108: Trauma & Bodywork (with Peter Levine)

Legendary trauma pioneer Peter Levine PhD talks with Til Luchau about how bodyworkers might recognize trauma, and, how can they be most helpful with its effects. Along the way, Dr Levine reflects on topics such as his own training with Ida Rolf (the originator of Rolfing® Structural Integration), scope of practice considerations for bodyworkers, self-care and much more.

Watch the video and get the full transcript of their conversation on Til or Whitney's sites: 

• Til Luchau’s Advanced-Trainings.com 
• Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage

Topics:

- Introduction to The Thinking Practitioner Podcast (0:00)
- Sponsorship by ABMP (1:20)
- Sponsorship by Advanced Trainings (2:40)
- Introduction of Dr. Peter Levine (3:30)
- Dr. Levine's background and work in somatic experiencing (4:30)
- The role of the nervous system in trauma (7:00)
- The importance of the vagus nerve in trauma response (9:30)
- The difference between healed and unhealed trauma (13:00)
- How bodyworkers can recognize and address trauma in their clients (15:30)
- The importance of creating safety and connection in the therapeutic relationship (19:00)
- The role of bodyworkers in addressing trauma (22:00)
- The importance of self-care for healthcare professionals working with trauma (26:00)
- The role of ritual and ceremony in healing trauma (30:00)
- The impact of trauma on the world and the importance of addressing it (35:00)
- Resources for learning more about trauma and somatic experiencing (38:00)
- Closing remarks and sponsorships (40:00)

Resources:

• Til's Facebook post: If you could ask Peter Levine anything...
• Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing® site
• Preorder Peter Levine's upcoming An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey

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• Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout at booksofdiscovery.com.
• ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking. 
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About Whitney Lowe  |  About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com
(The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)