Pendulation Practice
A somatic worksheet guiding pendulation between a resource and mild activation in small doses, with a round-by-round log of sensations and changes.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Somatic Experiencing-informed
- Approach / concern
- Somatic
- Technique
- Somatic Experiencing-informed
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Pendulation Practice?
Pendulation, a concept from Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing, refers to the natural rhythm of moving between states of expansion and contraction. In practice, attention moves between a resource and a small, tolerable amount of activation (titration).
Why it works
Somatic Experiencing uses interoception and proprioception, including pendulation and titration, to support regulation after trauma (Payne et al., 2015; Levine, 2010).
When to use it
- Somatic trauma therapy
- Building tolerance for body sensations
- Anxiety and chronic activation
- After establishing resources
How to use it in session
- Establish a reliable resource first.
- Touch into mild activation only (2-3/10).
- Return to the resource.
- Track settling signs.
- Repeat briefly and end with the resource.
Clinician tips
- Should be guided by a trained clinician, especially with trauma.
- Small doses prevent overwhelm.
- Stop if activation escalates; ground and orient.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is pendulation safe to do alone?
Gentle versions may be practised alone once learned, but trauma-related work should be guided by a trained therapist.
What if the activation gets stronger?
Return to your resource, orient to the room and ground. Smaller doses next time.
References
Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
