Peter Levine Biography

Dr. Peter A. Levine holds a degree in psychology from International University and a Ph.D. in medical biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley. He is the creator of Somatic Experiencing and has worked in the subject of stress and trauma for over 40 years. Peter's pioneering work in the field of body psychotherapy was recognized in 2010 when he won the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy's Lifetime Achievement Award (USABP). In the same year, he was awarded the honorary Reis Davis Chair in Child Psychiatry for his groundbreaking contributions to child and adolescent treatment. In the development of the first Space Shuttle, Peter worked as a stress consultant for NASA. He participated in the APA initiative for Response to Large-Scale Disaster and Ethno-Political Warfare and was a member of the Institute of World Affairs Task Force with "Psychologists for Social Responsibility." Peter is the creator of four audio learning series for Sounds True, including Healing Trauma: a Pioneering Program in Restoring the Wisdom of Our Bodies and Sexual Healing, Transforming the Sacred Wound, which was released in 24 languages and sold over 250,000 copies. Trauma Through a Child's Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing and Trauma-Proofing Your Kids: A Parents Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy, and Resilience are his co-authored books. He just launched the book/CD Freedom from Pain: Discover Your Body's Power to Overcome Physical Pain with Maggie Phillips. In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness, Dr. Levine's magnum work, is gaining international acclaim. Peter Levine has spent his whole life researching the impact of stress on the human neurological system and body. Beginning in the 1970s, Peter's research into how animals deal with threats led to the creation of Somatic Experiencing, a very effective approach for coping with the consequences of overload on the human nervous system (SE). SE is a therapeutic technique based on an understanding of why wild animals are rarely traumatized by everyday risks to their existence, but people are easily overwhelmed and frequently experience traumatic symptoms such as hyperarousal, shutdown, and dysregulation. Fortunately, the same instincts — and associated survival-based brain systems — that are involved in the development of trauma symptoms may also be used to help in the transition. This "instinct to heal" and self-regulate is activated therapeutically by being aware of powerful bodily sensations that contrast with those of paralysis and powerlessness. These new experiences lay the groundwork for regaining resilience, balance, and completeness. Peter created the Foundation for Human Enrichment, d/b/a the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and furthering Peter's work, in 1994. SE has evolved from Peter's first class of 15 people gathering at his Berkeley "treehouse" in 1972 to a global community of over 9,000 students and practitioners.

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