Nature's Lessons in Healing Trauma: An Introduction to Somatic Experiencing® (SE™)

In this video, you will learn about the physiological basis of trauma and how Somatic Experiencing® (SE™), developed by Peter A. Levine, PhD, helps distressed individuals recover a sense of well being, stability and vitality.

[@marisacognetta4985]

I’m a Marine and it makes me angry that the military does not require treatment such as this for veterans! They just want to give you medication and talk therapy and for me the talk therapy made things so much worse..and because work like Dr Levine is not well known, no one understands or even fathoms how the talk therapy is making you more traumatized…this video made me cry! Because it resonates so strongly!

[@Lulu-gg2zq]

I’m sorry you had to go through all of that. Good help is hard to find and expensive. Things need to change.

[@eemm8776]

Hi Marisa, If you you go into KZbin and put Prof. Levine in, there are free work shops there with Peter. Also in KZbin, there are free work shops which are incredible by Alfons; who is the most brilliant and generous Somatic Movement Feldenkrais practitioner. Best of health and happiness to you 💛

[@estatic323]

True the military health system and VA make symptoms so much worse and they can care less just checking the boxes coming from a air force veteran with combat deployments and fire dept experience

[@The.happening]

Literally. I have CPTSD from childhood and talk therapy made things a lot worse for me as well :/

[@Gunnertrepleie]

Quit coffein , it will help alot .

[@amyjkr]

This genius and Bessel van der Kolk saves my life. I don’t have words that express my gratitude for this man.

[@anthonyiuculano6002]

You should also look into Stephen Porges and Kathy Kain... they all overlap. Their contributions to health are underrated but huge.

[@officewife]

I did more recovery in 6 months with SE therapy than I did with just talk therapy in 8 years. Thank you so much.

[@angeldela7633]

how do u do it alone?

[@officewife]

I would not suggest you go it alone. A support group at the least is beneficial when healing from trauma. A SE therapist is your safest way. I still have difficulty reading Waking the Tiger. I have utilized the exercises in another book by Dr Peter Levine, Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body . This would be my suggestion to start as well as finding a support group. I joined Gift From Within, they have a Facebook group, secret and closed, both of which I find beneficial. 27 years and I would not continue with my therapist. I spent the first half lost and floundering, no more. I wish you the best in your journey. May you find a path that works for you. Blessings.

[@sbaj24]

How are you now?

[@officewife]

I am still working with my SE therapist. After a life time of abuse, I wanted it gone immediately, but... Still recovering. :) Thank you for asking. And you?

[@harryfischer6741]

@Connie S Owens, I completely identify with you I have recovered more from SE therapy in the last year then 30 years of counseling, self help groups and sitting on the couch. I for the first time feel that there is a life after as you have stated a life time of abuse. And without medications, self prescribed or otherwise. I completely identify with Ray and the first time I felt the tingling sensations it was amazing. And using the "voo" sound through out the day is so beneficial when I feel under threat. (perceived of course)

[@amyjkr]

I have PTSD from severe narcissistic abuse, sexual, emotional, financial, you name it. This makes so much sense. I’ve had so many freeze responses, and with this technique, I’ve been able to understand why the triggers cause shaking and hyperventilating. I’m nowhere near healed yet. I wish I had the resources to go to a real therapist. But this little bit of information takes away the shame, and gives enough relief to start moving on. It’s a godsend.

[@gypsytheif]

May I wish you all the very best with your ongoing recovery and also link you to this website which has been an incredibly helpful resource for me in coming to understand and manage my own ptsd better! pete-walker.com/flashbackManagement.htm

[@kirstieb8025]

you probably have cptsd

[@jiggy7928]

What I take from this polar bear in its FREEZE, is that when we experienced on trauma, we as the polar simply rolled over and never release that huge breath release....and kept going as if it never happenede...crazy!

[@007nadineL]

It wasn't the polar bear's choice to be frozen though... he was drugged.

[@maryberry6067]

The world could use more Doctors like Dr. Levin.

[@julie5668]

Dr Levine has one of the kindest faces I've ever seen - that alone would go a long way towards helping people heal because you immediately feel you can trust him. I wish I could get to see him myself.

[@Tupelo927]

When Ray first appeared onscreen, I wished I could give him a long, compassionate hug. By the end, I was cheering & rejoicing over his remarkable progress. He's an incredible young man! Dr. Levine deserves accolades for his dedication & service.

[@michaeltemer1104]

Being a victim of moral harassment at work ruined my entire life. SE gave me a new life and I'm getting better than before. Thanks Dr. Levine! I live in Brazil, and would never be recovered with other kind of treatment.

