Somatic Experiencing® -- Ray's Story

This video tells the compassionate story of the healing process of Ray, a marine who had been injured by two explosive devices (IEDs) and diagnosed with both severe PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He was brought to see Peter A. Levine after developing chronic pain, Tourette-like convulsions, cognitive problems and insomnia due to night terrors. In a series of documented Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) sessions, including Ray's family, Peter demonstrates the power of SE as a tool to heal the wounds of war. Please watch this video, and post it on your Facebook page. Please spread the word.
The Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute is dedicated to resolving trauma worldwide by providing state-of-the-art professional training and public education in Somatic Experiencing (SE). SE is a powerful psycho-biological method for addressing physical and emotional trauma, PTSD, overwhelm, and stress-related conditions. Through our membership association we support the self-organization of a broad international network of passionate, skillful SE practitioners who serve individuals in need and communities in crisis around the globe.
The Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization.
Peter A. Levine, PhD, Founder & Developer of Somatic Experiencing
Peter A. Levine holds doctorates in both medical biophysics and psychology. He is the author of six books on the subjects of trauma and PTSD, including the bestseller, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, which has been published in twenty-four languages. Dr. Levine has been a member of World Psychologists for Social Responsibility, responding to large-scale disasters and ethno-political warfare, and served as a stress consultant for NASA in developing the astronaut training program. In 2010, he received the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his distinguished contribution to the field of body psychotherapy.

[@gdstudios-fineartcreations2295]

Ray's courageousness is not only on the battlefield in Iraq, but the one his mind, heart and soul. His wife, too, the strength it takes to hang in there and keep coming back in love, over and over is herculean.

[@Shibby27ify]

I can't believe that Dr. Levine is a biophysicist. He's a natural master therapist. In the new wave of experiential, trauma, and attachment based therapies, he's truly a legend.

[@suecressy]

What a gift you gave Ray, to allow yourself to be filmed so that others would have hope in their recovery. Thank you for your generous spirit.

[@kjtamf]

susan cressy 👍🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@cavelleardiel]

What I also feel is important here is that men are helping a man. I think this is vital. While I would like to focus my practice on men I see the power in this process with male to male connection.

[@jasongentile7098]

I did 4 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can see Ray's struggle. I use to think it was weakness to get help. I know it is not. This is a great video.

[@monicaklesage]

Jason Gentile thank you for your service. If you do choose to get help to maximise your experience, I hope it's as helpful as this. I've been exploring this therapy as a way to recover from chronic pain and movements like Ray's, and it has helped me immensely.

[@jasongentile7098]

Monica LeSage thank you.

[@marciasummers5090]

Jason, thank you for your service and sharing your response with us.

[@jasongentile7098]

Monica, I sought help two years ago. I retired in March 2019 after 21 years of service. I have recieved great care from the VA and continue to go to counseling. I think if I did not see this video or reach out...I would not be here. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@elisamondragon2849]

*I am worried but about the families that got destroyed by USA's invasion army* !

[@AyokiKusano]

IF you're experiencing traumatic stress and all the other things that result from it, you know you're not alone. And there is no other therapist who can help you better than Dr. Peter Levine. Somatic experiencing is the only way you can come out of the locked responses no matter how complex your PTSD is. But it's not going to cure everything overnight, it takes a long time which I guess is harder than the therapy itself. Please take care and love yourself!

[@MrRedstardude]

I'm so happy that Ray ended up happy with a wife and son.

[@qdipped9648]

I am his son

[@Inadace]

brings me to tears. there is hope

[@agnieszkawalczuk5835]

Wow, the sentence about 'can you see you're helping us right now?' got me in tears... He is, Ray, it's so brave to do this on camera, I have been re-watching these clips hungry to see and learn more. Ray and family, I wish you all the happiness you can ever get and Dr Levine thank you for your work, wisdom and compassion.

[@manuelabizzotto5935]

This moved me to tears. Thank you Ray, Melissa and Peter for sharing this healing experience. I wish all military veterans and everyone who is suffering from trauma could have this respectful and compassionate approach to healing.

