What do you think?
Rate this book
An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey
An intimate memoir from Peter Levine, renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing and bestselling author of Waking the Tiger
• Shares the author’s personal journey to heal his severe childhood trauma as well as his breakthroughs on the path to create Somatic Experiencing
• Explores how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor, only to discover a profound real-life connection to him through his mother
• Explains how the SE method is derived from the author’s studies of animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and 50 years of clinical observations
In this intimate memoir, renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing Peter A. Levine shares his personal journey to heal his own severe childhood trauma as well as offering profound insights into the evolution of his innovative trauma healing method.
Casting himself as a modern-day Chiron, the wounded healer of Greek mythology, Dr. Levine describes, in graphic detail, the violence of his childhood juxtaposed with specific happy and exuberant memories, which helped him prepare for coming to terms with his horrifying experiences. He shares his inner experience of being guided through Somatic Experiencing (SE) to illuminate and untangle his traumatic wounds and describes the mysterious and unexpected dreams and visions that have guided him through his life’s work. Exploring his dream visitations from Albert Einstein in depth, he explains how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor and how he later discovered his own personal and profound real-life connection to him through his mother.
Describing his breakthroughs in developing Somatic Experiencing, the author details how he helped thousands of others before resolving his own trauma years later with the support of his method. He explains how the SE method is derived from his studies of wild animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and more than 50 years of clinical observations. He describes his education and career as well as his encounters with noteworthy figures such as somaticists Charlotte Selver and Ida Rolf, ethological zoologist Nikolas Tinbergen, and autism pioneer Mira Rothenberg.
Unveiling the inner story of the man who changed the way psychologists, doctors, and healers understand and treat the wounds of trauma and abuse, this autobiography reveals how anyone suffering from trauma has a valuable story to tell. And by telling our stories, we can catalyze the return of hope, dignity, and wholeness.
• Shares the author’s personal journey to heal his severe childhood trauma as well as his breakthroughs on the path to create Somatic Experiencing
• Explores how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor, only to discover a profound real-life connection to him through his mother
• Explains how the SE method is derived from the author’s studies of animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and 50 years of clinical observations
In this intimate memoir, renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing Peter A. Levine shares his personal journey to heal his own severe childhood trauma as well as offering profound insights into the evolution of his innovative trauma healing method.
Casting himself as a modern-day Chiron, the wounded healer of Greek mythology, Dr. Levine describes, in graphic detail, the violence of his childhood juxtaposed with specific happy and exuberant memories, which helped him prepare for coming to terms with his horrifying experiences. He shares his inner experience of being guided through Somatic Experiencing (SE) to illuminate and untangle his traumatic wounds and describes the mysterious and unexpected dreams and visions that have guided him through his life’s work. Exploring his dream visitations from Albert Einstein in depth, he explains how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor and how he later discovered his own personal and profound real-life connection to him through his mother.
Describing his breakthroughs in developing Somatic Experiencing, the author details how he helped thousands of others before resolving his own trauma years later with the support of his method. He explains how the SE method is derived from his studies of wild animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and more than 50 years of clinical observations. He describes his education and career as well as his encounters with noteworthy figures such as somaticists Charlotte Selver and Ida Rolf, ethological zoologist Nikolas Tinbergen, and autism pioneer Mira Rothenberg.
Unveiling the inner story of the man who changed the way psychologists, doctors, and healers understand and treat the wounds of trauma and abuse, this autobiography reveals how anyone suffering from trauma has a valuable story to tell. And by telling our stories, we can catalyze the return of hope, dignity, and wholeness.
200 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
145 people are currently reading
2316 people want to read
About the author
Peter A. Levine
49 books1,062 followersPeter A.Levine, Ph.D. is the originator and developer of Somatic Experiencing® and the Director of The Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. He holds doctorate degrees in Medical Biophysics and in Psychology. During his thirty five-year study of stress and trauma, Dr. Levine has contributed to a variety of scientific and popular publications.
Dr. Levine was a stress consultant for NASA during the development of the Space Shuttle, and has taught at treatment centers, hospitals and pain clinics throughout the world, as well as at the Hopi Guidance Center in Arizona. Peter served on the World, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, presidents’ initiative on responding to large scale disasters and ethno-political warfare. His best selling book, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, is published in 20 languages.