[@jeweljets2503]

Dr. Levin is amazing and so is nature and from studying them we as humans can learn a lot about PTSD. Recovery is possible. Never give up...never

[@klyser10]

there is no choice but to fight

[@kjtamf]

Jewel Jets thanks for this video & Thankyou for just telling me today , that what I feel is at least a bit normal 🙏🏻❤️

[@kjtamf]

That part with the rabbit that was stiff & frozen ... & after a while he tapped it & “ off it goes “ Made me think of me ..... lol I think me & that rabbit have the same personality & problem 🙏🏻👍🏻😔❤️

[@kirstieb8025]

what about cptsd

[@jirivladik3819]

Thank you Dr.Levine. It is such a help. I have been beaten by my father (alcoholic) in my childhood and when I tried to defend myself, he got even more aggressive.It took me almost 20 years to understand who I am, why I am repeating an abusive relationships, C-PTSD. Based on the awareness of your methodology SE here on YT, I was able to find out certified therapist in my home country (Czech republic) and finally, finally to start a healing process. Thank you so much. Wish you all the best!

[@journeyofrecovery6139]

I have not had such heavy treatment by my alcoholic father. However, I know the pain, also seeking help. Be proud of that you took this step, take care!

[@tizzlekizzle]

Same here. Have you also read Pete Walker's book: CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. Also, checkout Candace Pert. The Body Is the Subconscious Mind. Wish you best. ....Also...checkout Richard Grannon youtube vids.

[@kbhogal1929]

jiri vladik look into narcissistic abuse. Your father sounds like a selfish malignant narcissist. Learn and share.

[@55linka]

is the therapist from Prague? can you share the contact? zdravim:)

[@understandyourmind]

No vitaj ..tak sme sa dostali k rovnakemu videu :D

[@stevenjenkins8221]

This is beautiful. Having PTSD from chronic illness, I am so hopeful. Somatic experiencing is the remedy! Never give up, there is hope.

[@Magnoliasdiary]

I can't believe how amazing this video and Peter Levine's work is, I've been suffering of severe agoraphobia for 10 years, huge flight or fight response after my dad passed away, then freeze response, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, it was impossible for me to take one single step, energy left my body, now I'm working with a somatic therapist and I'm learning so much, I had muscle twitching and restless leg syndrome all my life, it all makes sense now.

[@XOXO123456789]

It really does make sense!! How are you doing now if I may ask? I myself have made beautiful progress so far with SE & NARM ! :) xx

[@jonslocum67]

So happy that I found a therapist knowledgable in this...I finally have an answer.

[@maevemaiden]

Such important work Peter Levine is doing. To treat the SE first then treating the emotional trauma after is an amazing way to begin healing after trauma. I hope Ray is doing well. He is brave and this work has the potential to help many people! Bless you both and thank you for sharing. 🙏💞

[@bil7024]

Thank you Ray that you allowed Dr Levine to show what his work is all about. It is patients like you Who Help the world. I Practice this in Germany. Thank you Ray !!!

[@jennybryan7250]

This is amazing to watch. I remember experiencing the same tingling in my first SET sessions. I didn't understand what was happening, but within 6 to 8 sessions it changed my life.

[@phartzyphartz6393]

Thank you so much. I just started watching you. A social worker had me look you up. I’m actually upset this has never been offered to me before because nothing any counselor has ever said to me has had as much effect as watching your videos. Lol thank you so much!

[@lynnv8501]

Thank God for people like you who help us overcome PTSD. I'm so happy Ray is being helped. I can't thank you enough. ❤ as a side note I learned through watching this video what exercise and singing make me feel so good and happy. These 2 things are healing.

[@hmsbeckett]

Thank you so much Jeff, for all you have given to me, and to many, many others, so selflessly. You really have changed my life.

[@PenelopeRyder]

Thank you for this video. What a beautiful soul Peter Levine is. Thank you

[@MirrorsofConsciousness]

This is such important work.

[@kimayacarvalho7345]

Thank Dr. Peter Levine for your contribution ,

[@ggonsg]

Dr. Levine; you are a miracle worker. Amazing what you did for this young man and for so many others - like me - who have read your books and watched your videos. Thanks for sharing your gifts with the world. Wish I could tell this young man about Dr. Bercelli's work, "Tension/Trauma Release Exercises!!" I am teaching them and would be happy to give him free sessions.

[@ggonsg]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You are AMAZING!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your brilliant books!!!!

[@LouveniaMusic]

Just diving into this and super excited. Peter you’re a genius!