[@Jericko427]

Somatic trauma sufferer: this stuff saves lives.

[@athlene110]

Oh man. I'm just bawling. Wow. It's just amazing to see such profound healing and such amazing strength, resilience and courage. Thank you to Ray, Melissa, Dr. Peter Levine and everyone else involved. 🙏

[@kathrynparker983]

You helped me, Ray. Thank you for putting your whole self in front of the camera - SO helpful! Now I can get help with my depression!

[@normacasini838]

Very cool to see a smile of relief come on this brave Marine's face.

[@thenakedsingularity]

His eyes have so much compassion.

[@pawel.badenski]

Peter Levine's and Ray's son synchronised "oh wow" @ 15:58 might be accidental, yet it is so touching. It feels like Peter's inner child expressing awe!

[@rushiaskinnerwallace6175]

What a gift. I appreciate the sharing of this sacred journey. What a benefit to all. Hope this man and his family are well and send my gratitude and blessings. Dr. Levine - thank you, thank you, thank you. 💕🙏🏼

[@user-bd4bo4tb8u]

This is so beautiful. Ray, thank you for sharing your experience. Or, your experiences, rather. I'm glad you are feeling so much better. I wish all veterans could work with Dr. Levine. All beautiful souls in this video. ❤️

[@kjtamf]

Erik Naa 👍🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@eliort404]

Omg, i cryed so much watching this brave man expressing him self. I dont have ptsd, but surley childhoodteauma. I was just filled with love and compassion watching his jurney towards health and happiness. God bless you peter for doing what you do. God bless the family too❤❤❤

[@catherinesinclair7727]

Thank you for your comment..you are not alone ..many people suffer childhood trauma..and this does in fact cause ptsd..it's known as complex ptsd because it's created by living in a constant state of anxiety. This somatic work is wonderful..after you've done somatic work EMDR is really fantastic to help with reframing the trauma and reprocessing the emotions. Its free on the NHS in some parts of England. There are also some great videos about it on KZbin. Sending you best wishes as a fellow childhood trauma survivor

[@janadominika]

Real saint of our days this precius old man Peter!!!❤❤❤

[@MollyMcMullen]

Ray is so awesome because he's completely honest and authentic. Great job!

[@LisaFirestone]

Peter... I'm so moved. I learned today: The VA released a study in 2022 that concluded 17 VETS TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES EACH DAY in America. The number rises to more than 20 if active-duty military members are figured in. There are still other studies reporting much higher suicide rates. This is horrifying to me. I pray more can find your work.

[@jenniferxenakis1626]

Ray, thank you kindly for having the daring courage to express your journey. I am starting to comprehend the difficulty for men especially, to share or express feelings and you have come such a long way. Dr. Levine - there are no words to describe your sublime way of being. I wish humanity, in my lifetime, will move in the direction towards becoming more like you.

[@kjtamf]

Jennifer Xenakis Amen 👍🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@brianfry2841]

Ray, I can't thank you enough for your service to our countries freedom. More importantly for the sharing and healing that you are sharing for us that struggle with similar issues. I thank you Sir!

[@letsgofishingene]

Thank you all. This brought compassion and gratitude to my heart. ❤

[@flowersafeheart]

Look at those smiles! Awesome video. "I felt so good...waves of joy." Horses involved...love animals so much, so healing. "Home, home at last...it's been a long journey." Seems like a very caring wife.

[@joyweidental1227]

Thank you so much … you are all such beautiful human beings🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@metislamestiza3708]

this was a very profound video to watch. i can only imagine what a transformation Ray has been through. the visual change in his appearance has more light and love - even though he continues going through these challenges. i hope his he and his family are thriving, and that he is more peaceful in his heart and life. Peter and the Somatic Experience realm are so inspirational and hopeful for those who are suffering. thank you for sharing this extremely personal journey

[@kloeedavies7751]

This video moved me so much I have postnatal PTSD and have just started intense counselling like this and was in the stage where I was like hmm I donno about this... But after seeing how far Ray has come I have a lot of hope for myself thanks for sharing

[@canoslo6126]

Kloee Davies I’ve had good results with EMDR as well as EFT in counseling. I’ve also used some of Peter Levine’s help - awesome!!

