During this opening workshop of our series, Vincentia Schroeter will share her personal journey and passion for somatic psychotherapy, setting the stage for a transformative learning experience. This session introduces the fundamental concepts of somatic therapy and outlines the comprehensive structure of the training, encompassing three dynamic modules.

Vincentia will discuss the unique contributions from various faculty members, each bringing specialized techniques and approaches tailored to diverse therapeutic needs. She will explain the distinct advantages of somatic therapy compared to traditional talk therapy and delve into the importance of trauma-focused care, distinguishing between developmental and acute trauma and how these impact the therapeutic process.

A key component of this workshop is understanding the 'window of tolerance' in the autonomic nervous system and its significance in managing trauma responses. Participants will engage in an experiential activity to learn how to assess stress on a body level, providing practical skills applicable in therapy sessions.

Vincentia will also guide participants on how to introduce somatic techniques into their therapy practices effectively. This includes going at a pace that is comfortable for clients and using one’s own body awareness to enhance the therapeutic relationship.

The workshop will conclude with a summary and an open Q&A session, allowing for deeper discussion and clarification of concepts introduced. This introductory session is designed for therapists at all levels of experience, from those new to somatic techniques to seasoned practitioners seeking to integrate new methods into their work.

In this engaging workshop, Dr. Frank Anderson will guide you through the complex landscape of trauma from a neurobiological perspective, focusing on the underlying mechanisms of PTSD and dissociation. Participants will explore the nuances of the body’s survival responses—including fight, flight, freeze, and others—and their impact on self-identity and trauma.

Key Components of the Workshop:

1. Understanding the Neurobiology of PTSD and Dissociation:
- Delve into how trauma affects brain function and behavior, and how these alterations manifest in trauma-related disorders.
- Discuss the relationship between self-identity and trauma, with an emphasis on fostering empathy and compassion. This segment will also introduce an exercise that will be further explored in Practice Circles.
2. Analyzing Extreme Reactions and Responses:
- Witness two live mini-demonstrations, each lasting 15 minutes, showcasing hyperactivated and hypoactivated responses from individuals experiencing extreme emotional reactions.
- Dr. Anderson will explain the interventions used during these demonstrations, providing insight into their practical applications in therapy.
3. Exploring Preverbal and Attachment Trauma:
- Investigate trauma that occurs before language development and its long-term effects on attachment and relational patterns.
4. Integrating Trauma Models with Somatic Techniques:
- Learn how to effectively integrate various trauma therapy models with somatic approaches, enhancing therapeutic outcomes by addressing both mind and body components.

This workshop is designed for therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of the biological underpinnings of trauma and to enhance their therapeutic techniques with a somatically integrated approach.

This workshop, led by Janina Fisher, focuses on the relationship between trauma and bodily responses, providing insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma. The session will highlight how therapists can use the body’s wisdom in the healing process.

Core Concepts Covered:
• The Triune Brain: The structure of the brain and its different parts’ responses to trauma will be outlined, providing a foundation for understanding clients' reactions during stressful events.
• Neurobiology of Trauma: Changes in the brain resulting from traumatic experiences and their influence on behavior and emotional regulation will be explored.
• Dynamics of Post-Traumatic States: The workshop will explain the states of hyper-arousal and hypo-arousal common in trauma survivors, including their symptoms and impacts on daily functioning.
• Non-verbal Body Memory: The storage of trauma in non-verbal body memory and its significance in somatic therapy will be highlighted.
• Window of Tolerance: The concept of the window of tolerance in relation to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its relevance in maintaining emotional and physiological balance will be presented.
• The Triggering System: The triggers that can lead to traumatic re-experiencing and strategies for managing these in therapeutic settings will be outlined.
• Top-Down and Bottom-Up Interventions: Cognitive (top-down) interventions contrasted with somatic (bottom-up) approaches will be presented, including guidelines on when and how to use each effectively.
• Using the Body as a Source of Information: Techniques for helping clients tap into their bodily sensations as a source of information and a path to recovery will be covered.
• Brief Introduction to the ANS: A concise overview of the autonomic nervous system, emphasizing its role in trauma response and recovery, will be included.