Peter A. Levine received his Ph.D. in medical biophysics from the University of California at Berkeley, and also holds a doctorate in psychology from International University. He has worked in the field of stress and trauma for over 40 years and is the developer of “Somatic Experiencing.”
He teaches trainings in this work throughout the world. He has taught at various indigenous cultures including the Hopi Guidance center in Second Mesa Arizona. Peter has been stress consultant for NASA in the development of the first Space Shuttle. He was a member of the Institute of World Affairs Task Force with “Psychologists for Social Responsibility” and served on the APA initiative for response to large scale disaster and Ethno-political warfare. He is on the ‘distinguished faculty’ of Santa Barbara Graduate Institute.
Peter is the author of the best selling book Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, (published in twenty languages) as well as four audio learning series for Sounds True including the book CD, Healing Trauma, a Pioneering Program in Restoring the Wisdom of Our Bodies; and Sexual Healing, Transforming the Sacred Wound. He is the co-author of Trauma through a Child’s Eyes, Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing, and Trauma-Proofing Your Kids, A Parents Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy and Resilience. Most recently, he has published In An Unspoken Voice, How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness.
Description courtesy of Trauma Healing.
http://www.somaticexperiencingnyc.com...
Dr. Levine was a stress consultant for NASA during the development of the Space Shuttle, and has taught at treatment centers, hospitals and pain clinics throughout the world, as well as at the Hopi Guidance Center in Arizona. Peter served on the World, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, presidents’ initiative on responding to large scale disasters and ethno-political warfare. His best selling book, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, is published in 20 languages.
Peter A. Levine received his Ph.D. in medical biophysics from the University of California at Berkeley, and also holds a doctorate in psychology from International University. He has worked in the field of stress and trauma for over 40 years and is the developer of “Somatic Experiencing.”
He teaches trainings in this work throughout the world. He has taught at various indigenous cultures including the Hopi Guidance center in Second Mesa Arizona. Peter has been stress consultant for NASA in the development of the first Space Shuttle. He was a member of the Institute of World Affairs Task Force with “Psychologists for Social Responsibility” and served on the APA initiative for response to large scale disaster and Ethno-political warfare. He is on the ‘distinguished faculty’ of Santa Barbara Graduate Institute.
Peter is the author of the best selling book Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, (published in twenty languages) as well as four audio learning series for Sounds True including the book CD, Healing Trauma, a Pioneering Program in Restoring the Wisdom of Our Bodies; and Sexual Healing, Transforming the Sacred Wound. He is the co-author of Trauma through a Child’s Eyes, Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing, and Trauma-Proofing Your Kids, A Parents Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy and Resilience. Most recently, he has published In An Unspoken Voice, How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness.
Description courtesy of Trauma Healing.
http://www.somaticexperiencingnyc.com...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 1, 2024
This was okay. I have admired Peter Levine's work, and he refers to other professionals who have pioneered work I use in my practice, like Stephen Porges. I supposed it's part of his journey, but there was a lot of name dropping that I didn't find particularly interesting. There's quite a bit of self-interest and ego that is evident, which one would expect with someone this famous, but it's always a little disappointing when professionals who come across as tremendously compassionate reveal so much hubris and bravado, because the reality is that many people are brilliant and just don't work at climbing the ladder. This is probably my ignorance talking, but this was my impression.
July 4, 2025
I have infinite respect for Peter Levine and have been very inspired by his work, and I was really excited to read this autobiography, but I found myself grimacing throughout the book. I'll just touch on a few things I struggled with and why I won't be recommending this.
The descriptions of his or his mentors' work are saturated with flowery adjectives and lack any real explanation about what is being done. I would have loved to read more about what was actually happening, rather than vague descriptions of someone's magical and innate healing abilities. You probably need a good understanding of somatic experiencing and of trauma in general to read this book, yet if you have that understanding, this books adds nothing new to the conversation, or at least, it didn't for me.
