PETER LEVINE
For more than 45 years, Peter Levine has been at the forefront of bringing body-based modalities to the treatment of trauma. In this 2018 interview, Dr. Levine describes the development and methodology of his Somatic Experiencing® program. Emphasizing that traumatic events create distinct, recognizable physical symptoms, Dr. Levine asserts that it is only through touching into bodily sensations that patients can release the fear, helplessness, and overwhelm of their pasts. “Trauma is a fact of life,” says Dr. Levine, “but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.” Here you will learn:
- Why trauma so profoundly affects the physical body
- The difference between “bottom-up” and “top-down” therapies
- Methods for counteracting the arising of shame and other intense negative emotions
