Dr. Peter Levine on Listening to the Body through Somatic Experiencing®

In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Peter Levine joins me on the podcast to explore the evolution of Somatic Experiencing® not only as a clinical method, but as a deeply human, relational process. We speak about the process of writing his autobiography, the early days of his work, and the shifting culture of body-based therapies. Peter’s generosity always shines in the way he shares knowledge, holds space, and invites us all into deeper contact with our bodies and ourselves.

One of the most moving pieces is Peter’s vision for the future of this work: how individual healing can ripple outward into communities, and how collective healing may, in time, support regulation and resilience more globally. It’s a perspective that speaks to the heart of why somatics matters now more than ever. Whether you're a longtime practitioner or just beginning to explore trauma-informed work, this conversation is a rich and nourishing listen.

Peter A Levine, PhD is the President and Founder of the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education, dedicated to Community Outreach, Public Workshops, and Post-Advanced Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) Trainings. To learn more about Ergos programs, click here: somaticexperiencing.com.

Dr. Levine is also the founder of Somatic Experiencing International, a worldwide organisation committed to training professionals in Somatic Experiencing. To find a SE™ practitioner and learn more about the SE™ professional training, click here: traumahealing.org.

Time stamps:

• 5:00- What led Dr. Levine to develop his work in the way that he did.
• 11:13-  A look back at the early challenges of introducing body-based trauma therapy
• 14:35- Memories of Ida Rolf
• 22:35- What Makes Somatic Therapy Unique
• 25.50 -How somatic healing intersects with spirituality
• 30:01-  What questions should we be asking as the field of somatics continues to evolve