Trauma Healing

Peter A. Levine is a psychologist and author known for his work in the field of trauma and stress. He is also the founder of a therapeutic approach called Somatic Experiencing (SE). Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented therapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma and stress-related disorders.

The core idea behind Somatic Experiencing is that trauma is stored in the body, and to heal from it, one must engage with and release the physical sensations associated with the traumatic event. Levine's approach is based on the observation that animals in the wild, after experiencing life-threatening situations, often engage in a series of innate physical responses (e.g., trembling, shaking, and discharge of nervous energy) that help them reset their nervous systems and recover from the trauma. He suggests that humans can benefit from similar processes.

Through Somatic Experiencing, therapists help clients tune into their body sensations, emotions, and physical responses related to trauma. The goal is to guide individuals to complete the natural, instinctual responses that were inhibited during the traumatic event.