Peter M. Bernstein, PhD

As I indicated last week, this month we’re going to be revisiting some of the incredible interviews on the podcast. This episode with Peter Bernstein has to be included. Peter lays bare in an open, honest and inspiring way the struggles and joys of one person’s journey from high school dropout to becoming a trauma therapist. This episode provided me with so much inspiration for the work I do. I hope you’ll find it equally as inspiring.

Peter M. Bernstein, PhD, FAPA, MFT is founder and director of the Bernstein Institute for Trauma Treatment in Petaluma, CA. In private practice since 1974, Peter holds a doctorate in clinical psychology as a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Dr. Bernstein specializes in the field of emotional and physical trauma and is the author of Trauma: Healing the Hidden Epidemic. A veteran of the Vietnam War era, Peter completed advanced infantry training at Fort Ord on the Monterey peninsula.

The Bernstein Institute offers individual, couples, and group therapy and uses Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy (RMFR), a unique and proprietary modality developed by Dr. Bernstein for healing trauma, PTS, and other behavioral health issues.

The Quote

Adversity introduces a man or women to him or herself.
Heard at a Navy SEAL graduation

What Led to the Specialization of Trauma?

Peter shares the incredible story of his life and how that led him to where he is today. You must listen to this again.

A Crucial Early Mistake

Peter says that when he began doing psychotherapy he felt he was too prideful, too arrogant and felt that what he knew was better than what anyone else knew. It took me years to learn this was wrong.

Peter’s Why

Peter’s life story is his reason for why he does this work.

Peter’s Advice

• You have to be for real. Seek help for your own traumas and put a great deal of emphasis on this part of training.
• Understand and realize that you’re no different from your patients.
• Getting into trauma treatment is tough. Think hard about it because this work is hard and confusing.
• Unless you’re willing to break through your own attitudes, you’re going to be in trouble in a very short time.

Peter’s go-to books

• Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, Peter A. Levine
• Trauma: Healing the Hidden Epidemic, Peter M Bernstein PhD
• Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, Eric Blehm
• American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, Chris Kyle
• The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs), Eugene H. Peterson
• Man in the Trap, Elsworth F. Baker
• The Stress of Life, Hans Selye

Sponsors

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The Trauma Therapist Project Resources

1. My First Online Course: Inner-Work For The New Trauma Worker.
2. 7-Day, $1 Trial of Trauma Therapist | 2.0, the place for new trauma workers.
3. Coaching: One On One With Guy. For new trauma workers starting out on their trauma-informed journey looking for guidance, direction, and confidence.
4. Free Ebook From Audible.com