In The Company of Giants

The Masters Series Oxford 2024 is coming soon!

Last September 2023, I had the extraordinary privilege of immersing myself in the wisdom of three pioneering minds in the field of trauma and mental health.

Drs. Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, and Bessel van der Kolk, leaders in their respective fields, shared the stage for the first time in over a decade. Their presentations were a celebration of profound connections and shared commitments to healing. The camaraderie, laughter, and mutual respect they exhibited were a testament to their deep bonds and collective mission.

Engaging with these luminaries over six transformative hours offered a vivid contrast to the 2-D nature of online learning! The tangible excitement and joy of direct interaction served as a powerful testament to the unique value of face-to-face educational experiences.

What sets these scholars apart is not merely their extensive accolades. It is their unique blend of academic rigor and clinical experience, underpinned by a humble quest to understand the intricacies of healing. Their shared goal is not only to advance knowledge but to leverage that knowledge for the greater good.

“Trauma is perhaps the most avoided, ignored, belittled, denied, misunderstood, and untreated cause of human suffering.” — Peter A Levine, PhD

Dr. Peter Levine, with his dual PhDs in Biophysics and Psychology, has revolutionised trauma therapy with his development of Somatic Experiencing, a method that addresses the neurobiological impact of trauma. Stephen Porges, a Professor of Psychiatry, has introduced the world to the Polyvagal Theory, shedding light on the neural bases of emotional regulation and social connection. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a pioneering psychiatrist, leads the Trauma Research Foundation, focusing on innovative treatments for traumatic stress.

Their collective work has reshaped our understanding of trauma's pervasive impact on physical and mental health. Dr. Levine's insights into trauma as a physiological phenomenon, Porges's exploration of neural pathways of safety and threat, and van der Kolk's focus on embodiment as a pathway to healing have together charted new territories in therapeutic approaches.

Levine's perspective on trauma emphasizes the body's innate healing capabilities, steering away from a sole focus on past events. This approach, along with Porges's and van der Kolk's contributions, highlight the importance of safety, co-regulation, and the presence of empathetic witnesses in the healing journey.

The conference transcended the confines of an academic symposium, emerging as a beacon of hope for individuals affected by trauma. 

Dr. Levine's poignant observation contains so much insight and encapsulates the essence of their shared message.

"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness,"  — Dr. Levine, PhD

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More than an educational event

The Master Series was an invitation to be part of a formidable movement towards healing and understanding. The complexities of the human condition were laid bare, yet the opportunity to alleviate suffering through decades of accumulated research and wisdom was profoundly inspiring.

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Participating in this event was an enriching and transformative journey, qualities not typically associated with a conference!

It was a privilege to be part of such a momentous assembly, showcasing the remarkable influence of unified compassion and endeavour towards fostering healing and growth.

For those that want to explore these trailblazers in more depth:

• Peter Levine, PhD: Ergos Institute of Somatic Education
• ‍Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences ‍
• Stephen Porges, PhD: Polyvagal Institute‍
• Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us ‍
• Bessel van der Kolk. M.D.: Trauma Research Foundation ‍
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma

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The Master Series

The Master Series 2024 is only a few months away.

To learn more about the largest Trauma and Mental Health Conference in Europe check out...

• The Master Series Oxford 2024