In this culmination of his life’s work, Peter A. Levine draws on his broad experience as a clinician, a student of comparative brain research, a stress scientist, and a keen observer of the naturalistic animal world to explain the nature and transformation of trauma. The book is based on the idea that trauma is neither a disease nor a disorder, but rather an injury caused by fright, helplessness, and loss that can be healed by engaging our innate capacity to self-regulate high states of arousal and intense emotions. It blends the latest findings in biology, neuroscience, and body-oriented psychotherapy to show how combining animal instinct and reason can help individuals become more whole human beings.
Peter Levine's "An Autobiography of Trauma" is a deeply personal memoir that intertwines his professional research with his own healing journey from trauma. The book explores the profound impact of trauma on the body and the power of mindful attention in guiding recovery. Levine shares his experiences with sexual assault and the development of Somatic Experiencing, a therapy focused on bodily sensations. He also recounts mystical encounters, including vivid dreams and interactions with Albert Einstein, which played a significant role in his therapeutic approach. The book offers a raw and vulnerable account of trauma and healing, inviting readers to explore their own experiences.
Waking the Tiger explores why animals in the wild, despite frequent threats, are rarely traumatized, and applies this understanding to human trauma. The book normalizes the symptoms of trauma and provides a series of exercises to help readers focus on bodily sensations, thereby facilitating the healing process. It emphasizes the importance of completing the physical reaction to traumatic events and introduces the concept of 'renegotiation' as a key part of the healing process.
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 of Somatic Education and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International. Dr. Levine recently finished his Autobiography, An Autobiography of Trauma, A Healing Journey, and 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:
www.somaticexperiencing.com | @drpeteralevine
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Key Points
· Peter A. Levine's work focuses on the connection between trauma and the body.
· Somatic Experiencing helps individuals process trauma without reliving it.
· Animals naturally release trauma through physical responses, unlike humans.
· Trauma is often a disorder of presence, where individuals are stuck in the past.
· Intuition plays a crucial role in healing and understanding trauma.
· The importance of having an empathetic presence during trauma recovery.
· Healing trauma involves completing the body's natural responses.
· Practical exercises can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions.
· The relationship between trauma and spirituality is intrinsic and significant.
· Current projects include a book on trauma and spirituality.
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