Transforming the Experience Based Brain is an innovative biophysiological approach to healing, developed by Stephen J. Terrell, PsyD, SEP a world leading authority on developmental trauma.
The term developmental Trauma stems from the work of Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. It describes the many impacts of childhood trauma that can be measured in adult populations, as demonstrated by the Adverse Childhood Experiences study.
TEB is a Somatic (or embodied) therapy to support healing at a biophysiological level, from the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Adverse childhood experiences can change the wiring of our bodies and brain meaning we get locked into ‘survival physiology’.
In survival physiology it can be difficult to feel safe, see opportunities, move towards connection or make healthy choices. We may feel powerless around persistent behaviors, beliefs, actions or states which negatively impact our life. These may indicate defensive accommodations: ways we have adapted to manage an underlying survival physiology.
Defensive accommodations often underpin many of the things that regularly drive people to seek out therapy such as:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Mood instability
- Sleep issues
- Confidence and self esteem
- Finding or maintaining relationships
- Addictive behaviors
- Health and wellbeing
- A desire to feel happier and more fulfilled
- A desire for more from life
Somatic touch is an attachment focused neurophysiological method of hands on and intentional healing. The Somatic Experiencing® therapist who has had special hands-on training in touch uses touch to more directly intervene with the client’s nervous system. The SE therapist uses her own regulated nervous system to help bring regulation back to the client.
Through this modality, many of my clients have reported feeling more present, alive, and fearless. TEB involves touch skills which supports the client and helps them regain their equilibrium. In a typical session: we spend time checking in and talking about your themes. When appropriate and with your permission, we move into a treatment phase typically 20 – 40 mins long. Through this innovative approach people become aware of the early childhood trauma they have been carrying around for years. As a practitioner, I lift the burden off my clients and provide a loving and supportive space for them to process, integrate and heal.
Healing Touch is remarkably helpful to regulate the nervous system and bring safety back to the body.