Peter A. Levine, PhD, born on February 19, 1942, stands as a towering figure in the realm of trauma therapy and somatic psychology. With a career spanning decades, Levine has revolutionized the understanding and treatment of trauma through his groundbreaking approach, Somatic Experiencing® (SE). His interdisciplinary background, blending physics, biology, and psychology, has uniquely positioned him to bridge the gap between mind and body in the healing process. This article delves into the life, education, career, and significant contributions of Peter A. Levine, highlighting his profound impact on the field of trauma recovery.
Levine’s academic journey reflects his diverse intellectual curiosity and commitment to understanding the human condition from multiple perspectives. He earned a B.S. in Physics Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1964, with minors in Mathematics and Psychology, laying a foundation in scientific rigor and human behavior. Later, he pursued doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley, culminating in a P.h.D. in Medical and Biological Physics in 1977. His interdisciplinary program in Biophysics encompassed life science, neurophysiology, and physiological psychology, indicating an early interest in the biological underpinnings of psychological processes. Adding to his depth of knowledge, Peter A. Levine also obtained a P.h.D. in Psychology from International University, Los Angeles, in 1978, through an Independent Directed Tutorial, solidifying his expertise in the psychological domain.
The professional journey of Peter A. Levine is marked by a sustained dedication to developing and disseminating Somatic Experiencing. In 1985, he founded the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education, an institution that remains at the forefront of training professionals in SE. Furthering his commitment to making SE accessible and impactful, Levine established the Foundation for Human Enrichment in 1994, also known as the Somatic Experiencing® Institute. Serving as Founder and Senior Advisor, he has guided the institute in its mission to advance trauma resolution through SE. His expertise is also sought in clinical settings; since 2007, Peter A. Levine has been a Senior Clinical Fellow and Advisor at The Meadows Addiction Treatment Center in Wickenberg, Arizona, integrating somatic approaches into addiction recovery.
Beyond education and clinical practice, Peter A. Levine has significantly contributed to the dissemination of knowledge through publishing. Since 2003, he has served as President and Editorial Director of Ergos Institute Press, co-publishing with North Atlantic Press, ensuring that vital works in somatic psychology reach a wider audience. He has also enriched academic institutions, serving as a Guest Teacher for CIIS – California Institute of Integral Studies and as Distinguished Faculty at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute between 2001 and 2007. His earlier roles include President and Director of the Foundation for Human Enrichment (1994-2006), further demonstrating his long-term leadership in the field.
Peter A. Levine’s influence extends to addressing trauma in diverse and critical contexts. He served on the Advisory Board for Trauma and Resiliency Resources (2004-2005), a treatment program for emergency workers involved in the WTC/911 aftermath. In 1999, he was a member of the Task Force for the Institute of World Affairs, addressing responses to large-scale disasters and ethnopolitical conflicts, highlighting his commitment to applying trauma-informed approaches in global crises. His consultancy work includes roles at the Colorado Center for Bio-behavioral Health (1995), Pain and Rehabilitation Clinic (1994-1997), and Hopi Guidance Center (1986-1990), showcasing his diverse applications of somatic experiencing across different populations and needs.
Peter A. Levine’s reach is international, having served as a Guest Teacher at OASIS in Copenhagen (1988-1989), an international treatment program for refugees and torture victims, and for Danish Psychiatric hospitals (1987-1990). His involvement with the Bodynamic Institute in Copenhagen (1987-1989) and various roles at CIIS (1986-1990 & 2001-2007) and Antioch College (1978-1979 & 1984) further emphasize his dedication to teaching and training in somatic approaches across various settings and cultures. His early career also includes significant roles such as Program Director for the Somatic Experiencing training program in Berkeley (1980-1990), demonstrating his foundational role in establishing and developing SE as a distinct therapeutic modality. He has also been involved in stress consultancy for the Sheriffs Department of Coconino County, Arizona (1985-1986) and community affairs co-director for Ergos Institute (1985-1987).
Peter A. Levine’s academic and research endeavors are equally extensive. He was Faculty in Somatic Psychology at Antioch College (1984) and Teacher in Residence at Esalen Institute (1983). His visiting faculty position at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine (1981-1982) and consultancy at Blueberry Treatment Centers for Autistic Children (1981-1982) and Stress and Pain Center in Canada (1980-1981) demonstrate the breadth of his expertise and application of somatic principles. Notably, he consulted for NASA Ames (1978-1979) on stress factors in space shuttle flight, highlighting the innovative and diverse contexts in which his knowledge has been applied. His early academic roles as Instructor and Lecturer at various University of California campuses (1969-1979) showcase his long-standing commitment to education and research. His research assistant positions at the University of Michigan (1962-1964) and Bell Telephone Laboratories (1961) in neuro-cybernetics and psychology mark the beginning of his scientific inquiry into the intersection of biology and psychology.
The published works of Peter A. Levine are seminal texts in the field of trauma therapy. His book Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma (1996) is perhaps his most well-known work, translated into over 25 languages, introducing Somatic Experiencing to a global audience. Other significant publications include In An Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness (2010), Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past (2015), and Trauma-Proofing Your Kids (2008). His edited work in How People Change: Relationships and Neuroplasticity in Psychotherapy (2017) and contributions to The Handbook of Body Psychotherapy and Somatic Psychology (2015) further demonstrate his scholarly impact. Peter A. Levine’s publications cover a wide range of topics within trauma, from understanding the neurobiology of trauma to practical guides for healing and resilience, making his work accessible to both professionals and the general public.
Peter A. Levine has been a sought-after speaker at numerous conferences worldwide, presenting keynote addresses and workshops at prestigious events. His keynote presentations at Psychotherapy Networker Conferences (2014, 2020) and Erickson Evolution of Psychotherapy (2017) highlight his influence within the psychotherapy community. He has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from Psychotherapy Networker (2020) and ATTACh (2017), underscoring his lasting contributions to the field. His presentations at conferences such as the Congress on Attachment & Trauma (2017), Milton Erickson Brief Therapy Conferences (2012, 2013), and various international trauma and psychotherapy conferences demonstrate his global impact and recognition as a leading voice in trauma treatment.
Peter A. Levine is a member of several professional societies, including the American Psychological Association, Humanistic Psychological Association, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, reflecting his engagement with the broader psychological and trauma-focused communities. He holds certifications as a Fellow and Diplomat of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and The American Institute of Stress, and is also a Diplomat of the American Board of Stress Practitioners, validating his expertise and credentials in the field.
In conclusion, Peter A. Levine’s career is a testament to his pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to understanding and healing trauma. Through Somatic Experiencing, his extensive publications, and his global teaching and presentations, Peter A. Levine has profoundly influenced the field of trauma therapy. His work continues to inspire and guide clinicians and individuals seeking to understand and overcome the impacts of trauma, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in somatic psychology and trauma resolution.