I do posit that maybe this book just isn't for me, because, forgive me, I never want to hear about anyone slowly penetrating anyones yoni in a book about healing childhood trauma, or healing a cold unemotional childhood by imagining 'nurturance in the form of warm, vanilla flavored milk coming from a welcoming, full breast.' This book is heavily steeped in Peter's spiritual life and views, and whilst that is not for me, that is entirely subjective, and I recognise that plenty of people will relate to his experiences of dream interpretation and sychronicities.
It also just doesn't really reflect any of my experiences of trauma really. His healing seems to be a series of large spiritual moments, in which the universe is revealed and moments of trauma are magically healed. I am genuinely glad he had these experiences, and it was interesting to read about, but it spoke nothing of the journeys of myself, my clients, or friends.
I had a couple of issues that one might gloss over owing to Peter's age, but that are worth mentioning. He exoticises people of colour ('beautiful, strong, yet tender black man,' 'sensuous lively brazilians'), and there are moments of sexism that make me raise an eyebrow. He suggests that the women of his life helped to connect him to his body and emotions, whilst his male mentors inspired him scientifically and academically. He repeatedly refers to his mothers assault as 'she felt raped', 'her perceived rape', which strikes me as incredibly bizarre. These moments were frequent enough to warrant a mention.
Overall, there were moments that were interesting to read about, but I finished the book feeling mostly confused and unsure what the purpose of the memoir had been. I still love other books he has written and will continue to recommend those, but this wasn't the one for me.
The descriptions of his or his mentors' work are saturated with flowery adjectives and lack any real explanation about what is being done. I would have loved to read more about what was actually happening, rather than vague descriptions of someone's magical and innate healing abilities. You probably need a good understanding of somatic experiencing and of trauma in general to read this book, yet if you have that understanding, this books adds nothing new to the conversation, or at least, it didn't for me.
I do posit that maybe this book just isn't for me, because, forgive me, I never want to hear about anyone slowly penetrating anyones yoni in a book about healing childhood trauma, or healing a cold unemotional childhood by imagining 'nurturance in the form of warm, vanilla flavored milk coming from a welcoming, full breast.' This book is heavily steeped in Peter's spiritual life and views, and whilst that is not for me, that is entirely subjective, and I recognise that plenty of people will relate to his experiences of dream interpretation and sychronicities.
It also just doesn't really reflect any of my experiences of trauma really. His healing seems to be a series of large spiritual moments, in which the universe is revealed and moments of trauma are magically healed. I am genuinely glad he had these experiences, and it was interesting to read about, but it spoke nothing of the journeys of myself, my clients, or friends.
I had a couple of issues that one might gloss over owing to Peter's age, but that are worth mentioning. He exoticises people of colour ('beautiful, strong, yet tender black man,' 'sensuous lively brazilians'), and there are moments of sexism that make me raise an eyebrow. He suggests that the women of his life helped to connect him to his body and emotions, whilst his male mentors inspired him scientifically and academically. He repeatedly refers to his mothers assault as 'she felt raped', 'her perceived rape', which strikes me as incredibly bizarre. These moments were frequent enough to warrant a mention.
Overall, there were moments that were interesting to read about, but I finished the book feeling mostly confused and unsure what the purpose of the memoir had been. I still love other books he has written and will continue to recommend those, but this wasn't the one for me.
July 25, 2024
Very good read! Very helpful
Getting to read Levine's story was very helpful and in ways healing . Thank you for being vulnerable Peter Levine and helping so many.
Getting to read Levine's story was very helpful and in ways healing . Thank you for being vulnerable Peter Levine and helping so many.
February 5, 2025
Sincere appreciation for Peter Levine to share his life expereince and how Somatic Experiencing evolved.
His last line reads: "May you also tell your story." Beautiful!
His last line reads: "May you also tell your story." Beautiful!
May 24, 2024
Especially in light of the recent loss of Sue Johnson, the loss of other great heroes of mine and pioneers in the field looms large. The fact that Peter Levine is already 82 breaks my heart.
It’s an honour to read so much about this one, precious life that has touched the world. I could feel so much of what Peter was writing about in this book in my body. And I know it’s only through his work and writing that I’m aware of the sensations in my body. It’s because of his work that I live a richer, fuller, more embodied life. For all he has done, in spite of and because of his flaws, I appreciate Peter for sharing his story. May we all take up the mantle and carry on his incredible work.
