The Birth of Somatic Trauma Healing with Peter Levine

The Gently Used Human with Dr. Scott Lyons

* This episode explores topics of violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. If you have the strength to listen, please do so with care.

Trauma is a universal experience that touches all of our lives in one way or another. Whether it's the shattering impact of violence or loss, the insidious effects of systemic oppression, or the lingering echoes of childhood adversity, trauma has the power to shape our lives in profound and often invisible ways. But what if the key to healing trauma lies not just in our minds, but in our bodies? What if the path to recovery is rooted in the very essence of our embodied existence?

In this episode, Dr Scott is honored to be joined by Dr. Peter Levine, the pioneer of Somatic Experiencing® and the developer of a revolutionary approach to healing trauma. Known as the father of trauma therapy, Dr. Levine has dedicated his life's work to understanding the intricate dance between our minds, bodies, and the traumatic experiences that can become lodged within us.

In this conversation, they’ll explore the evolution of our understanding of trauma over the past four decades, challenging the notion that it is merely a brain disorder. Dr. Levine will shed light on how trauma becomes encoded in the very fibers of our being, and how addressing it at a somatic level is crucial for true healing and resolution.

Together they will delve into the power of embodiment, the importance of feeling safe in our bodies, and the gradual process of reconnecting with traumatic sensations. Dr. Levine will share his personal journey of healing, emphasizing the significance of being seen and held in relationships, and the transformative act of sharing one's trauma narrative.

Listen in as Dr Scott and Dr Levine venture into the depths of the human experience, uncovering the profound wisdom of our bodies and the resilience that lies within us all. Whether you're a survivor seeking healing, a practitioner in the field, or simply someone who wishes to deepen their understanding of trauma, this conversation promises to be a powerful and enlightening exploration of the path to wholeness.

To avoid Dr. Levine’s account of sexual assault, please skip the audio between [28:23] and [29:30].

Topics We Break Down:

• Dr. Peter Levine defines trauma and explains how it’s evolved in the past three decades.
• How somatic trauma healing didn’t exist before Dr. Levine’s research.
• The way trauma is held in the body and distinguishing trauma from stress.
• Understanding the value of an empathetic presence in your life after a traumatic event.
• Semantics: the struggles of bringing a new medical solution into the mainstream.
• Exploring the concept of being and doing enough and why this is always possible.