Yes, SE is different from most other kinds of therapies except other body work. I doubt whether she uses it all the time, especially since she lists so many other types of therapies too.

As you know, my T took hand holding away but that was before she finished her SE training. Then she reinstated it, for support, as she kept telling me. It was to calm my nervous system. I think it worked because I am doing okay with not asking her to hold my hand for months now! I chose not to, but I can still ask her and she will comply.

So, touch can be used but doesn't have to be. There is less talking and more feeling with SE. Plus movement of your body. My T and I are working on sexual issues and she has had me push people away, but very slowly. SE is based on how animals in the wild release their trauma feelings. It's by moving and also words. I'm always asked where I feel something in my body. Each session T asks if she's sitting too close or too far from me. The feelings in your body in the room are important.

But we do regular talk therapy, and IFS as well. We used to EMDR. I guess it depends on what you're working on. I know SE is a gentler way to work through trauma, and also good for other issues. I'm anxious a lot, so we breathe and get grounded. Check in with your body, T says often.

At first I hated SE because I don't want to focus on my body but my T said it would help me. And it has!