logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
39m 8s

425: The Journey Of The Wounded Healer w...

LAURA REAGAN, LCSW-C
About this episode

Today's Therapy Chat guest is Dr. Peter Levine, the developer of Somatic Experiencing, who speaks about his journey as a wounded healer. He shares that by being open about our experiences healing, our authenticity allows others to know they're not alone. None of us in the helping professions have been immune to suffering, it's a part of the universal experience of being human; and there's no shame in having experienced trauma, no matter who you are. In our conversation, Dr. Levine shares about how he developed Somatic Experiencing, and the surprising muse he found during that process. He discusses his violent childhood growing up in a family which was under threat by the mafia, and how Somatic Experiencing approaches healing from trauma "stuck" in the body.

Learn more about Somatic Experiencing here. The Ergos Institute is here.

Find Peter Levine's new book, Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey on Amazon here.

Register for: Resilience Informed Therapy - An Integrative Somatic Approach to Trauma Recovery and get 12 CE's while learning from one of my favorite teachers, Dr. Arielle Schwartz! 

Another of my favorite teachers, Dr. Janina Fisher, is opening enrollment to her next cohort of TIST trainees. The next cohort starts April 18th, you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn this helpful model. Receive 22.5 CE's while de-mystifying therapy when complex trauma and dissociation arise! Get all the details and register here

The Ultimate Refresh is a 6-day, all-inclusive retreat in Costa Rica for entrepreneurs and leaders who know that burning out is not an option, hosted by my friend Melissa Wesner! Join us this April 14-19, 2024 for an opportunity to rest, relax, and build community while having the most amazing wellness experiences in the jungle. Register here: https://lifespringcounseling.net/small-business-owners-retreat-in-costa-rica and save $200 using coupon code: GUILTFREE !

Thank you to TherapyNotes for sponsoring this week’s episode! TherapyNotes makes billing, scheduling, notetaking, and telehealth incredibly easy. And now, for all you prescribers out there, TherapyNotes is proudly introducing E-prescribe! Try it today with no strings attached, and see why everyone is switching toTherapyNotes, now featuring E-prescribe! Use promo code “chat” at www.therapynotes.com to receive 2 FREE months of TherapyNotes!!

Join the TTN e-mail list to learn what's coming up in 2024 with Therapy Chat, Trauma Chat and Trauma Therapist Network and get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here!

Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here – includes recommended books and trainings.

Find a trauma therapist near you via https://traumatherapistnetwork.com ! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. 

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Pete Bailey – https://petebailey.net/audio



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CHAT for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/chat


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Up next
Oct 6
500: Behind The Scenes Of My Shame Storm - During An Interview About Shame
This week, in a special 500th episode of Therapy Chat, I shared a behind the scenes look at what happened when I got bad news right before a LIVE, in person interview with Janina Fisher on shame.I talked about the profound challenges of asking for help, especially for those of us ... Show More
31m 26s
Sep 23
499: Trauma + The Vestibular System with Kim Barthel
In this week's episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed the amazing Kim Barthel about the intricate connections between trauma, the sensory system, and healing. We explored the role of the vestibular system, the Vagus Nerve, and the importance of co-regulation in therapy. Kim share ... Show More
49m 14s
Sep 16
498: The Impact of Religious Trauma with SC Nealy
This week's episode of Therapy Chat is on a topic which we've covered before - religious trauma. This week's guest, SC Nealy (they/she) discusses the impact of religious trauma and offers additional perspective into the harm it can cause for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our c ... Show More
49m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2021
06: Dissociation
In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, a trauma therapist, consultant and coach, gives a thumbnail sketch of the complicated topic of Dissociation. In this episode you will hear: What Dissociation is That Dissociation occurs on a spectrum from being preoccupied to hav ... Show More
12m 24s
Oct 2024
The Trauma Expert: Peter A. Levine on Somatic Therapy for Healing Trauma
Jillian welcomes Peter A. Levine to the show. Peter is the world's leading expert on somatic therapy for healig trauma and reclaiming your life. He is the author of multiple best-selling books and the developer and founder of Somatic Experiencing, a naturalistic and neurobiologic ... Show More
1h 2m
Sep 5
How To Regulate Your Nervous System For Stress, Anxiety, And Trauma | Peter Levine
The creator of somatic experiencing shows Dan how to heal trauma through the body. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., has spent the past 50 years developing Somatic Experiencing. He holds a doctorate in Biophysics from UC Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. ... Show More
1h 10m
Apr 2024
The Step Back: The 1st Step of Trauma Healing
Welcome to another episode of "Healing Trauma," brought to you by the Trauma Institute. In today’s discussion, we delve into the "Step Back", the first essential movement in the journey toward healing from trauma. This episode explores why stepping back is a crucial initial step ... Show More
40m 46s
Mar 2025
How to Achieve Inner Peace & Healing | Dr. Richard Schwartz
My guest is Dr. Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., therapist, author, and founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. We discuss how IFS views the mind as a collection of parts, each shaped by different life experiences—both good and bad, including trauma. To demonstrate how IFS work ... Show More
2h 13m
Mar 2025
EMDR Therapy: Addressing the Impact on Identity and Belief When Spiritual Trauma Happens
In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy for healing spiritual trauma. Many individuals experience profound emotional pain and confusion from harmful religious/spiritual/cult experiences, leading to fee ... Show More
33m 9s
Aug 29
Fawning: Answering Your Questions With Dr. Ingrid Clayton
In this conversation, host Monique Koven has invited Dr Ingrid Clayton back to answer your questions. They explore the concept of fawning as a relational trauma response, discussing its implications on identity, relationships, and personal growth. They delve into the complexities ... Show More
50m 39s
Sep 12
A Journey of Healing With Linda Pevac
In this conversation, Linda Pevac shares her journey of healing through writing, discussing her three books that explore her experiences as an adoptee and the therapeutic techniques that have aided her growth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity, the imp ... Show More
30m 16s
Sep 19
Most Replayed Moment: Can Eye Movements Heal Trauma? Bessel Van Der Kolk Explains EMDR Therapy!
Bessel van der Kolk is a psychiatrist and best-selling author best known for his groundbreaking book The Body Keeps the Score. A pioneer in the study of trauma, he explores how trauma reshapes both mind and body, and how people can find pathways to healing through therapies that ... Show More
20m 24s
Jul 24
Somatic Therapy to Heal Chronic Illness with Dr. Christian Gonzalez
This conversation is an invitation to reconnect with the parts of you that have long been silenced. To reconnect with the truth of who you are. And to feel what your body is really saying through symptoms and sensations. It also serves as a reminder that healing isn’t about fixin ... Show More
1h 5m