The Birth of Somatic Trauma Healing
JULY 31ST, 2024
EPISODE 53: The Birth of Somatic Trauma Healing with Dr. Peter Levine
* 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.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Show Notes
Episode Links:
An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey
Dr. Peter Levine Books on Amazon
Somatic Experiencing International
Discount Codes:
Save 10% at Omala with offer code DRSCOTT10
Save 10% on The Embody Lab’s live and online workshops and certificate programs* with the offer code GENTLYUSED10
*Does not apply to in-person events or best-sellers.
Special Guest
Dr. Peter Levine
Peter A Levine, Ph.D., is the developer of Somatic Experiencing®, a naturalistic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma. He holds doctorates in both Biophysics and Psychology. He is the Founder and President of the Ergos Institute for Somatic Education and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International. Dr. Levine is the author of several best-selling books on trauma, including Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma (published in over 29 languages). He has received Lifetime Achievement awards from Psychotherapy Networker and from the US Association for Body-Oriented Psychotherapy. He continues to teach trauma healing workshops internationally. Learn more at somaticexperiencing.com.
CONNECT WITH DR LEVINE:
Your Host
DR. SCOTT LYONS
Dr. Scott Lyons is a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of the book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others, with Hachette publishing. Scott is also the host of The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
As a renowned body-based trauma expert, Doctor of Osteopathy (Spain) and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, Scott helps people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. Scott is an innovator in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, teaching over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality. Scott has worked with many of the country’s top leaders and CEOs as an executive coach and wellness consultant.
Scott is the creator of The Embody Lab—the largest online learning platform for body-based trauma therapies—and developer of Somatic Stress Release™, a holistic process of restoring biological resilience, taught in over 20 countries. Scott is also the founder and progressive designer of Omala, a wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainably sourced tools for transformation.
About the Podcast
THE GENTLY USED HUMAN
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to tragedy, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.