The workshop is designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical understanding through discussions and demonstrations, guided by Janina Fisher’s expertise. Participants will gain the tools necessary to apply body-based techniques in their therapeutic approaches, enhancing their ability to support trauma recovery.

In this dynamic session led by Vincentia Schroeter, participants will delve into the critical aspects of somatic therapy that help release stored body energy. This workshop builds on the foundational knowledge established in the first three sessions and seeks to consolidate key teachings from Vincentia, Janina Fisher, and Frank Anderson.

Vincentia will offer a comprehensive summary of the previous content and introduce advanced strategies to effectively address and manage client objections to somatic work. Understanding client resistance is crucial for fostering a therapeutic environment conducive to somatic healing.

An essential part of this workshop will focus on the role of touch in somatic therapy, discussing ethical considerations and anatomical insights. This segment will help therapists understand the powerful impact of physical interaction within the therapeutic boundaries.

A highlight of the session is the experiential learning segment using Bioenergetics exercises designed by Vincentia. Participants will engage in activities such as the 'pillow toss' exercise to help identify and localize body tension. There will be opportunities to observe or participate in demonstrations, especially with individuals who might be triggered by such exercises, providing real-time insights into handling intense emotional responses.

The workshop will also preview the upcoming content in Module Two, which covers a range of somatic techniques including Polyvagal Theory (PVT), integration of PVT with Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, insights from an interview with Gabor Maté, Somatic Experiencing (SE), Breathwork, and Mindfulness.

The session will conclude with an open Q&A segment, allowing participants to ask questions and clarify any doubts, ensuring a thorough understanding of the techniques and concepts discussed. This workshop is designed to deepen your practical skills and theoretical knowledge, equipping you with the tools to unlock and manage the energy stored in the body through somatic practices.

Join Deb Dana for an insightful workshop on the practical applications of Polyvagal Theory in therapeutic settings. This session will explore how an understanding of the nervous system can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes, particularly for clients dealing with emotions and trauma.

Deb Dana will start with an introduction to Polyvagal Theory, highlighting its emphasis on the nervous system's crucial role in shaping our experiences of safety and threat. She will discuss the three organizing principles of the theory, providing a foundational understanding that will inform the rest of the session.

The workshop will include a detailed overview of the nervous system, helping participants appreciate its complexity and the pivotal role it plays in emotional regulation and trauma response. This understanding is key to applying Polyvagal Theory effectively in therapeutic practices.

A central focus of the session will be on "Creating Anchors and Touchstones." Deb will guide participants on how to establish personal anchors—relationships or memories that provide safety and grounding. Additionally, she will discuss how to use touchstones, which are physical objects or reminders that can help individuals return to a state of regulation during times of distress.

Applying theory to therapy will be thoroughly covered, with Deb illustrating how therapists can use insights from Polyvagal Theory to enhance their therapeutic relationships and techniques. This segment will emphasize the importance of recognizing and responding to clients' physiological states to foster a sense of safety and connection in therapy.

A live demonstration will provide a real-time example of how Polyvagal Theory can be integrated into therapeutic practice, offering participants a clear, practical perspective on the approaches discussed.

The workshop will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing for an interactive discussion where participants can ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss their insights based on the day’s learning.

This workshop is ideal for therapists who wish to deepen their understanding of Polyvagal Theory and learn concrete tools to improve their practice, making therapy a more dynamic and responsive experience for their clients.

Explore the profound impact of incorporating the body into therapeutic practice with Jacqueline Compton in this transformative workshop on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This session invites participants on a journey towards self-awareness and mastery over somatic techniques that tap into the body's inherent wisdom.

Jacqueline will delve into the foundational aspects of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, emphasizing how this approach utilizes the body as a primary entry point in the healing process. By focusing on the body's wisdom, participants will learn how to access deep-seated emotional responses and begin the process of transformation from within.

Key aspects of the workshop include:

- Developing Somatic Inquiry Skills: Learn to engage with and interpret the body's signals and messages to better understand clients' experiences and challenges.
- Understanding Bottom-Up Processing: This approach integrates the body's sensory experiences with cognitive processes, facilitating a holistic healing environment.
- Cultivating Presence and Mindfulness:Enhance your ability to remain present and connected in therapeutic settings, improving both personal and client outcomes.
- Deepening Self-Reflection: Through exercises in curiosity and mindfulness, participants will increase their capacity for self-awareness, a critical skill in fostering personal and client growth.

