Resilience expert and trauma therapist Peter A. Levine shares his personal journey of resolving childhood trauma, touching on topics such as writing about trauma, uncovering layers of trauma, intimate relationships, encounters with past life trauma, ancestral healing, and connections to ancient healing practices. The podcast explores the power of storytelling, Indigenous healing, and the importance of communal healing and unity.
Sharing personal trauma stories can lead to reclaiming dignity and igniting healing.
Exploring peripheral memories helps uncover and work through deeply buried traumatic experiences.
Intimate relationships and ancestral healing play key roles in trauma recovery and holistic healing approaches.
Deep dives
Peter Levine's Journey Towards Writing His Autobiography of Trauma
Peter Levine embarked on writing his book, 'An Autobiography of a Trauma, a Healing Journey,' not initially intending to make it public. His decision was influenced by a friend's suggestion to share his experiences to help others. Through a dream of releasing papers into the wind, he found the courage to let go of his vulnerability and publish the book.
Unearthing Childhood Trauma Through Somatic Experiencing
Peter delves into his childhood trauma by recounting vivid memories like a model train surprise and a traumatic assault. By engaging in somatic experiencing and exploring peripheral memories, he uncovers deeply buried experiences and works through them to find healing.
Healing Through Intimate Relationships and Resilience
Peter reflects on his struggles in intimate relationships stemming from past traumas. Through the book, he showcases the transformative power of love and acceptance from intimate partners in rekindling his heart and overcoming emotional detachment.
Honoring Ancestral Healing and Indigenous Wisdom in Trauma Therapy
Peter emphasizes the importance of ancestral healing and Indigenous wisdom in trauma therapy. He draws parallels between Indigenous approaches and Western psychotherapeutic methods, highlighting the power of collective healing and community support in trauma recovery.
The Interweaving of Shamanic Traditions and Modern Science
Peter acknowledges the blend of shamanic traditions with modern science in his work. He reflects on his encounters with Indigenous healers and mystics, finding profound connections between ancient wisdom and contemporary healing modalities, emphasizing a holistic approach to healing.
A recording of excerpts from a SAND Community Gathering hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.
Trauma has a severe impact that extends far beyond the individual survivor. It ripples through families, communities, and generations in ways both seen and unseen. Yet there is a path forward — through courageously sharing our stories and tapping into the body’s innate wisdom.
In this episode, Peter openly shares his own courageous journey to resolve severe childhood trauma, by using the very techniques he developed. He shows a pathway whereby giving voice to our stories can help reclaim our dignity, wholeness, and ignite an inner spark of healing.
Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., is the renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing. He holds a doctorate in Medical and Biological Physics from the University of California at Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. The recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, he is the author of several books, including Waking the Tiger, which has now been printed in 33 countries and has sold over a million copies.