Peter Levine

by Josh Graham, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Pioneers of Human Peter Levine
A Gateway to His Life, Theories, and Legacy

Trauma is everywhere — but so too is the possibility of healing. Few thinkers have done more to reveal this truth than Peter A. Levine, the creator of Somatic Experiencing and one of the world’s most influential voices on trauma recovery. His work has changed how therapists, doctors, educators, and ordinary people understand the link between body and mind.

This concise yet powerful volume distils Levine’s life and from his childhood curiosity and scientific training, to the creation of Somatic Experiencing, to his global influence on trauma studies. Along the way, it explores the landmark books — Waking the Tiger, In an Unspoken Voice, Trauma and Memory — that helped shift trauma from a hidden wound into a conversation of hope and resilience.

Alongside an accessible exploration of Levine’s theories, you’ll
How his early observations of animals shaped a new understanding of trauma
Why trauma is less about events and more about unfinished survival responses
The principles of Somatic Experiencing — titration, pendulation, and completion
The ways his ideas have been applied in therapy, medicine, disaster relief, and education
The criticisms and debates that continue to shape trauma research
How Levine reframed trauma not only as damage, but as a potential path to transformation

Part biography, part theory guide, part reflection on legacy, this book provides both clarity and inspiration. Whether you are a student of psychology, a practitioner, or someone seeking to understand trauma in your own life, it offers a gateway into one of the most compassionate and transformative voices of our time.

The Pioneers of Human Behaviour series celebrates the lives and legacies of psychology’s greatest minds, presenting timeless insights in a format designed to inspire, inform, and endure.

Audible Audio

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

I write about the mind because it’s where change begins. I earned a First-Class BSc in Psychology, I’m completing an MA in Mental Health Sciences, and I’ve spent years working directly in the mental-health field—supporting people as they build regulation, self-belief, and more stable daily lives. The work is personal to me too; I’ve faced my own mental-health challenges, so I write for clarity, honesty, and real-world use.

My Pioneers of Human Behaviour series explores the lives and legacies of psychology’s greats—from Freud and Jung to Maslow, Rogers, and Bessel van der Kolk—blending biography, theory, and practical application. Each book is a gateway into their ideas and a mirror for our own growth.

I also served in the Royal Air Force, an experience that shaped my discipline and respect for resilience. These days, Vipassana meditation and strength training are my daily teachers: attention, patience, and progress under pressure. Beyond Pioneers, I also write Navigating Mental Health, Everyday Mindfulness, and Mindful Moments Bedtime Stories—books designed to help readers find steadiness, meaning, and tools they can use today.

If you’re drawn to deep psychology, real-world resilience, and becoming more fully yourself—welcome.