[@rjrod1326]

This happens to me after a panic attack. I will start shaking and trembling like I'm really cold. Then I'll feel relaxed

[@brianfry2841]

Thank you Dr Levin. My therapist recommended this video to me. I thank you and Dr O for helping me understand what is going on with myself and that there is great hope for my recovery. May peace be with you and your's.

[@Freesingskills19]

i just bought my friend dr. levine's book. this is fascinating, and so good to see ray healilng from such a ghastly trauma.

[@user-qu4en9tx2n]

Dr. Peter, you are genious! Thank you so much for your sharing of this precious knowledge. I hope this knowledge will spread all over the world.

[@lisalangton4552]

Dr. Peter Levine is such a blessing to us all. His unique understanding of the cycle of trauma and his brilliant books empower us with the knowledge and practice we need to finally discharge the accumulated physical stress, toxins and depression, tonic immobility or rage. I so relate to his work with animals, having grown up in South Africa and personally witnessed thousands of times how animals respond to threats, manage trauma and literally shake it off when they survive. If only we were so lucky! Thank you, blessings, light and love to you, Dr. Levine.

[@boskind515]

This is one of the most powerful videos on the internet, by far. 🙏 thanks you so much

[@LauraJoAcunaZavalneyLCSW]

Thank goodness he made this video. It is one that I offer to future clients.

[@georget.6357]

Using the SE work and Life Span Integration I have begun to heal this horrible disease. Thank you Dr. Levine for noticing us and how we move.

[@pamlacooper3288]

Wow, going to put this into practice for my life. Thank you

[@gregoirdefaoite]

Makes abundant sense, in my own and observed experience.

[@ancientwatchmanTV]

Such powerful TEACHING of healing! Thank you! I’ll be sure to apply this during my ceremonies! ❤

[@Saadia_1900]

What an amazing doctor, the compassion in his voice 🥹🥹🥹

[@DemiMee]

Such a good teaching video, thank youou

[@Be1More]

so helpful for many people.... once read a book about him years ago, I think people could use seeing this video to help not feel weak about taking more time to relax and feeling safe is so impt

[@victoriahangula382]

Thank you for sharing this video. It is amazing to see the value of loving what one do. Observing the interaction between the Dr. and the patient there is respect for the person in the patient " asking him what he expects from the session, engage the patient in his treatment & the skillful encouragement to perform small task clearly reflects empathy meaning I will walk with you. The joy from the video is to have professionals & facilities to rehabilitate trauma cases. Thumbs-up for providing feedback and your interventions are appreciated 🎉🎉🎉

[@prestonsmilesabundance]

Thank youuuuuu this was amazing

[@adrianaorj]

...so helpful, thank you so much !!

[@cocoberlin]

Wonderful, thank you so much for your work! It’s bringing what I have worked with intuitively into scientific light. I’m just devouring your book and found this video looking for your polar bear experience!

[@paulinecallahan6888]

Wow! What a transformation with Ray so happy for you and hope you're continuing to recover. 🙏💙 Great and important work by Dr. Levine. I am new to this type of therapy as a victim of trauma myself I will continue to research this further. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@cbbrosnaham3739]

This is brilliant....thank you so much as I begin my journey in Somatic Experience and healing. Much like a child learning to walk, talk and learn - this work makes so much sense and I have massive amounts of hope. Beyond thankful to Amie Leigh the door opener to this work for me.

[@viviannimue]

Peter is a blessing to mankind

[@MsGnor]

Shout out to Ray xxxx I wish you all the joy! Your story made me want to check out this therapy.

[@bodyback2286]

It is a really wonderful idea to renegotiate with body in solving all kinds of trauma.

[@esperanzacevallos2177]

Thank you so Much. I discovered you through my work of family constellations. And I bought your first book and looking forward to learning more about.

[@rachelkatz804]

This work is a powerful tool for recovery from PTSD, car accident pain in the muscles, and deep healing. This work saved my life from PTSD in 1997. I studied the work and use it for myself and helping others especially with pain related to trauma. There is a lot to the work.

[@yolatengo78]

Do you consult online?

[@benjmunday]

AHH!! PL, strikes AGAIN! Awesome and fascinating stuff

[@iveno_]

Pretty awesome your discovery Peter, you're my teacher in SE thank you. I hope to take more courses about this topic. Does anybody has any other educational recommendations? THANK YOU!

