In an Unspoken Voice

How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness

By: Peter A. Levine Ph.D., Gabor Maté - introduction MD

Narrated by: Ed Nash

Discover the body’s innate power to heal from trauma—the classic, life-changing guide to trauma recovery from the creator of Somatic Experiencing® (SE)

Unraveling trauma in body, brain, and spirit—a revolution in treatment and beloved global bestseller

In In an Unspoken Voice, renowned trauma expert Peter A. Levine, PhD, reveals how the body holds the key to recovering from complex trauma and experiences that overwhelm our nervous systems, from adverse childhood experiences to PTSD . Drawing on decades of clinical practice, personal stories, case studies, and trauma science, Dr. Levine shows that trauma can be healed—if we can learn to listen to our bodies’ innate, unspoken wisdom.

Through vivid accounts—from his own near-fatal accident to the journeys of clients grappling with their own traumas and scars—you’ll learn how our nervous systems respond to threat; why trauma can leave us “stuck” in fear and numbness; and, most importantly, how to restore resilience and heal toward empowered, mind-body wholeness. This book explains:

• How shaking, trembling, and instinctive movements are essential embodied responses—and can help us release trauma safely and effectively
• The biological “map” of flight, flight, freeze, and collapse—and how to break free from paralyzing experiences of fear and trauma
• Practical steps and evidence-based exercises to help you gently discharge survival energy
• How to reawaken your natural capacity for self-regulation
• The SIBAM—Sensation, Image, Behavior, Affect, and Meaning—model for integrating fragmented experiences
• Real-life wisdom and insights from case studies of survivors

In an Unspoken Voice is a compassionate, deeply human, and revelatory look at trauma and what it takes to heal—and shows you that you already have the embodied tools and wisdom to do so.

Casual misogyny makes it awkward

Wile I am grateful for Dr Levine’s work that normalizes shaking as an appropriate and healthy response to trauma, I’m disappointed by his casual misogyny and urge him to peel back these layers of his conditioning in order to better communicate with and treat women.

The story of Picasso as predator using a woman’s freeze instinct to immobilize her described as “consensual” is problematic. Especially coming from a therapist who has worked with victims of rape - although his description of this work does seem to only apply to “stranger” rape. The trauma inflicted by Picasso on the women in his life is well known. https://www.artspace.com/magazine/interviews_features/art-politics/the_picasso_problem_why_we_shouldnt_separate_the_art_from_the_artists_misogyny-55120

I’m going to continue to listen, hoping Dr Levine will redeem himself. I’ll update if he does.

Fascinating ideas! Interesting read!

I loved everything about the idea of needing to physically “shake off” a traumatic experience to be able to move through it and incorporate it. Somatic experiences are valid, and this artfully explains the mechanism behind these types of ailments.

amazing

everyone should read this book! it's incredibly informative and completely life changing. buy it today.

Life changing book!

Absolutely amazing book which gives tremendous insight into PTSD, emotional and physical trauma. I have read it and just listen to the entire book. I realize I missed many details. I will probably listen to it again and also other books by Peter Levine. Outstanding!

It's all based on body awareness

This was a really interesting audiobook on how to heal from trauma and how to be emotionally/mentally healthier in general. I think it could be helpful for mental health professionals as well as the interested lay person. Levine draws a lot on the study of animal behavior & neuroscience, as well as his extensive clinical & research experience. He also includes discussions of the role spirituality plays in healing from trauma.