It’s an honour to read so much about this one, precious life that has touched the world. I could feel so much of what Peter was writing about in this book in my body. And I know it’s only through his work and writing that I’m aware of the sensations in my body. It’s because of his work that I live a richer, fuller, more embodied life. For all he has done, in spite of and because of his flaws, I appreciate Peter for sharing his story. May we all take up the mantle and carry on his incredible work.
October 19, 2025
Peter Levine heeft waardevol en Inspirerend werk gedaan, de somatic experience therapie is in de basis ook erg herkenbaar in de haptotherapie, mijn vak. De wijsheid van het lichaam en de kracht van de bottom-up benadering van trauma. Net als de boeken van Bessel van der Kolk en Gabor Matté, heel belangrijk en bevestigend
Dit boek is een persoonlijke memoire met onthulling plus wetenschap en spiritualiteit. Zijn ervaring van synchroniciteit en magische rendez-vous-tjes met Albert Einstein. Gedurft en eerlijk. Tja en ik vond in zijn missie en opdracht ook iets te veel prestatie en ego doorschemeren.
Het boek is volgens mij ook warrig en lelijk geschreven, alsof hij het zo hatseflats heeft neergekrabbeld. Zal niet zo zijn, maar zo voelde het tijdens het lezen. Ik geniet van taal en woorden en ik hecht aan kleurige zorgvuldigheid en creativiteit.
Dus. Hm.
Mijn verwachtingen waren hoog want zijn boek ‘De Tijger ontwaakt’ heeft me diep geraakt en als mensgerichte therapeut ook geïnspireerd. Daar hoopte ik nu ook op. Helaas was ik na lezen dit boekje een beetje teleurgesteld.
Dit boek is een persoonlijke memoire met onthulling plus wetenschap en spiritualiteit. Zijn ervaring van synchroniciteit en magische rendez-vous-tjes met Albert Einstein. Gedurft en eerlijk. Tja en ik vond in zijn missie en opdracht ook iets te veel prestatie en ego doorschemeren.
Het boek is volgens mij ook warrig en lelijk geschreven, alsof hij het zo hatseflats heeft neergekrabbeld. Zal niet zo zijn, maar zo voelde het tijdens het lezen. Ik geniet van taal en woorden en ik hecht aan kleurige zorgvuldigheid en creativiteit.
Dus. Hm.
Mijn verwachtingen waren hoog want zijn boek ‘De Tijger ontwaakt’ heeft me diep geraakt en als mensgerichte therapeut ook geïnspireerd. Daar hoopte ik nu ook op. Helaas was ik na lezen dit boekje een beetje teleurgesteld.
December 13, 2024
I think my 2 star review is not necessarily fair because I DNF the book at 38% but that’s what I’m going with anyway. Although the word “autobiography” is in the title, I was still shocked when the author talked about his own traumatic story, perhaps because of how he discussed it? He did provide a warning so if you wanted to avoid the more disturbing details you probably could. I was definitely concerned regarding secondary trauma. For me, and likely lots of other readers, his story was just too much. I agree with most of his ideas/theory so I wanted to get to the end but the style prohibited me from getting through it. I’m not sure if I recommend this book or not, I guess I’d say check it out and see. I am also not sure I would ever go back and finish it but I might be open to trying again at a later time, maybe? I will see what happens.
September 6, 2024
I will only recommend this book to someone who has a basic knowledge of somatic experience (SE).
As this book is written in the context of autobiography, it contains story with fine details of trauma
Peter Levine had suffered, along with his inner experience making connections between his physical
and spiritual realms. It might not be suitable for someone who struggles to understand the definition
of somatic experience and how body and mind is connected as one from a Science perspective.
However, if the reader likes to have a SE perspective with a spiritual element and serves as an
inspiration and guide, this will be a highly recommended book.
As this book is written in the context of autobiography, it contains story with fine details of trauma
Peter Levine had suffered, along with his inner experience making connections between his physical
and spiritual realms. It might not be suitable for someone who struggles to understand the definition
of somatic experience and how body and mind is connected as one from a Science perspective.
