by Peter A. Levine · 1997
Introduces Somatic Experiencing and the biology of trauma responses; accessible and widely recommended in EMDR and SE circles.
Best for: Clients new to somatic trauma approaches seeking a readable, body-oriented introduction.
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Introduces Somatic Experiencing and the biology of trauma responses; accessible and widely recommended in EMDR and SE circles.
Levine's introduction to how trauma lodges in the nervous system draws on the freeze-and-discharge response seen in the wild. A gentle entry point for clients curious about the body-based side of trauma and EMDR work, before or alongside therapy.
Best for: Clients new to somatic trauma approaches seeking a readable, body-oriented introduction.
A note. This is reading material, not clinical treatment. If you’re working through something difficult, books complement therapy — they don’t replace it. Book a session with our team for personalised support.
More books in trauma, emdr & ptsd.
Bessel van der Kolk
The most-recommended book on trauma in modern psychology.
Francine Shapiro
EMDR explained by its founder, for general readers.
Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
Reframes trauma through "what happened to you?" rather than "what's wrong with you?"
Gabor Maté
Gabor Maté on how Western culture itself shapes trauma, addiction, and chronic illness.
Peter A. Levine
A deeper dive into the neuroscience underpinning Somatic Experiencing — ideal for clients ready to go beyond the basics.
Judith Herman
A foundational psychiatric text on complex trauma and PTSD — still the gold standard for understanding complex trauma conceptually.
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