About Us

The International Trauma-Healing Institute (ITI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals, communities, and professionals in healing the deep wounds of psychological and emotional trauma. Founded on the principles of compassion, scientific research, and cultural sensitivity, ITHI works across borders to restore dignity, resilience, and wholeness to those affected by trauma.

Our history

The Evolution of Somatic Experiencing®: A Journey of Healing and Innovation

Early 1970s: Development of Somatic Experiencing

Dr. Peter A. Levine, a neurophysiologist and psychologist, began exploring how trauma impacts the body and nervous system. Inspired by both personal experiences and studies of animals in the wild, he discovered that trauma is often stored in the body—not just the mind. This realization laid the foundation for Somatic Experiencing® and sparked a multidisciplinary journey into physiology, psychology, biology, and neuroscience.

1994: Founding of the Foundation for Human Enrichment

Dr. Levine founded the Foundation for Human Enrichment, now known as Somatic Experiencing® International (SEI), to offer global training and research in the SE™ approach.

2017: Randomized Controlled Outcome Study

A groundbreaking study titled “Somatic Experiencing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Outcome Study” was published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress. Led by researchers including Gina Ross, Danny Brom, and others, the study demonstrated SE™’s effectiveness in treating PTSD and regulating nervous system responses to trauma.

2024: 30th Anniversary of SEI

In 2024, Somatic Experiencing® International marked its 30th anniversary—celebrating three decades of training practitioners worldwide and advancing the science and practice of body-based trauma resolution.