[@rarra]

Hey how’s your progress now?

[@fatmabeyhanmaden2540]

same here

[@equestrianfluff]

This brought tears to my eyes

[@ladybug947]

Me too

[@MsDutchee]

Me too, this is so beautiful and touching

[@supertrooper1631]

equestrianfluff good yes

[@kjtamf]

equestrianfluff Me to 🙏🏻❤️

[@magdalenam.7858]

Me too so much.

[@MariaAya]

The kindness in the eyes of dr. Levine

[@bcmfin]

Thanks for this both of you. And Ray, believe me, you are still serving.

[@peacefulisland67]

Thank you for the work, and though this is mostly about Ray's journey and his path, Melissa is resting on a razor's edge. My hope is that they see they've come together because of an equal need to heal and grow. Seeing the need when it hasn't manifested as a physical explosion is nearly impossible, but it is there or they wouldn't be drawn to each other.

[@lisaengelbrektson]

The future part - it's so true - it's like losing foresight, and it's completely devastating.

[@monicaklesage]

Thank you for creating this video Dr. Levine, and thanks to Ray for his bravery and vulnerability in allowing his face and family to be shown. I've been working through my own trauma since I nearly died 9 years ago. I've had movements like Ray's for 2 years, and thankful I work with an SE trained therapist, but have never seen someone else's movements until today. It was oddly comforting to know I'm not the on!y one. Ray & Melissa, I wish you all the best in the years since this was filmed, and in your continued journeys to freedom and joy.

[@virtualtourmaps]

Beautiful, just beautiful Peter, Ray and his wife. Thank you ❤

[@pilatesscene]

That last shot there where she's like wow to her son and he looks so unaffected just summed up there situation didn't it. What a beautiful film, thank you Peter and all those that help trauma victims so lovingly.

[@kimpossible6654]

Ray is beautiful, very wonderful person wants to help people at every stage. He helped me. God Bless all.

[@tekoshararam3126]

You are just great hero Ray and thank you Peter...

[@savedfaves]

Peter reminds me a bit of Fred Rogers. And Ray is a great man.

[@sweetyogavids]

Two heroes journeys ~ absolutely priceless statement. Ray, thank you for sharing such a personal thing and thank you Peter for your life changing work 🙏🏼

[@lovesings2us]

This film kindles strong hope in me, for myself, as a violence survivor, and for our world. Thank you so much!

[@dancingcircles9435]

Thanks so much for sharing - it's so touching. May you be well.

[@kothija]

Thank you Melissa and Ray.. especially Ray since most of the video was about you. Thank you for allowing this to be shown to the public as I have learnt a lot from watching this. So Ray, you HAVE helped people. The only thing was at the end you both seemed to be uncomfortable looking at each other in silence. Maybe you want to try that more often, just sitting with each other and looking into each others eyes in silence or even with eyes closed and hands on each other's hearts, connecting to each other. Thank you Dr. Levine for your wonderful work.

[@radiatelight4100]

Brilliant work Dr. Peter. Thank you for sharing insight into what this therapy can do for so many. Ray is such a kind and wonderful being. I hope he continues this wonderful work.

[@MajICReiki]

it takes great courage to ask for help, great wisdom to know whom to ask help of that will be most beneficial, and great humbleness to accept what is given with grace and deep gratitude unburdened from critical attitudes and emotions. persistent physical/emotional/mental disassociation, from trauma that has caused disassociated states for the purpose of survival, in extreme experiences that disrupts our ability to regain balance in areas of life, needs to be addressed like a broken leg, or torn ligament, rehabilitation necessary to work and operate properly again. being stubbornly defiant towards learning new techniques cuts off unknown numbers of opportunities to feel better and do better and be Well and better just for an adverse attitude.