The session will begin with a centering practice that connects participants to the earth, grounding them in preparation for deeper exploratory work. A pivotal part of the workshop will be a 10-minute demonstration addressing common challenges such as feeling overwhelmed by bodily awareness or unsure of how to connect with the body. Following the demo, there will be an interactive discussion with the client about their experience, providing insights into how these techniques can be adapted and applied.

Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in various experientials designed for the whole group. These activities will not only demonstrate the practical application of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy techniques but also allow participants to experience firsthand the transformative potential of engaging the body in therapeutic work.

This workshop is an excellent opportunity for practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of somatic practices and integrate them effectively into their therapeutic repertoire. Join Jacqueline Compton to explore how the nuanced interplay of body and mind can lead to profound client transformations.

Workshop 8 (5.11) with Gabor (ET time zone):

11:00 - 11:30 - Guided Somatic Explorations

11:30 - 12:20 - Practice Circles

12:20 - 12:35 - Break

12:35 - 13:00 - Workshop: Vincentia Schroeter

13:00 - 14:30 - Interview: Vincentia Schroeter + Gabor Maté

Join us for a compelling session featuring Vincentia Schroeter and renowned author and speaker Gabor Maté. This workshop is structured into two parts, beginning with a 30-minute presentation by Vincentia Schroeter, followed by an insightful interview with Gabor Maté discussing his pivotal work in "When the Body Says No."

Vincentia Schroeter (12:35 - 13:00 ET):
Vincentia will set the stage with a foundational presentation on the intersection of biology and stress, and how relationships impact our physiological state. Her talk will cover:

- The Biology of Stress: Understanding how chronic stress affects our bodies and the role of the nervous system in managing stress.
- The Biology of Relationship: Exploring how our interactions and emotional connections influence our health and stress levels.
- The 7 A’s of Healing: An overview of these crucial steps in the healing process, emphasizing their relevance in somatic therapy.
- An introduction to Somatic Therapy principles, illustrating how this modality engages the body in the healing process, particularly in relation to stress and trauma.

Gabor Maté + Vincentia Schroeter (13:00 ET):
The second half of the workshop features a dynamic interview with Gabor Maté, led by Vincentia Schroeter. They will delve deep into the themes of Maté’s book "When the Body Says No," exploring the critical links between emotional stress, repression, and the manifestation of physical illness. Gabor Maté will share insights from his extensive research and clinical experience, discussing:

- How unresolved emotional issues impact health, leading to chronic illness and autoimmune diseases.
- Strategies for recognizing and interrupting patterns of stress and repression that compromise our health.
- The importance of awareness, compassion, and understanding in healing and maintaining wellness.

This interview will also address practical applications of these concepts in therapy, providing therapists with tools to help clients connect their emotional and physical health.

The session promises to be an enriching experience, offering profound insights into the complex relationship between our emotions, our bodies, and our health. It is an essential workshop for healthcare professionals, therapists, and anyone interested in the profound impact of emotional health on physical well-being.

This workshop presents an in-depth exploration of Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented therapeutic approach focused on relieving and resolving the symptoms of trauma. Led by Liana Netto, the session will cover the fundamental principles of SE, providing therapists with practical tools and strategies to enhance the healing process for trauma survivors.

Key Concepts and Practices:
• Basics of Somatic Experiencing: The session will cover the foundational elements of SE, including its core principles and distinctive approach compared to other trauma therapies.
• Nervous System Curve: The workshop will explain the natural arc of the nervous system's response to stress and trauma, and how SE aims to restore balance to these responses.
• Management of Fight, Flight, and Freeze Responses: The session will explore techniques that assist clients in regulating and resolving the typical trauma reactions of fight, flight, and freeze.
• Orienting Response: The orienting response in trauma therapy will be explained, which helps clients become aware of their environment to ground themselves in the present moment.
• Healthy Aggression: The concept of healthy aggression will be presented as a therapeutic tool, which involves enabling clients to access and express pent-up survival energies in a controlled manner.
• Integration and Pendulation: The workshop will cover these two critical SE techniques. Pendulation involves moving clients between states of dysregulation and regulation to teach the nervous system to manage arousal autonomously, while integration focuses on incorporating these experiences into a cohesive whole.
• Timeline and Cue Processing for Trauma: The use of a timeline as a practical tool to process trauma, especially shock trauma, will be detailed. This method helps clients map out their traumatic experiences and systematically work through them.

