Peter Levine

Peter Levine is a distinguished American psychotherapist, author, and educator, renowned for developing Somatic Experiencing (SE), a therapeutic approach designed to help people heal trauma by focusing on the body’s natural ability to recover from stress. Born in 1942, Levine holds a Ph.D. in medical biophysics and psychology and has combined his scientific knowledge with deep clinical experience to create a unique method that emphasizes awareness of bodily sensations in trauma recovery.

Levine has authored several influential books including Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, In an Unspoken Voice, and Trauma and Memory, which have become essential texts in the field of trauma therapy and somatic psychology. His work is grounded in the belief that trauma is not solely psychological but deeply embedded in the body’s nervous system, and his approach helps clients access and release trapped energy to restore balance. He is also the founder of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, which trains therapists worldwide.

Among his insightful quotes, Peter Levine has said, “Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” He also noted, “The body keeps the score.” These statements highlight his emphasis on the body-mind connection in healing and the importance of compassionate presence in recovery. His work continues to influence trauma treatment practices globally, blending science, empathy, and embodied awareness.