[@SavannahE1972]

What a courageous man you are Ray! Deep respect for you. I wonder how are you and your wife and son doing these days?

[@rachanater8981]

Very beautiful documentary. I'm impressed by your way of working with your trauma Ray. You already helped me ;)

[@kjtamf]

Rachana Ter I love the way this guy understands & helps heal traumas ..... thanks so much for this video 👍🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@LujzaJJ77]

I wish to have a therapy with dr.Levine,how understandable he Is,uncredible

[@peter.studenik]

Ray you helped me a lot. Thank you, Peter

[@ylmonkeyU2]

Thank you Dr. Levine for your great work, sensitivity and compassion. And many blessings to Ray and his family and his good work.

[@catol2989]

Thank you Peter Levine. And all what S.E. does to heal human traumas in such a totally humanistic yet biological way.

[@authentic_101]

Amazing human beings really! 🙏🏼

[@denise2169]

Beautiful!

[@jcm5171]

What a wonderful moment to watch. Thank you, Dr Levine. Thank you all.

[@santokki.007]

Thank you, Ray... This is so courageous of you to share your process with us, it's helpful to so many. Learning to get in touch with our emotions is so hard, we need many more people like you who show us it's ok and healing, to speak the truth and be honest with where we are. It's the only way to heal. Hope you keep going, and never give up on yourself ❤

[@mahimakalla1861]

Best therapist I have ever seen ☺️

[@pco2004]

amazing, so powerful and cathartic. thank you for sharing.

[@jamesanderson7482]

Good job Ray! You're an Amazing Person!! Thank you for the gift you taught me!

[@joannemelville1275]

Amazing story..both are my heros..what a great doctor..xxx...

[@gmboles1595]

Thank you Ray for sharing your struggles and progress on video❤️. I can see that you're healing. I'm so happy for you and your family. And thank you, Dr. Levine, for your approach to dealing with trauma.

[@PsylentX]

Thank you, Ray.

[@sophia011235]

thank you

[@TalkWithJoce]

Beautiful, touching. Tear-jerker!

[@powers6253]

Ray, you've helped me!

[@marciasummers5090]

This work is so, so good, so meaningful. Thanks for sharing it Dr. Levine.

[@banzobeans]

Beautiful. Thx

[@Guitarletita]

FANTASTIC.... Thank you for sharing. Amazing job...

[@user-bl6wu2nb7v]

Great!!! So inspiring!

[@ironjohnlad]

he is amazing and I have so much to learn as a therapist !

[@fatmabeyhanmaden2540]

You are already helping, Ray! (17.20)

[@Symbolsysteme]

Beautiful. He looks like a totally different person.

[@walkaminutewithme4787]

This is an amazing video. Horses can save your life emotionally 🐎🌈

[@CesarSandoval024]

WalkaMinutewithme Unless you run a fucker and fall down wile going about 10 to 15 miles per hr

[@Foxxx1953]

I’m a Somatic Experiencing practitioner. It’s amazing work, much quicker than just talking and, from the first, clients get curious about their physical responses so sessions aren’t grim and miserable. We can laugh too! Especially as people can see the light at the end of the tunnel at last. I’m based in Scotland but I’ve a transplant so I’ve been working over Zoom since March 2020. It’s just as effective. I just want people to know as it’s not always easy to find an SE practitioner nearby.

[@contessaannavonfunk5158]

Very nice!!! :)

[@nextlevelnick9339]

Thank you Ray for sharing your story and helping us understand your journey. God bless you in Jesus’ name, amen.

[@drsalka]

Poor kid 💙 bless him

[@steveb7714]

Great progress made in the time between the first 3 sessions and the follow up interview. I got a sense that Ray was too emotionally shut down in the beginning to really go through with the rage releasing exercise and he admitted that years later, this is still a problem for him. Is this going to be a lifelong struggle for victims of trauma?