This session will equip therapists with a deeper understanding of Somatic Experiencing and effective strategies for addressing trauma, utilizing the body’s innate wisdom and resilience to facilitate recovery in a supportive and compassionate manner.

Dive deep into the transformative practice of Biodynamic Breathwork in this comprehensive workshop led by Giten Tonkov. This session is meticulously designed to equip therapists and counselors with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate breathwork into their therapeutic practices, specifically for trauma release.

Didactics:
Giten Tonkov will start the workshop with an educational segment explaining the fundamentals of Biodynamic Breathwork. This will include:

- An overview of what Biodynamic Breathwork is, highlighting the six core elements and the underlying supporting principles that guide the practice.
- Techniques such as working with the 'felt sense,' which involves tuning into one's innate bodily sensations to process emotions and traumas.
- The concepts of pendulation and titration in therapy, which help clients manage their emotional experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
- Methods for identifying and tracking bodily sensations and the specific language that can be used to articulate these experiences, which are crucial for staying present and engaged during therapeutic sessions.

Guided Experiential:
Following the didactic portion, participants will engage in a guided experiential session. This practical component allows participants to apply the techniques discussed, focusing on how to use breathwork to access and release stored trauma in the body. This session is designed to be a personal exploration, offering participants a first-hand experience of the healing potential of Biodynamic Breathwork.

Sharing & Q&A:
The workshop will conclude with a sharing session and a Q&A, where participants can discuss their experiences and insights gained during the experiential learning. This segment provides an opportunity for participants to clarify their understanding, ask questions, and discuss how to effectively integrate these techniques into their professional practice.

This workshop is an invaluable resource for therapists looking to broaden their therapeutic tools with effective, body-centered techniques for trauma release. Join Giten Tonkov to explore how Biodynamic Breathwork can enhance your therapeutic approach and help your clients achieve profound healing and transformation.

This workshop, presented by Linda Thai, delves into the effective integration of somatic therapy techniques within trauma treatment contexts. It compares traditional phase-oriented trauma treatment with phase-oriented somatic trauma treatment, highlighting the unique aspects and benefits of incorporating somatic practices.

• Phase-Oriented Trauma Treatment vs. Somatic Trauma Treatment: This section elucidates the differences and similarities between traditional phase-oriented trauma treatment and its somatic counterpart. It will explore how somatic methods can enhance the healing process by engaging the body's own wisdom and capacity for self-regulation.
• Preparation for Trauma and Somatic Trauma Treatment:
• Addressing Readiness: Strategies for preparing clients who may not initially be ready for somatic psychotherapy, focusing on gentle introductions and building trust.
• Reconnecting with the Body: Techniques for helping clients who are disconnected from their bodies, facilitating a reconnection that can empower them to engage more fully with somatic therapy.
• Mindfulness for Trauma: Introduction of mindfulness practices tailored for trauma survivors, aimed at enhancing the presence and awareness of trauma symptoms without overwhelming the client.
• Somatic Techniques to Regulate the Nervous System: The workshop will cover various somatic techniques designed to help regulate the nervous system, providing participants with practical tools to calm, soothe, and stabilize clients affected by trauma. This includes demonstrations of specific interventions that can be applied directly in therapy sessions.

Linda Thai's workshop is designed to equip therapists with a deeper understanding and practical skills necessary for integrating somatic therapies into their practice. By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive toolkit for addressing the complexities of trauma through a somatic lens, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and promoting deeper healing.

