in both EMDR therapy and Somatic Experiencing in Carlsbad, CA.

As EMDR and SE therapists in Carlsbad, CA, we understand healing isn’t just about coping—it’s about truly processing and releasing what’s been holding you back. EMDR helps rewire how the brain processes trauma through guided eye movements, making distressing memories feel less overwhelming. Somatic Experiencing, on the other hand, focuses on the body’s responses to trauma, using gentle awareness techniques to release stored tension and restore balance. Both approaches offer powerful healing, but the right choice depends on your needs. Follow the steps below if you are ready to explore your options:

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your therapy goals.
Book your first therapy appointment with a compassionate therapist.
Begin your journey toward lasting healing and emotional relief.

Other Services Offered in Carlsbad, California

In addition to EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, we offer a range of holistic and integrative approaches to promote deeper healing. Our Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) utilizes specially designed music and over-the-ear headphones to regulate the nervous system, helping cultivate inner harmony and emotional balance. These complementary methods enhance traditional therapy, creating a comprehensive, whole-body approach to healing and personal growth.