Episode 14: Dr. Abi Blakeslee, Somatic Experiencing Therapy Trauma Institute

If you are as in love with Somatic Experiencing (SE) as I am OR if you hear me talk about it constantly and would like a better idea of what I am speaking about, THIS is the episode for you.

It was a privilege to sit down with Dr Abi Blakeslee, a multi faceted individual gifted and well versed in SE trauma therapy and a valued member of the faculty staff of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute and Foundation for Human Enrichment. Abi is a researcher as well as a therapist and faculty member, teaching SE all over the world.

I am lucky to have her as my instructor in Somatic Experiencing training, and this conversation delves into some of my favorite topics including nervous system regulation,  simple strategies to begin practicing, orienting to pleasure, and the role of implicit memory in healing trauma and why this can be significant for recovering alcoholics. 

If you are interested in learning more about why bottom up therapies are effective in healing trauma and overwhelm, I know you will enjoy the calm expertise Abi brings to the table in our conversation. 

Helpful Links for SE & Abi:

Traumahealing.org 

somatics4healing@yahoo.com

www.abiblakeslee.com

More about Abi:

Dr. Abi Blakeslee is faculty at the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute and Foundation for Human Enrichment.  She is additionally Dr. Peter Levine’s legacy faculty at Ergos Institute for Somatic Education. Dr. Blakeslee holds a Ph.D. in Clinical and Somatic Psychology and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.  Her dissertation, with a committee that included Dr. Daniel Siegel, generated original research on the role of implicit memory in healing trauma.  Dr. Blakeslee integrates SE with clinical research, secondary trauma interventions, and the psychobiological principles of attachment and shock trauma.  She treats individuals, couples, children and families in her clinical practice.  Dr. Blakeslee teaches and consults world wide.

She lives in Bozeman, MT with her husband and enjoys the snow, mountains, and rivers with her three young children.