Workshop 12 (3.12) with Bessel and Peter Levine (ET time zone):

11:00 - 11:30 - Guided Somatic Explorations

11:30 - 12:20 - Practice Circles

12:20 - 12:30 - Break

12:30 - 13:30 - Interview: Vincentia Schroeter + Bessel van der Kolk

13:30 - 14:30 - Interview: Vincentia Schroeter + Peter Levine

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading figures in the field of somatic therapy. This interactive workshop, hosted by Vincentia Schroeter, features in-depth interviews with Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine, each a pioneer in their own right. This session is designed to adapt to the specific interests and questions of participants, ensuring a highly relevant and personalized learning experience.

Interactive Format:

- Vincentia Schroeter + Bessel van der Kolk (12:30 ET): The first hour of the workshop will feature an interview with Bessel van der Kolk, renowned for his groundbreaking work in understanding and treating traumatic stress. Participants will have the chance to ask questions directly, allowing for a deep dive into topics that matter most to them, whether it's about the latest research in trauma therapy, specific treatment methodologies, or practical applications in various therapeutic settings.
- Vincentia Schroeter + Peter Levine (13:30 ET): Following the session with van der Kolk, Vincentia will speak with Peter Levine, the developer of Somatic Experiencing. This segment offers another hour of rich discussion focused on Levine's approach to healing trauma through body awareness and the mobilization of somatic resources. Participants are encouraged to bring forward their queries and scenarios to be addressed by Levine, providing a rare opportunity to gain insights directly from his extensive experience.

Dynamic Engagement:
This workshop will thrive on the dynamic interaction between the participants and these distinguished experts. Prior to the workshop, participants will be invited to submit their questions, which will guide the direction of the interviews. This ensures that the content is highly tailored and immediately applicable to the needs of the attendees.

Outcome:
By the end of this session, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of key concepts and techniques in somatic therapy, enriched by personal interactions with two of the most respected practitioners in the field. This workshop is an exceptional chance to receive mentorship and guidance from leading experts, enhancing the professional practice of attendees in profound ways.

This is an essential session for anyone in the field of trauma therapy, offering direct access to pioneering research and clinical wisdom that can transform therapeutic practices.

The final workshop in our series, led by Vincentia Schroeter, is designed to encapsulate and reflect on the learnings from the entire training. This session is intended not only as a recap but also as an empowering conclusion that equips participants with a clear path forward in their practice of somatic therapy.

Summary of the Training:
Vincentia Schroeter will open the workshop with a comprehensive summary of the key points and insights covered throughout the training. This overview will help solidify the knowledge gained and highlight the interconnectedness of the various topics discussed.

Experiential with the Body:
Participants will engage in an experiential activity focusing on bodily awareness, exploring what aspects of somatic therapy they are most drawn to. This will aid in personalizing their learning experience and identifying the techniques that resonate most with their own therapeutic style.

Choosing the Right Tools:
A significant part of the workshop will be dedicated to discussing how to select the appropriate somatic tools for specific clients and situations. Vincentia will provide guidance on how to match therapeutic techniques with client needs effectively, ensuring that therapists feel confident in their ability to tailor their approach.

Managing the Abundance of Techniques:
With so many techniques introduced, it can be overwhelming to integrate them all. This segment will focus on how to manage this abundance without feeling overwhelmed. Practical tips will be provided on how to gradually incorporate new methods into practice and how to stay grounded in core somatic principles.

Somatic Therapy DO’s and DON’Ts:
Participants will learn the essential DO’s and DON’Ts of somatic therapy, which will serve as a quick-reference guide to maintaining ethical, effective, and sensitive practice. These guidelines will help prevent common pitfalls and enhance the therapeutic relationship.

Exploring Somatic Therapy Further:
Looking beyond the training, Vincentia will discuss possible next steps for those interested in deepening their engagement with somatic therapy. This may include advanced courses, certification opportunities, or specific techniques to explore in more depth.

Closing Ritual:
The workshop will conclude with a specially designed closing ritual to mark the end of the training journey. This ritual will help participants process their experiences, celebrate their progress, and transition back to their professional environments with renewed inspiration and tools.

This final workshop is an opportunity to reflect, consolidate, and anticipate the future of each participant’s practice. It promises to be a fitting end to a transformative journey, leaving therapists well-prepared to integrate somatic therapy into their work effectively.