Working with What the Body Knows (Levine HS 052522)

Course overview

Peter Levine makes the case that when there’s unresolved trauma, a somatic approach is the necessary place to begin. He supports that position scientifically, reviewing trauma’s recognized dis-regulating impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and explaining that the body must first discharge stress and tension resulting from any trauma before the ANS can return to homeostasis. Only then is the client able to be fully present for other therapeutic interventions. When trauma remains unresolved, there is a repetitive cycle of stress, distress, and dis-regulation that gives rise to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, low self-esteem and ongoing relationship and inter-personal difficulties-all common issues that bring clients into therapy. In preparation for the powerful clinical demos to follow, Peter Levine introduces some of the primary goals, insights and methods of SE.