When I first came across Somato Emotional Release (SER)—a bodywork technique said to help people process trauma stored in the body—I’ll admit, I raised an eyebrow. Could a gentle form of massage really unlock both physical and emotional tension? Still, the more I heard people talk about its benefits for stress, trauma, and overall well-being, the more curious I became. Eventually, I booked a session with Dawn Phillips, founder of Haven Holistic + Somatic Healing in Brooklyn, to experience it for myself. Here’s what I learned.
What Exactly Is Somato Emotional Release?
Somato Emotional Release is a branch of CranioSacral Therapy, developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. At its core is the idea that unresolved trauma—emotional or physical—can lodge itself in the body, affecting muscles, joints, and fascia (the thin connective tissue that wraps around muscles and organs).
“Even when we think we’ve moved on emotionally, our bodies may still be holding onto those experiences,” Phillips explains. Fascia that should feel pliable can instead tighten in response to trauma, leading to stiffness, discomfort, or pain. SER aims to gently guide the body toward releasing this stored tension.
Unlike a traditional massage, SER combines subtle bodywork with dialogue, helping clients notice and process emotions that surface. “We look for parts of the body that are holding fear or overprotection,” Phillips says. “Then we help those parts un-blend, while encouraging the more resilient parts of the body to emerge.”
Why People Try SER
Clients turn to SER for many reasons, but the most common benefits include:
- Gaining insight into personal traumas and how they affect the body
- Supporting emotional healing after difficult life events
- Unlocking suppressed or forgotten memories
- Relieving physical pain and tension linked to trauma
Phillips often works with people dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Some use SER alongside traditional talk therapy, while others seek it out when they feel stuck in their healing process.
How to Prepare
The best way to show up, according to Phillips, is simply to be present. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended, but there’s no need for elaborate preparation. “Even if you’re not in the perfect headspace when you arrive, that’s okay,” she reassures. “Your practitioner will meet you where you are.”
What a Session Feels Like
Each appointment begins with a consultation—around 15 to 20 minutes of open conversation about your goals or concerns. Some people arrive with specific issues, while others, like me, show up uncertain but open.
I confessed my biggest fears: that I might uncover something overwhelming, or that nothing at all would happen. Phillips immediately put me at ease, creating a warm and nonjudgmental space where honesty felt natural.
On the table, the bodywork began with her hands resting lightly on my feet before gradually moving toward my head. The touch was not forceful or manipulative but instead grounding, almost meditative. “We’re not trying to push your body anywhere,” she explained. “We’re simply listening to what it wants to share.”
At one point, I felt a tingling sensation running down my legs, followed unexpectedly by tears. It wasn’t a vague release but a pointed emotional reaction to something I hadn’t consciously thought of in years. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I found myself curious—thanks to Phillips’ gentle guidance and compassionate presence.
Releases can show up in many forms: a deep sigh, laughter, tears, or even a subtle shift in body awareness. For me, it was tears followed by a surprising lightness, as though a weight had been lifted.
Afterward, Phillips gave me time to reflect, then handed me thoughtful notes from our session to take home. Unlike traditional therapy sessions where I sometimes leave emotionally drained, I walked out feeling both calm and energized.
Cost and Commitment
A 60-minute session typically costs between $100 and $200, depending on location. Insurance rarely covers it, though some practitioners, like Phillips, offer financial flexibility.
For lasting results, Phillips suggests scheduling at least three sessions spaced a couple of weeks apart. “One experience is a starting point,” she says. “But consistency helps maintain the release and allows deeper work to unfold.”
Aftercare Matters
Perhaps the most important part of SER happens after the session. Phillips advises carving out downtime instead of rushing back into work or social obligations. Avoid screens, spend time reflecting, and give your body space to integrate whatever surfaced.
My Takeaway
I walked into my SER session skeptical and nervous. I walked out lighter, clearer, and surprisingly hopeful. This isn’t a quick fix or a cure-all—but it is a deeply gentle, trauma-informed therapy that lets your body lead the way.
If you’re searching for a healing practice that bridges the emotional and the physical, Somato Emotional Release may be worth exploring. The key is finding a practitioner whose approach feels safe and supportive for you. Sometimes, the body really does remember—and with the right guidance, it can also let go.
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