Somato Emotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that uses and expands upon the principles of Craniosacral Therapy to facilitate and support the physiology and mind to release the residual effects of emotional and physical trauma.

The development of the SER concept was pioneered by Dr.John E. Upledger during extensive research in the late 1970s at Michigan State University where the efficacy of CranioSacral Therapy for the treatment of Childhood Autism was being researched.

Following from this, observation of the SER process suggested that independent retention of the memory, experience and energy of both physical and emotional trauma is frequently accomplished by the physiology, it’s tissues and viscera.

In his years of clinical research Dr. Upledger observed that there are times when physiological, mental or emotional symptoms present in
the patient would not fully release until the emotional component of both the tissue and their experience was supported and taken care of. The memory and legacy of emotional and physical trauma can have both a depleting and negative effect on our physiological and mental health. This is particularly relevant to the patient’s ability to experience positive change and transition when destructive emotions such as unresolved anger, fear and guilt are present. This can often be the case for example in Chronic Illness, Mental Health conditions such as Anxiety States, Depression and Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as in many sub - clinical patterns such as poor immunity, fatigue etc.

In considering how best to assist and support the link between the physiological and emotional component of the tissues, Dr Upledger expanded upon principles and techniques of Craniosacral Therapy to include Therapeutic dialogue into the treatment process. The process gradually developed into what he called Somato Emotional Release.

Somato Emotional Release can perhaps be considered to be the core of Craniosacral Therapy as it encompasses both the physiological and emotional component of the patient’s experience providing the patient with a therapeutic space in which they are supported and facilitated to work through their process. This very often opens the gateway for profound change, enhanced self- awareness and evolvement for the patient.