Healing Trauma: Helping Trauma Patients Feel Safe Again

When treating trauma, it is important to help clients not only to process their experiences in session, but also to develop a sense of safety when they're on their own.

That's why Peter Levine, PhD, shares two practical, body-oriented techniques that clients can use to feel safe outside of the session.

The somatic techniques Peter Levine offers in this video can help your client if they struggle with sleeplessness or nightmares. They can also help to calm negative feelings and give the client a sense of boundary within their body.

These are simple methods that you can immediately add to your toolbox for the treatment of trauma.

NICABM - Better Outcomes. More Quickly.

[davidgilbert]

I'm a therapist who works largely with trauma, using Emotional Freedom Techniques, IEP, poly vagal exercises, and some aspects of Eden Energy medicine among others. Much of my work is rooted in working with the somatic aspects of their traumas AND their belief systems, as well as restoring their own appropriate boundaries. Physical, emotional and energetic. I love these little tweaks to help clients become aware of their physical being and physical containment. Thanks for this.

[Fiawordweaver]

Thank you. I am a patient and this is very helpful (71 years of age and still needing help on my journey)

[tinaball]

I’m going to use these with kids in schools! I share social, emotional and mindfulness tools with K-8 students, parents and staff. The last few years my focus has been to try and reach those kids who don’t have safety and connection at home. Who isn’t experiencing some level of trauma, at least viscerally through their caregivers? Thank you for these profound tools to add to our everyday skills for living in the world today!

[hazelivory]

Helpful I did the hand over my chest and forehead and instantly felt more comfortable with my eyes closed and realized, I am going through actual trauma once you stated people who feel unsafe keep their eyes closed 😔 all the confirmation I needed… thank you for verify im not feeling crazy.

[seabee]

Thank you Dr Levine.
I have watched several of your videos, and found the methods suggested, are Very helpful in calming the nervous system, assisting recovery, and reestablishing a state of presence within the body. Often providing prompt relief Without adding prescription medication.
These Tools are essential and beneficial for so many.

In fact, my 98 yr old father who suffers from dementia and often becomes confused and combative, has been very receptive to similar calming techniques.
Thank you for sharing and giving us back our power.

[joanebel]

Thank you. Helpful to do. Appreciate all your helpful, insightful videos.

[victoriasmith]

Yes I will definitely use these techniques with clients. Thank you.

[videomobscene]

Techniques that help according to specialist, Peter Levine:
2 min 55 arms wrap,
4 min 05 sec hands,
5 min 25 sec. tapping,
Trauma people have a whole in their boundary. We need help them re-discover their physical boundaries.

[luticia]

I totally freak out when I do these 2 exercises. I tried them 2 or 3 times. I can‘t handle them not even a second. I feel panic. Very strange.

[soniczforever]

Going out today was a HUGE mistake and I won't be doing that again in a hurry.

[beckyjones]

I never feel safe any where but the pysch unit.