[@tonyl9075]

Steve B it may be for him because of his TBI

[@allywolf9182]

Rage, it's an issue but you just have to not act on those feelings. But you have to figure out healthy ways to let it out. Chopping wood is a good one, shoveling dirt, throwing a basketball into the hoop violently 100 times. Long hikes with the dog. Motion things where you can push yourself and let that energy out

[@mauricepowers3804]

I have chronic ptsd....I wish I could do this therapy. Although I have made progress I still get sucked into that poison ground and it’s hard to get free. This Coronavirus distancing isn’t helping and my HOA president is harassing me over very ridiculous stuff and I’m starting radiation soon after major surgery and chemo. I want to run but I cant😢

[@ek7621]

Maurice Powers look for online meetings, support .. group. You are not alone!

[@allywolf9182]

Big Hugs Maurice! I'm praying for you

[@rougecartouche5745]

I hope you're doing OK. I know this comment is old, but I think we're all still processing Covid and the after math of so much isolation. If you even happen to see this, just know there's always hope.

[@jacquelinebarnard649]

I would think alot of men and women in prison could experience some relief from this aswell ❤😇🇨🇦 lovnlight

[@allywolf9182]

I'm betting almost everyone in prison has severe trauma in their past

[@freshlife08]

Has Peter ever mentioned the Enneagram in his work and how different enneatypes display different symptoms when traumatized?

[@qdipped9648]

Ray is my dad

[@KatieAnn479]

Hi Nathaniel. How are you? Your family's story has helped many people.

[@julieeaccarino7674]

Can this experience help in quitting smoking??

[@supertrooper1631]

Trust

[@ptscptsc-ke9xk]

As David burn says working in resistance is necessary before you apply technique and Ray’s journey wouldn’t have been that if he would not have let me try....

[@tbicansparkle4006]

i am curious, why the "voo" sound instead of "om?" is there a biological reason for that?

[@bisrib]

Yes. The "wooo" summs deeper, vibrates deeper in the fasciae and works stronger with the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)

[@79sininho]

Hello I am with a trauma after hearing my husband for help without stopping in the kitchen, I was sleeping with postpartum 25 of my baby. Unable to react and make it stop crying, I was in shock. I live in Brazil and I'm not afford sessions so expensive.

[@avi10000]

Hi sininho, I can see you are in pain. Almost understand you - but difficult for me to understand all of what you are saying. Try saying it in purtogese? And I can get a translation. Blessings Avi

[@satsumamoon]

Are you willing to trust your body? It knows what to do! Lie down and tell your body " I am willing to trust you" keep repeating it . Allow yourself to become aware of your body, keep repeating " I trust you, I trust you to know what to do, I will stand aside and watch" . Watch your breathing and allow any sounds and movements that your body wants to make. Just go into trusting and watching.

[@79sininho]

ok

[@79sininho]

Isto e parte de qual terapia? Estou fazendo , agradeco por ter se importado comigo. Aqui no Brasil nao acham serio.

[@Immastandpat]

+79sininho I just saw this video, and know that your comment was made a year ago. But I have found something that is really helping people who are suffering from trauma or daily stresses. David Berceli, PhD. has a program called TRE for Trauma (or Tension) Relieving Exercises. His organization is a non-profit. All you have to buy is a TRAUMA RELEASING EXERCISES VIDEO on DVD. It costs about $35.00 i think. It explains why the technique works, complete instructions and demonstrations. The program involves 7 different stretches and some trembling or shaking that your body will naturally do on its own. Each session takes me about an hour. As of this writing I've done the session 4 days in a row. Each day the results are somewhat different. But even during the first session I was starting to not only feel less tense, but more energized.After trying so many things that didn't help me, I was actually afraid to try it. I thank God I finally did. It's something I look forward to every day. ( Though he recommends you only do it daily for about the first ten days. Then once every two or three days, or as you feel the need. ) Sorry this was so long, but right now I'm feeling the benefit of what this program can do. And I just started.

[@qdipped9648]

That’s my dad

[@teeduck]

I don't get any of this talk thearpy. I've been to so many counselors, and none have ever helped.