[@brittanyjewell6756]

Half a million views! So happy this information is accessible to us all ✨💜

[@deborahcarter4408]

I decided to take charge of my life. Plant based diet, lost 50 lbs., Started a workout, had to eliminate the daggers. self help, nutrition, exercise, gardening, my dogs. Everything turned to Joy, I'm a giggler, love and appreciate everything about life. First time, I'm 64, now I'm ready for retirement . I do have an auto immune disease, that I hope my children wouldn't, were open and mending well, I think. Thank you for your work.

[@NataliaAnayeli]

Such important work!!!!❤😊

[@Gorman-px1fg]

This explains everything that I’ve been dealing with

[@sarakossove2980]

SE is the best method I have learned to heal trauma. Thank you Peter Levine

[@nabilc1667]

Do u think it can be used for depression and anxiety aswell?

[@tinajo1111]

I lost my son on Christmas Eve morning 2010 at 18 years old he died waiting for a kidney donor I've been so traumatized ever since his death was horrific...

[@kimberlyagee7338]

Im so sorry for your loss🙏🙏IMy prayer is peace for you.

[@tinajo1111]

@@kimberlyagee7338 thank you

[@ask_asha]

this is amazing!

[@craigen01]

Amazing...Peters work helped in overcome severe sciatica! Thank you!

[@Maria-fm2cg]

Tao Within that’s amazing! Did you have therapy with a SE therapist?

[@timmcmahon7]

Shit works. I'm 6 months in.

[@CesarClouds]

Very powerful and profound.

[@boop7313]

Amazing I want to find someone to help me do this. My whole adult life has been wrecked by this from 20 to 40, i need to live

[@contr4dixion]

I hope you found a therapist. Alternatively, you can try dance therapy, yoga, and Vipassana meditation... Wish you the best...

[@jeanieofthemoon]

Try tapping also.tapping and EFT. Pretty much the same thing. It works.

[@peachnightlight]

This is amazing

[@GodHelpMe369]

in desperation for a miracle, I pray this affirmative prayer: * I completely totally entirely permanently forgive, release, let go, move on, and surrender to Jesus * I accept myself, 100% * I am a creative being, I create miracles * I fully harness all my power and magnificence and beauty * I am a master alchemist * My life always, and in all ways: unfolds perfectly, in accordance with divine guidance * I am restored to my true nature: which is LOVE * I constantly/consistently feel/accept: the love and bliss and joy and blessings that flow into my life

[@ylmonkeyU2]

Thank you so much!

[@annmariemichael1928]

My husband has a TBI/ Post Concussion Syndrome. I will be asking his therapist for information. Thank you

[@Maria-fm2cg]

Peter Levine is amazing. Thank you for sharing this video 🙏🏼💜

[@EvaWright]

Last year I developed stress induced numular eczema and have tried many different medications (none fully worked and only treated minor topical symptoms) so I am new to this therapy.

[@hannahjama6170]

Any updates?

[@InVision77]

Thank you 💜🙏

[@Nina.Goradia]

Thank you!

[@andersbjorkman8666]

This man is a great Yogi.

[@user-yk9sk7pg6v]

Thank you.

[@alexandrakimbel9533]

he's like a healer elf

[@albertgonzalez9691]

Wow this video is so important

[@ravikesari4158]

its awesome

[@alaiajanelle]

Thank You 🌟🌟🌟

[@dartcree8185]

13:30 Not always. I have seen animals and people come out of serious life threatening events, and either just sit there, or creep away. Example: On a canoe trip we startle a bear who ran along the shoreline, steamrolled over a boy, knocking him flat, and stepping on him with has back foot. The claws broke the skin but were superficial. The boy was unable to speak for about 5 minutes, then started to shake. While I don't know how universal it is, I would expect that most mammals would do some kind of assessment of the situation and based on that revert to waiting and watching.

[@ChristineRichter]

Danke!

[@evelinel.9827]

EFT (tapping) operates on the same basis as SE and the first therapy that has been successful for me for releasing trauma (regular therapy and meds not successful after many years), and thus depression and pain of Fibro. Learned on KZbin!

[@RussMalina]

What I have learned is that EFT is mostly suppression of trauma triggers to get calm again. It does nothing to resolve the actual trauma itself. There is no 'release' of trauma as with SE or with emotional trauma healing.

[@utterpositivity213]

Ekaterina JJ Your soooooooooooo mistaken.

[@nabilc1667]

You are right. EFT is just a hype. SE deals with the issue, whereas tapping tries to deal with calmness.

[@contessaannavonfunk5158]

Very nice!!! :)

[@therabbithat]

incapacitating a bear and then NOT hugging it = ultimate self control

[@TheMeteorFreak]

if i get it right, what he is guiding Ray with is: Open, close, open, close the mouth slowly. At some point activation/tinggeling will be noticed in the body, and then to just stay with that body sensation? Got it to work once with the Fight flight and the release afterwards, but want to know if i got it right... Having a little trouble finding instructions on his work for some reason.

