Trauma in the Public Eye VII
A Live 3-Day Experiential Workshop
Presented by Betsy Polatin & Peter A. Levine, PhD
Downtown Los Angeles, CA | November 7–9, 2025
After powerful sessions in London, New York, Los Angeles, and online, this will be the seventh time this workshop is offered by Betsy and Peter. Back by popular demand, Session VII builds on the same successful format, now with expanded content, deeper practices, and a full three-day experience!
Space is Limited
Detailed Information Below…
Entertaining. Healing. One-of-a-Kind.
Being seen can be exhilarating—and terrifying. Whether you're stepping on stage, speaking publicly, or simply entering a room full of people, the nervous system often tells a deeper story than words ever could.
For performers, therapists, teachers, leaders, and anyone navigating visibility, the demand to "show up" often collides with the body’s instinct to protect.
In Trauma in the Public Eye, internationally renowned Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) founder Peter A. Levine, PhD, and master movement and breath educator Betsy Polatin, MFA, SEP, team up to offer an experiential 3-day immersion into the powerful intersection of trauma, embodiment, and public presence.
What to Expect
This is a live, interactive, and highly experiential in-person workshop with supervision.
This dynamic, live workshop blends:
Engaging lecture and theory
Live demonstrations with participants
Group exercises and breakout sessions
Optional movement and performance-based practices
Opportunities to explore your own comfort with being seen
You’ll learn to:
Recognize how trauma patterns show up in the body
Release freeze, collapse, and performance anxiety
Cultivate embodied confidence, vocal freedom, and authentic presence
Deepen nervous system awareness through movement and breath
Reclaim your unique vitality—even in high-pressure moments
“This was one of the most impactful workshops I’ve attended. The live demos, applicable tools, and compassionate space changed how I show up in the world. I move more freely now, with a feeling of grace.”
Who Is It For?
This program is open to everyone—actors, musicians, dancers, educators, therapists, facilitators, and anyone who engages publicly and wants to feel more alive, expressive, and grounded.
For an actor, this workshop raises the question – How can I make a character truly believable?
For a musician – How can I express the music most authentically?
For everyone – How can I learn to be comfortable with myself as I interact with others? How can I feel safer in public?
After all, aren’t we all performers in our own public eye?
Choose your level of participation
Be a witness, holding presence and learning through observation
Join practice groups to explore embodiment at your own pace
Or volunteer for live demonstrations with Peter or Betsy — a powerful opportunity for personal insight and growth
Some participants may choose to perform a short monologue, song, or speech in small groups, and others may explore a large group demonstration on “stage”—all is optional; participating as an observer is welcome. You do not need to perform or share a personal trauma history to fully benefit from this work. The only requirement is a desire to explore and expand.
Workshop Includes
Three days of in-person teaching with guided practice
Participant demonstrations with Peter and Betsy
Small group breakout sessions with Master Level SE™ Assistants
Informational handouts & resources
Introduction to SE video w/ Dr Levine to help prepare for the workshop
Onsite bookstore featuring Peter & Betsy’s writings
A celebratory movement and dance party
Workshop Certificate
Workshop Schedule
November 7th – 9th, 2025
Daily 10:00am - 5:00pm
Lunch 1:00pm - 2:30pm
*The workshop room is closed at lunch for individual sessions.
The daily schedule rotates between didactic lectures, demonstrations, and interactive practice groups.
Book signing with Peter & Betsy:
Nov 9th at 5:00pm
Books are available for purchase each day.
45-minute Individual Sessions with SE practitioners 1:30pm - 2:15pm:
*Additional cost
Available in the large group room at lunch (spread out - not complete privacy)
Bring lunch for 1:00pm - 1:30pm on the day you book your session.
Betsy & Peter
Betsy Polatin, MFA, SEP, AmSAT, is an internationally recognized somatic educator, author, and performance coach with over four decades of experience in movement, breath, and trauma healing. A master teacher of the Alexander Technique, she integrates Somatic Experiencing®, spiritual inquiry, and neuroscience to support personal transformation, authentic expression, and nervous system regulation.
Betsy is the author of The Actor’s Secret, Humanual: A Manual for Being Human, and her latest book, Exploracises, a practical guide of movement-based explorations for embodied healing and self-discovery. She has taught at Boston University, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, and internationally. Betsy collaborates frequently with Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. Peter A. Levine, among other leading figures in wellness, and works with private clients across the performing arts, healing, and therapeutic communities.
Peter A Levine, PhD, is the developer of Somatic Experiencing®, a naturalistic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma. He holds doctorates in both Biophysics and Psychology. He is the Founder and President of the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International. Dr. Levine recently finished his Autobiography, An Autobiography of Trauma, A Healing Journey, and is the author of several best-selling books on trauma, including Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma (published in over 30 languages). He has received Lifetime Achievement awards from Psychotherapy Networker and from the US Association for Body-Oriented Psychotherapy. He continues to teach trauma healing workshops internationally.
Join us in Los Angeles this Fall
We welcome you to this unique opportunity to reclaim power, presence, and joy in the spotlight—and beyond.
Current Price $935
Space is limited
Because of the depth, intimacy, and physical nature of the experiential practices and demonstrations in this workshop, Trauma in the Public Eye will be offered in person only. We’ve found that the safety, connection, and nuance of this work are best supported in a shared, embodied learning environment. For those unable to attend in person, we hope to offer an online adaptation in the future.
Important Information
*Open to healing practitioners and the public.
*This workshop is in person.
*This workshop will not be online.
*Please register using the email from which you would like to receive correspondence.
*Upon completing registration, you will receive an email with a confirmation receipt.
*About two weeks before the workshop, we’ll send you a Welcome Email with everything you need to get started—including your portal link, passcode, and preparation materials.
Payment-Support
Partial financial support is available to BIPOC practitioners experiencing systemic discrimination and/or practitioners working primarily with underserved populations (clinics, reservations, volunteer work, etc.). To submit your qualifications, please email programs@somaticexperiencing.com.
Workshop Location
Skyline Loft
Downtown Fashion District
Los Angeles, 90015
6th floor - we will provide the building entrance code the day prior,
Note—the LA Fashion District looks a bit gritty, but we are confident in the venue’s suitability for this workshop. Plus, there is lots of parking and food within walking distance of the space.
(hotels, restaurants, groceries, notable locations)
Curious about the space?
Watch Kate Hudson bring the Skyline Loft to life—the same studio we’ll be in this November!
Workshop Hosted by Ergos Institute
Program Director
Melissa A Stager
Administrative Support
Sherri Pula