[@douwehuysmans5959]

This is not about talking, I've done it myself and it's about triggering a bodily response

[@shahilagh]

Well he has everything a family and people in the country for him , and he had to just forget his loss of a friend in the way. This is not too much difference really. They are dealing with a trauma that finished years ago

[@ThisIsNotMyHome]

How can one do this successfully on themselves? Being low income, I can't afford to pay someone for this or similar services... I need to be able to do them correctly on myself, with success. While this is giving me a general knowledge and example, how can I perform this solely as diy implementation??? Can I successfully do this all on my own? I believe I can, but do not have the funds, otherwise.

[@ThisIsNotMyHome]

Just to add to my previous comment, I do have a general knowledge of somatic exercises, how we store trauma, unprocessed emotions, etc. in the body and it's detrimental effects it can have on us, physically/mentally/emotionally/energetically.. I've already gone through every conscious memory I have of traumatic events and memories or ones that were painful or not quite understood, etc. I've learned how to perceive from other's perspectives and their circumstances at the time.. I've learned to forgive and no longer hold fault and blame, to give grace and love even to those who aren't looking for it, to fully let it go with full forgiveness. I learned how to recognize and see my own accountability, and to work through the process of change and growth with myself. Although it definitely helped me with my own inner growth- being emotionally, mentally, and spiritually liberating, it did not effect my physical issues (numerous, but to sum it up for brief context- chronic pain and chronic fatigue).. which I was so hopeful and convinced it would! So, I'm thinking it must be some subconscious blocks, maybe even from earlier than my first memories..not sure? So that's what got me into looking for how can one release that? Yes, I'm aware of how the body keeps the score, the emotion code, and so on. Also, including physical trauma. I'm currently reading (on different days) The Power of Now, Becoming Supernatural, and The Mountain Is You. I believe most chronic illness stems from Imbalance, regardless of diagnosis (which I believe can hinder healing when we focus on labels). I believe in an energetic body that is part of our whole Being. That an Imbalance in one area can effect other parts of our Being that isn't traditionally addressed by modern medicine, which is why so many don't heal. The root causes and overall Imbalances aren't being addressed.. so how can one be fully healed, if only symptoms, and not Causes, are being treated? That being said, I believe we are fully capable of healing any Imbalance within any part of our Being. That we, I, am fully capable of healing any issue, regardless of the label or prognosis given by modern medicine practitioners. I would greatly appreciate any helpful advice someone can give me to get my own healing journey progressing! 🙏 ❤

[@RolferShannon]

Its hypnosis with body work!

[@user-fp8xc8lf3f]

Me when I build a career on placebo effect

[@louieatkins-turkish1349]

Ray is like a child in a candystore

[@CesarSandoval024]

@2:15 3:38

[@stephielynn]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJvIe3Zua7d1nac I have PTSD, this process helped me- its been 4 months since i started ...migraines free since Also, not saying anything bad or anything with regard to PTSD. Trauma is just trauma- nothing bad on you or your parenting. We just all process things differently. Hope this helps.

[@Icyjuicemanreporter]

17:02-17:10 lol

[@elisamondragon2849]

OMG *What type of treatment the Iraqis and Afghan families are having after this people murdered them, desmembered, abused them in every sense of the word and destroyed their country* !

[@allywolf9182]

You are a total brainwashed jerk!! Go away until you can have compassion for everybody affected by the war. And by trauma in general.

[@ThisIsNotMyHome]

War is traumatic for both sides. So many needlessly suffer and shouldn't. Placing blame on one another solves nothing, but hinders one's own growth and adds to your own inner suffering, even if not consciously aware of it at the time. In a loving, selfless world, war wouldn't exist in the first place. Yes, we need to learn from the past, so we do better now which means also a better future. Living in the past and with blame serves absolutely no one. Just the opposite.

[@josephcollins8976]

Although this is powerful and subtle work , the appearance of commercially exploitation is very disconcerting. This raises so many questionable ethical issues.

[@notsosecretdiaryofheathervella]

Thank you so much for this 🥺🥹🙏 it is helping me and will help some of my Physio patients so much too .

[@mothersgauri4137]

Beautiful !