An Autobiography of Trauma

An intimate memoir from Peter Levine, renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing and bestselling author of Waking the Tiger “A personal and revealing...memoir from a trailblazing therapist.”—Kirkus Reviews • Shares the author’s personal journey to heal his severe childhood trauma as well as his breakthroughs on the path to create Somatic Experiencing • Explores how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor, only to discover a profound real-life connection to him through his mother • Explains how the SE method is derived from the author’s studies of animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and 50 years of clinical observations In this intimate memoir, renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing, Peter A. Levine—the man who changed the way psychologists, doctors, and healers understand and treat the wounds of trauma and abuse—shares his personal journey to heal his own severe childhood trauma and offers profound insights into the evolution of his innovative healing method. Casting himself as a modern-day Chiron, the wounded healer of Greek mythology, Levine describes, in graphic detail, the violence of his childhood juxtaposed with specific happy memories and how being guided through Somatic Experiencing (SE) allowed him to illuminate and untangle his traumatic wounds. He also shares the mysterious and unexpected dreams and visions that have guided him through his life’s work, including his dreamlike visitations from Albert Einstein, whom he views as his personal spirit guide and mentor. Explaining how he helped thousands of others before resolving his own trauma, he details how the SE method is derived from his studies of wild animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and more than 50 years of clinical observations. Levine teaches us that anyone suffering from trauma has a valuable story to tell, and that by telling our stories, we can catalyze the return of hope, dignity, and wholeness.

Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., is the renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing. He holds a doctorate in medical and biological physics from the University of California at Berkeley and a doctorate in psychology from International University. The recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, he is the author of several books, including Waking the Tiger, which has now been printed in 33 countries and has sold over a million copies.

PREFACE Why Write This Book? 1 Born into a World of Violence 2 Healing with Science and Shamanism 3 Dreams Show the Way 4 Hidden Tears: A Psychedelic Opening 5 Wounds of Betrayal 6 Pouncer the Dingo Dog 7 A Sexual Awakening, Delayed 8 Many Cultures, One Race: The Human Race 9 The Four Most Important Women in My Life 10 The Four Most Important Men in My Life 11 Reflections of an Unsuspecting Prophet 12 Living My Dying Notes Bibliography Other Books by Peter A. Levine About Somatic Experiencing (SE)