[@shellyh7716]

TheMeteorFreak I’d like to know too.

[@almasanchez5513]

Podrían traducirlos al español o subtitulados... Gracias

[@shayoseaghada4800]

Interesting. Side note I worked with big cats and domestics. Cats are supreme predators. I have wondered about a behavior I have often when cats felids, come into a situation with another predator or unknown cat....They will often sit totally still eyes fixed on the possible threat and they will make that voomm sound, When this happens you can watch as they kinda go into a zone where they are not relaxed but not so tense they freeze. You will see their muscles relax out and tense in other areas. I wonder if this helps them to become relaxed enough that if and when they need to attack they can utilize all their muscles from a flexible state rather than a tense one. Other animals do this as well I just worked with cats. Dogs do it too and as humans we have classified it as a warning growl but after watching this video I am thinking that there is more to this sound...

[@shayoseaghada4800]

I think possibly. Just from my personal observation in cats, this sound has an effect on the brain and then body. As strange as it may sound it, to my observation seems to act similarly like a break on a car. I think it may keep the cat from acting to swiftly which may, depending on the situation cost, it's life or dinner. So you talk about meditation techniques, which affects the vagus nerve in a similar ways.

[@bisrib]

yes, both sounds stimulate same areas/chacras

[@liamo54321]

Can this help with server anxiety

[@tomaskey6844]

I’m reading the book, Waking the Tiger. Bought it years ago and wish I’d read it back then. It’s hard not to be skeptical that this living hell will end. Starting treatment through the VA and am skeptical about what they will be able to do so I will continue to do my own investigation.

[@wendybird7059]

I just met with the VA…not sure I trust them…do you mind if I ask if you have had any success? If so. Any advice on navigating the system?

[@tomaskey6844]

@@wendybird7059 They are not easy to work with at all but I am getting some help. They won’t recognize my claim of being autistic but finally talked me into trying an SSRI which I hate to admit is helping. You have to be assertive because they will let you fall to the wayside fast.

[@wendybird7059]

Thank you for your reply, glad you are getting some help and fingers crossed you continue to feel better. ❤️

[@elsablue3646]

Hes so calm he makes me nervous!

[@jessemartin7312]

SE is great and found our clients got even faster results in a few sessions with Deep Quantum Healing Hypnosis. It's like 5 years of talk therapy but only takes 1-3 months to near complete recovery!

[@Juanah92]

Is Somatic Experiencing helpful with PTSD only, or does it work with other conditions as well? Like I bite my finger nails a lot. And also, I grind my teeth when I crave tenderness, I do it without even realizing it.

[@SuperGodelieve]

This is not a touret but an unconscious flight reflex. This works like falling just before you fall asleep. unconsciously sinking into the subconscious. The moment you just feel conscious when you fall asleep, you are immediately awake again.

[@007nadineL]

Why has Dr. Pat Allen from LA never mentioned this in any of her podcasts? .

[@edenshaktigreen9594]

making the “voo” sound seems to have the same effect as chanting Om.

[@refiloendlovu6518]

Is it open and close mouth and singing the voice thing???

[@janlaag]

It's not so much about perceived threats getting stuck... most of the time, since there are many different and complex kinds of threats in the modern world, we perceive those that do not indeed involve direct physical aggression but we're not able to elaborate cognitively what those are about (for instance because we lack informations). Perception doesn't get stuck as often as current psychological approaches tends to believe, real life situations do get stuck though and that's where fixed perceptions mostly belongs.

[@LeonidSpartanKing]

Soo i got cptsd from emotive abusive relationship with narc girl, and got lpr for of silent gerd, gerd is acid reflux but chronic. Dont know should i heal cptsd or lpr, i mean can i heal my disise with healing my emotions and trauma. Thank you all!!!

[@marisacognetta4985]

Same…I got out of long marriage to covert narc and ended up with diagnosis of silent gerd..never heard of it before…could this be connected somatically somehow to the experience?? I never was physically abused but definitely psychologically and passive aggressively

[@reg8297]

I hope this angel wasn't harmed

[@user-qu4en9tx2n]

Please make english subtitles or captions for worldwide peoples

[@violetangelflame1]

does this work where the trauma has cause DID? Is it necessary for one to be integrated to use this?

[@harryfischer6741]

Yes. trauma especially childhood trauma is at the root of many disorders. BPD, ADHD, Bi-polar. Do some research online and you find many great lectures.