When dealing with trauma, many of us turn to meditation, gratitude, plant medicine or spiritual practices – but the trauma responses keep returning.
As Dr Peter Levine explains, while these experiences can create portals or moments of bliss, they don't truly resolve the underlying trauma that remains stored in our bodies.
To truly heal trauma, we need to take small steps rather than diving straight in, and recognise that healing happens in relationship, both with ourselves and others.
Spiritual bypassing keeps us locked in repeating patterns. Our relationships suffer as we project our unresolved trauma onto others or repress emotions. Even outwardly successful people can collapse when facing relationship challenges or loss because the underlying trauma remains unaddressed.
As Peter says, bliss can be "a ringing bell that tells you there's work that needs to be done" – a signal to look deeper rather than float away.
Peter A Levine, PhD, and Ergos Institute are the leaders in somatic workshops and education.
Dr Levine's books, including his latest book, An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey is available at
Mentioned in this episode:
Evolve – October 3rd, 2025
An intimate afternoon and evening with Lorin Krenn in London