However, if the reader likes to have a SE perspective with a spiritual element and serves as an
inspiration and guide, this will be a highly recommended book.
Read
December 8, 2025Peter Levine is candid in An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey. He shares about himself, his pains, and his family dynamics as well. I’d previously read In an Unspoken Voice and Trauma and Memory. (I’ve not read Waking the Tiger, though it is the book for which he is most well-known.) While I don’t frequently read biographies, I wanted to understand how Levine was able to develop his theories and to understand his back story.
Read more
Read more
July 4, 2024
With raw honesty and vulnerability, one of today's pioneers in trauma treatment shares his own personal experience with a horrific childhood trauma. He includes insights that led to his theories in somatic healing, but rarely veers from writing with an open heart. An Autobiography of Trauma invites readers in as friends and fellow travelers, and ultimately brings a deeper insight into his other more academic works.
August 21, 2024
This is not Peter Levine‘s best book, however, for me (as an SE practitioner) the most inspiring. He not only tells his very personal story, but also the SE story - which is so closely linked to him.
This autobiography also encourages me to continue on my personal path, which is exciting and beautiful, but sometimes not so easy… and this is what life is, I guess.
This autobiography also encourages me to continue on my personal path, which is exciting and beautiful, but sometimes not so easy… and this is what life is, I guess.
December 30, 2024
I think Peter articulated a lot of what I’ve felt in my body and mind. He has a deep understanding of trauma and healing. I appreciated getting an overview of his life, challenges and all. I am surprised at how intimate the details of his story are that he shared. He is a brave soul. Reading how he has grown and overcome is inspiring.
February 2, 2025
I’ve become really interested in the ways we might hold ourselves back from opportunities or ways of being… this was an interesting perspective from the founder of somatic work. Appreciated his vulnerability and especially the fusion of many fields of study; that’s usually where the most interesting stuff happens.
June 13, 2025
There were a few really intriguing testing points but for the most part had to push through to get to the end. Enjoyed his message of sharing our own stories. And the studies on generational fear of a scent that ancestors had associated with trauma. And the note about placebos and psychoneuroimmunology. His dream dinners with Einstein were interesting to read about too.
April 11, 2024
Truly inspiring
This gave me bumps as reading some harrowing experiences and the life long journey to healing our inner selves connecting with our inner child both through experience and our body. An absolute joy and intriguing read.
This gave me bumps as reading some harrowing experiences and the life long journey to healing our inner selves connecting with our inner child both through experience and our body. An absolute joy and intriguing read.
February 23, 2025
I loved this book so much. Peter Levine is the pioneer of Somatic Experience therapy and the author of many books. This one is so personal as he shares intimate details of his story woven together with how he found his way to his ideas on trauma healing. I devoured it in two days.
June 21, 2025
Me gusta leer autobiografias, pero de éste libro destaqué más las citas a otros autores que la historia que cuenta. Se pone más interesante al final, pero igualmente no es un libro muy recomendable, salvo para quienes siguen al autor, que es el creador de la terapia Somatic Experience.
July 23, 2025
i was curious about somatic experiencing and thought reading about the founder would give me some insight into this therapeutic practice. it felt like a lot of woo woo, and some of his language disturbed me.
August 22, 2024
A great overview of Levine's personal journey and those who influenced him along the way. Don't neglect to read his books that focus on understanding Trauma and it's treatment.
November 1, 2024
Compassionate insight to Peter Levine's story and how he has become a champion for the trauma community.
December 24, 2024
Ever met someone who’s a little too self important? Couldn’t finish it …
Read
February 10, 2025I don’t rate autobiographies… but this was amazing 🐅
February 19, 2025
It makes me want to give him a hug.
August 9, 2024
Excellent book. I'm grateful to Peter Levine for sharing his life with us.
September 3, 2025
Een groots en meeslepend leven, dat had Peter Levine. Ik vraag me daarbij wel af: hoe is het mogelijk dat iemand gebeurtenissen en gevoelens van 10-tallen jaren geleden zo helder en gedetailleerd voor de geest kan halen? 🤔 Maar, een kniesoor die daar op let. Prachtig boek!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews