Integrating Somatic Techniques in Therapy
Join our 3-Month Online Training and learn core concepts of somatic therapy, gain effective somatic tools, and integrate them into your practice.
experiential activities:

What Program Directors have to say
about the training

Bringing the body into the therapy process
Being aware of the importance of bringing the body into the therapy process, you may have asked yourself these questions:
- How to effectively introduce somatic techniques into your therapy room (regardless of the modality you use)?
- How to invite clients to experience somatic interventions (especially those, who are hesitant to try new things)?
- How to effectively use somatic techniques while working online?
- How to choose the right somatic tools for specific issues?
We have prepared a 3-month (55 hours) online training with some of the leading minds in the field of somatic therapy to provide detailed answers to these questions.

Training in a nutshell
Here’s “Integrating Somatic Techniques in Therapy” training in a nutshell:
- World-class faculty: Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Janina Fisher, Susan McConnell, Deb Dana, Efu Nyaki, Giten Tonkov, Esther Perez, Michael Mithoefer MD, Dr. Vincentia Schroeter, Tamu Thomas, and Elia Mrak.
- 17 experiential workshops with hands-on learning, demonstrations, Q&A, group work and sharing.
- 10 Connection Circles meetings for connecting with your fellow students, sharing, and getting support from the training team.
- 10 Guided Somatic Exploration sessions to move, open up to your body, and create a deep relationship with it.
- A carefully curated selection of techniques from leading modalities like Polyvagal Theory, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Breathwork, Psychedelic Psychotherapy, and Bioenergetic Analysis.
- A certificate of attendance is provided.

By attending this training, you will:
- Acquire a set of somatic skills and tools, learn how and when to use them, and how to integrate them into a therapy session regardless of your primary therapy modality.
- Gain confidence in explaining and introducing somatic work, even to clients who are hesitant and skeptical (along with a list of strategies for dealing with client objections to somatic techniques).
- Learn how to safely use somatic techniques both in-person and online.
- Experience somatic explorations on your own, allowing you to connect with your body and truly embody the somatic approach to psychotherapy.
- Support your clients in recognizing and processing trauma that has been stored in the body.
- Connect with like-minded mental health professionals in a safe space for practice, sharing, Q&A, and networking.
- Save time researching various somatic tools and be introduced to ones that are known to be effective, useful, and easy to integrate into your practice.
Meet the teachers who will lead the training.

Janina Fisher
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Gabor Mate
Trauma lives in the body

Susan McConnell
Somatic IFS

Giten Tonkov
Breathwork

Efu Nyaki
Somatic Experiencing

Deb Dana
Polyvagal Theory

Esther Perez
Core Principles of Somatic Therapy

Vincentia Schroeter
Bioenergetic analysis

Michael Mithoefer
Psychedelic Therapy

Elia Mrak
Guided Somatic Explorations

Tamu Thomas
Introduction to Somatic Therapy

Training Assistants

Program Structure
During this 3-month training, we will meet twice each week:
- Tuesdays for a 2,5-hour workshop
- Thursdays for:
- 30-minute Guided Somatic Exploration session
- followed by a 30-minute Connection Circles
There are a few exceptions to this:
- For workshops 1,3,14,16 we will meet on Thursdays,
- Also, for workshops 4 and 5 we will meet on Wednesdays.
All Workshops and Guided Somatic Explorations are taking place live and will be recorded.
Workshop Schedule
Sep 14 (Thu)
Tamu Thomas

- This introductory workshop will cover program guidelines and answer participant questions about program protocol, technical issues, small groups, somatic experiences, and CE requirements.
- Tamu is renowned for her ability to create "brave spaces" where everyone is invited and welcome. The space Tamu holds has been described as "A place where your nervous system can rest." This will give us the opportunity to settle into our bodies and begin learning.
- Typical talk therapies engage the mind and often leave out the body, encouraging people to become aware of disturbing thoughts and behavior patterns and work to change them. In somatic therapy, the body is the starting point to achieve healing. This form of therapy cultivates an awareness of bodily sensations and teaches people to feel safe in their bodies while exploring thoughts, emotions, and memories.
- This workshop will cover how somatic therapy works and give you basic skills to begin to work with clients to help them become aware of their bodies as an invaluable ally and resource to recognize and listen to the language of the body through attention and awareness. You will prepare to establish safety in the nervous system and recognize when and why safety is not accessible.
- As a somatic therapist, your focus will be on the body, the soma, as experienced from within. Tamu supports you to begin to conceptualize your own somatic experiences as a way to interpret and navigate health, interaction, and boundaries, focusing on the body as the first boundary.
Sep 19 (Tue)
Gabor Maté and Tamu Thomas


Tamu Thomas:
- Through exercises and didactic teaching, you will learn about the role of the body, brain, and nervous system in the client’s and counselor's psychological well-being. You will have an overview of Somatic Therapy Theory and Practice and its place in current trauma recovery.
- Tamu will help you distinguish various states of the nervous system and utilize the knowledge of the body and nervous system to interpret your client's overall well-being.
- Tamu’s teaching will bring you deeper into the cultural and societal underpinnings of stress and trauma. She will describe how industrialization/toxic productivity has impacted our relationships with our bodies.
- You will be introduced to initial somatic practices and tools to begin to bridge the mind/body gap in clinical settings.
Gabor Maté:
Dr. Maté will cover themes around how the body holds trauma, illness and how to move toward healing in a toxic culture. Gabor will inspire you to cultivate presence and illustrate how to be in the present moment to bring attention to body signals in clients and yourself.
Gabor will present on how to:
- Be with what is.
- Bring attention to body signals in clients and yourself.
- Enable clients to access emotional states through body awareness.
- Create and maintain a safe, sacred space between client and therapist.
- Facilitate the expression of what has remained unexpressed.
- Keep a client engaged in the present moment experience.
- Discover the importance of patience, respect, and choice in the therapeutic process and refine your ability to attune to the client.
- Decode the unconscious beliefs that contribute to personal suffering in self and others.
Sep 21 (Thu)
Esther Perez

In this workshop, Esther Perez will begin to direct our focus toward comprehending the Neurobiology of Trauma. With illustrations of the correlations between the function of the autonomic nervous system and the presence of panic and mood disorders, PTSD, health issues, depression, and anxiety, we will comprehend more deeply the impact of trauma and how we organize around it. Through experiential teachings and audience engagement, Esther Perez will cover valued aspects of somatic trauma therapy, including:
- Ways of being with a client, organicity.
- Specific interventions for stabilization.
- Mindful Presence.
- Somatic therapy from the inside of the therapist.
- Concepts of what happens to the Autonomic Nervous System with unhealed trauma:
- Hypervigilance,
- Attachment Phobia,
- Dependence.
- How Trauma lives in the body and therapeutic relationships.
- The teachings in this workshop are designed to give participants comprehension of what happens when clients experience somatization in response to trauma and why. These teachings will be highlighted by case studies, experiential exercises, and examples of effective somatic treatments.
Sep 27 (Wed)
Deb Dana

- The autonomic nervous system is at the heart of our lived experience; in this two-part workshop, Polyvagal expert Deb Dana covers the difference between illness and wellness. She will show you that illness is the outcome of a nervous system that is dysregulated in a particular way and is challenged to return to regulation.
- You will come to know the states of the nervous system, the Autonomic Challenge, and the Autonomic Hierarchy.
- Normalizing the Autonomic state shifts in response to the challenges of Everyday life, Deb Dana will teach you how to Befriend Your Nervous System and support your clients in doing so by using:
- Neuroception - autonomic intuition;
- Hierarchy - responding in service of safety and connection;
- Co-regulation - wired for connection.
- Deb Dana will cover the importance of Autonomic Mapping, and you will Complete a Personal Profile Map. In this exercise, you will travel the predictable pathway down the hierarchy and first map the sympathetic state, then move to the dorsal vagal, and end by mapping the ventral vagal state of regulation.
- The autonomic nervous system is shaped and regulated through interactions with others. In Part 2 of Deb’s Workshop, the focus is on the biology of the Social Engagement System and conditions for connection and healing.
- Deb will lead us through a valuable exercise that supports making a plan for connection: with Self, others, the world around us, and Spirit.
The above subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
Oct 4 (Wed)
Deb Dana

The below subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
- The autonomic nervous system is at the heart of our lived experience; in this two-part workshop, Polyvagal expert Deb Dana covers the difference between illness and wellness. She will show you that illness is the outcome of a nervous system that is dysregulated in a particular way and is challenged to return to regulation.
- You will come to know the states of the nervous system, the Autonomic Challenge, and the Autonomic Hierarchy.
- Normalizing the Autonomic state shifts in response to the challenges of Everyday life, Deb Dana will teach you how to Befriend Your Nervous System and support your clients in doing so by using:
- Neuroception - autonomic intuition;
- Hierarchy - responding in service of safety and connection;
- Co-regulation - wired for connection.
- Deb Dana will cover the importance of Autonomic Mapping, and you will Complete a Personal Profile Map. In this exercise, you will travel the predictable pathway down the hierarchy and first map the sympathetic state, then move to the dorsal vagal, and end by mapping the ventral vagal state of regulation.
- The autonomic nervous system is shaped and regulated through interactions with others. In Part 2 of Deb’s Workshop, the focus is on the biology of the Social Engagement System and conditions for connection and healing.
- Deb will lead us through a valuable exercise that supports making a plan for connection: with Self, others, the world around us, and Spirit.
Oct 10 (Tue)
Janina Fisher

- Dr. Janina Fisher guides us through a practical understanding of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for healing trauma in this two-part series.
- This approach is uniquely suited for clients with complex symptoms and relational or attachment disorders. Through engaging teaching and experiential exercises, these workshops will address
- How we can work with intense emotions and impulsive reactions that undermine a sense of safety and hope.
- Mindfulness-based techniques for decreasing conflict and changing trauma-related patterns
- Using externalizing techniques for increasing perspective.
- Strategies for working with individuals stuck in challenging relationships and relational patterns.
- Providing psychoeducation about trauma and attachment to clients.
- Janina details how to pick up bits of somatic information, educate your clients with Sensorimotor theory, combine body and parts work, capitalize on the principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and become skillful at expanding the Window of Tolerance.
- Participants will receive Sensorimotor techniques to support clients to restore brain functioning and regulate their nervous system.
The above subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
Oct 17 (Tue)
Janina Fisher

The below subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
- Dr. Janina Fisher guides us through a practical understanding of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for healing trauma in this two-part series.
- This approach is uniquely suited for clients with complex symptoms and relational or attachment disorders. Through engaging teaching and experiential exercises, these workshops will address:
- How we can work with intense emotions and impulsive reactions that undermine a sense of safety and hope.
- Mindfulness-based techniques for decreasing conflict and changing trauma-related patterns
- Using externalizing techniques for increasing perspective.
- Strategies for working with individuals stuck in challenging relationships and relational patterns.
- Providing psychoeducation about trauma and attachment to clients.
- Janina details how to pick up bits of somatic information, educate your clients with Sensorimotor theory, combine body and parts work, capitalize on the principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and become skillful at expanding the Window of Tolerance.
- Participants will receive Sensorimotor techniques to support clients to restore brain functioning and regulate their nervous system.
Oct 24 (Tue)
Susan McConnell

- During this two-part workshop with Susan McConnell, you will be introduced to the Core Assumptions of Somatic IFS. Embodying the internal system, including the Self, is crucial for addressing and healing individual, interpersonal, intergenerational, and collective trauma.
- Experience the five practices of Somatic IFS as they integrate with IFS therapy to restore Embodied Self energy.
- You will learn how to begin to use the first steps of the Somatic IFS model. Demos and experiential teaching will enhance your learning experience.
- There will be guidance on how protector parts may fear and resist embodiment due to various burdens and clear teaching on how to utilize Somatic IFS to include the body more comprehensively in every step of the IFS process.
- These workshops will cover how exiles use the body to tell their stories through sensation and movement and support participants to distinguish their own somatic experiences and track their client's physiology as exile (trauma) work is invited.
The above subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
Oct 31 (Tue)
Susan McConnell

The below subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
- During this two-part workshop with Susan McConnell, you will be introduced to the Core Assumptions of Somatic IFS. Embodying the internal system, including the Self, is crucial for addressing and healing individual, interpersonal, intergenerational, and collective trauma.
- Experience the five practices of Somatic IFS as they integrate with IFS therapy to restore Embodied Self energy.
- You will learn how to begin to use the first steps of the Somatic IFS model. Demos and experiential teaching will enhance your learning experience.
- There will be guidance on how protector parts may fear and resist embodiment due to various burdens and clear teaching on how to utilize Somatic IFS to include the body more comprehensively in every step of the IFS process.
- These workshops will cover how exiles use the body to tell their stories through sensation and movement and support participants to distinguish their own somatic experiences and track their client's physiology as exile (trauma) work is invited.
Nov 7 (Tue)
Efu Nyaki

- This Somatic Experiencing two-part workshop will provide a theoretical and practical overview of the SE model. SE offers a framework to assess where a person is “stuck” in the fight, flight, freeze, or collapse responses and provides clinical tools to resolve these fixated physiological states.
- Efu Nyaki will combine both theory and experiential exercises, including dyad/triad practice, case conceptualization, individual skill building, and teacher demonstrations, to give participants a comprehensive view of the modality.
- The workshops will cover how the SE approach releases traumatic shock, which is key to transforming PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma.
- You’ll attain an effective process for helping clients safely release the traumatic stress that interferes with their ability to engage in therapy.
- Through the SE lens, you’ll learn a clinical approach to case conceptualization that is trauma-informed and focused on the impact of past experience on present behavior.
The above subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
Nov 14 (Tue)
Efu Nyaki

The below subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
- This Somatic Experiencing two-part workshop will provide a theoretical and practical overview of the SE model. SE offers a framework to assess where a person is “stuck” in the fight, flight, freeze, or collapse responses and provides clinical tools to resolve these fixated physiological states.
- Efu Nyaki will combine both theory and experiential exercises, including dyad/triad practice, case conceptualization, individual skill building, and teacher demonstrations, to give participants a comprehensive view of the modality.
- The workshops will cover how the SE approach releases traumatic shock, which is key to transforming PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma.
- You’ll attain an effective process for helping clients safely release the traumatic stress that interferes with their ability to engage in therapy.
- Through the SE lens, you’ll learn a clinical approach to case conceptualization that is trauma-informed and focused on the impact of past experience on present behavior.
Nov 21 (Tue)
Giten Tonkov

- In this two-part, highly experiential workshop, Giten Tonkov will offer guidance on how to combine successful somatic approaches with the elements of Biodynamic Breathwork.
- You will be introduced to the primary tools of breathwork and bodywork, including felt sense, resourcing, and pendulation, techniques to safely allow natural physiological functions to clear what may be left behind by traumatic events.
- Workshop attendees will begin to develop skills that make trauma release possible by accessing the trauma and breathwork toolbox: breath, imaginal techniques, inquiry exercises, touch, and meditations.
- Giten will show you how to support individuals in person and in the online realm to integrate breathwork into your healing practice so that you will be able to facilitate healing experiences that can be profound and transformative.
- Through experiential practices and tips on breathwork, you will discern from your own experience how this method supports healing and increases resilience. We will delve into techniques and explore some of the intricacies of Biodynamic Breathwork and give you the opportunity to practice the skills in small groups.
The above subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
Nov 28 (Tue)
Giten Tonkov

The below subjects can be addressed during the first and second workshops. Dividing them into two consecutive parts, with one week in between, allows participants to internalize and reinforce the information.
- In this two-part, highly experiential workshop, Giten Tonkov will offer guidance on how to combine successful somatic approaches with the elements of Biodynamic Breathwork.
- You will be introduced to the primary tools of breathwork and bodywork, including felt sense, resourcing, and pendulation, techniques to safely allow natural physiological functions to clear what may be left behind by traumatic events.
- Workshop attendees will begin to develop skills that make trauma release possible by accessing the trauma and breathwork toolbox: breath, imaginal techniques, inquiry exercises, touch, and meditations.
- Giten will show you how to support individuals in person and in the online realm to integrate breathwork into your healing practice so that you will be able to facilitate healing experiences that can be profound and transformative.
- Through experiential practices and tips on breathwork, you will discern from your own experience how this method supports healing and increases resilience. We will delve into techniques and explore some of the intricacies of Biodynamic Breathwork and give you the opportunity to practice the skills in small groups.
Nov 30 (Thu)
Dr Vincentia Schroeter

- From Dr. Vincentia Schroeter, familiarly known as “Vin,” you will receive an introduction to basic concepts of Bioenergetic Analysis, including energetic functions of the body, character, containment and expression, grounding, and breathing. Overview of the developmental process, trauma, deficits, and conflicts from a body-oriented/Bioenergetic perspective.
- Bioenergetic therapists read a person’s history in the structure of their body and have a way of facilitating the body as the teacher of the mind, bringing the innate wisdom of the body into consciousness.
- In this engaging workshop, you will gain specific skills and techniques that Bioenergetic therapy incorporates to facilitate therapeutic benefits: Grounding, Movement, Containing, and Supportive Body Contact — alongside the analytic understanding that will touch into the following topics:
- Body-based techniques for addressing anxiety and fear
- The significance of the healing relationship
- Depression and anger from a somatic perspective
- Fostering self-acceptance, self-expression, and self-possession
- Working with boundaries – for yourself and your clients
- Timing in introducing body-oriented techniques
Dec 5 (Tue)
Michael Mithoefer

- The psychedelic state is considered to be a non-ordinary state of consciousness. Experiences, revelations, and memories may emerge during psychedelic states, which are different from the cognitive, insight-based functions of ordinary consciousness. When we consider psychedelic integration and using psychedelics to heal trauma, there is a need for a unique skill set to integrate these non-ordinary states into a healing process.
- In this workshop, Dr. Mithoefer will refer to what you have learned with somatic therapy as a foundation and add additional psychedelic skill sets here. He will cover components of somatic therapies that are supportive in altered states of psychedelic consciousness, including engaging with nonverbal, somatic experiences and integrating altered states through parts work, attachment, attunement, and touch.
- Dr. Mithoefer will describe the somatic approach to the preparation and integration of psychedelic experiences and how psychedelics can re-pattern and re-template conditioned nervous system responses around trauma cycles related to work with the body and its innate resources.
- Dr. Mithoefer will summarize how you can take the most important lessons from your client's psychedelic experience and support them, in person or online, to apply their experiences and make shifts in daily life. The intention is that you learn how to help your clients who have experienced or plan on using psychedelic interventions to solidify new neural pathways and beneficial ways of being.
Dec 7 (Thu)
Vincentia Schroeter

- In this summarizing workshop, Dr. Vincentia Schroeter will return to share how somatic interventions may be integrated into clinical practice.
- This workshop is designed to support you in prioritizing your client's needs and incorporating somatic tools and techniques gained in this training.
- We will explore the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs behind clinician decisions to integrate the body into treatment and take the time to help you consider your confidence in working somatically.
- Many clinicians blend theories and frameworks as they conceptualize the use of the body and seek to understand how theory influences treatments in clinical practice, in person and online; here, you will have time to consider how to formulate somatic treatment based on the skills you have gained.
- Through demonstration and her clear teaching style, Vin will illustrate how to guide a somatic session, how to develop, trust, and use your intuition with somatic work, and how to track client progress through co-regulation.
Dec 12 (Tue)
Efu Nyaki

- During this training, you will have gained a thorough appreciation of the many somatic approaches to trauma therapy. You will have learned about trauma and the impact that it has on the brain, body, nervous system, human behavior, and relationships. You will have been introduced to new experiences and techniques to support your movement towards being a somatic practitioner.
- Efu Nyaki will return for the first half of this workshop to inspire you to use your gifts learned during the training in the most beneficial ways for yourself and your clients.
- Efu will give you a sense of direction in terms of opportunities to augment your interest and give you time to appraise and share the tools from the training that felt most effective and meaningful for you.
- In order to achieve a sense of closure and connection around the training finish, in the second half of this workshop, we will take time for a closing ceremony to acknowledge the highlights, reflections, and valuable takeaways of the past three months. There will also be time to receive instruction on evaluations and CE credits.

Date & time
Workshop dates:
September 14, 19, 21, 27, October 4, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28, 30, December 5, 7, 12.
Guided Somatic Explorations and Connection Circles dates:
September 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, December 14.
-
All the Workshops and Guided Somatic Exploration sessions followed by meetings in Connection Circles will start at:
- 09:00 PT (Los Angeles)
- 12:00 ET (New York)
- 17:00 BST/GMT (London)*
- 18:00 CEST/CET (Warsaw)*
- 16:00 GMT (London)*
- 17:00 CEST/CET (Warsaw)*
*Due to the time change in the US, we will start the Workshop on October 31 and Somatic Exploration session on November 2 one hour earlier in Europe.
Check the training calendar and see all the events in your timezone

Skills and tools that will be presented and practiced include:
- Working safely with both big “T” and small “t” trauma.
- Identifying body memories that the client may not be able to verbalize (and accessing those memories safely).
- Gradually introducing (titrating) mindful interventions for a client who may find it too overwhelming to slow down.
- Helping clients understand that confusing symptoms are normal and building trust in the therapeutic relationship.
- Understanding what a "bottom-up" versus a "top-down" approach is and how they can be integrated.

- Developing an understanding of how dissociation can aid in survival.
- Recognizing transference and countertransference as they happen somatically.
- Explain how trauma affects the brain and the body’s survival responses to stress.
- Be able to recognize somatic manifestations of trauma & shock on the body.
- Explain the importance of trauma release within the window of tolerance.
- Identify different types of trauma and connect them to mental and physiological symptoms.

Helping clients bridge Mind and Body
As a mental health professional, you may understand the importance of incorporating somatic work into therapy sessions. However, it can be challenging to implement new strategies into your practice. Individuals with a history of trauma often stay in their heads and are hesitant to try new things, particularly when it involves connecting with their bodies.
They may have, in fact, actively disconnected from their bodies to avoid distressing emotions and sensations. With proficiency in somatic modalities, the therapist can support clients in developing (or returning to) a trusting relationship with their bodies.
The challenge of using somatic techniques in therapy becomes even greater with the rise of online therapy. When you and your client are physically far away from each other, how can you effectively work with the body? Pioneering developers of somatic modalities have found that not only is it possible to do so, but it is essential to have a somatic lens when doing trauma work, even during online therapy.

Our program synthesizes the core concepts of leading somatic modalities. With so many trauma trainings on offer, we aim to provide a comprehensive curriculum on how our body heals from trauma, and how understanding our nervous system shapes various cutting-edge therapy modalities.
By presenting an array of somatic approaches, we will focus on teaching specific techniques that work best with complex trauma. Our primary focus is on tools that are adaptable to various settings and issues like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD and cPTSD (amongst others).
Another barrier that prevents mental health professionals from using somatic techniques is the misconception that they need to master an entire modality before including the body in therapy. While it is valuable to master a somatic modality, there is also significant merit in an integrative approach. It is typical for clients to respond differently to various methods, and for somatic methods to be more or less effective at different times. Therefore, an approach that combines multiple techniques is becoming increasingly popular among professionals.

A Comprehensive Curriculum of Somatic Approaches
This training introduces the basic principles that connect current emerging research from a variety of fields:
- The neurobiology of the mind and the brain,
- Models that help understand and regulate the autonomic nervous system (Polyvagal theory and the window of tolerance),
- Attachment theory,
- Developmental trauma (how the body holds non-verbal memory),
- Mindfulness.
The program will also emphasize the reasons for using Somatic Therapy, including its history, efficacy, and current research. It will explain why the somatic approach is becoming not only more relevant but also essential in accessing the body for healing trauma and overall wellness.
During each workshop, our teachers will provide practical instruction; including demonstrations, experiential learning, somatic techniques, Q&A, group work, and sharing.

Parts work
This training is parts work informed. It incorporates the understanding that we all have multiple, non-pathologized parts of ourselves. Working with parts is an important aspect of effective trauma healing, and it will be addressed throughout the training. At Life Architect, we promote Internal Family Systems (IFS), a parts work therapy modality developed by Richard Schwartz. Some of our speakers - Janina Fisher and Susan McConnell, among others, are IFS informed or trained and will incorporate the multiplicity paradigm into their teachings.
No prior IFS training or experience is required to participate in this training. However, if you'd like to learn more about IFS before embarking on this journey with us, you will receive free access to our 12-day online course "Introduction to Internal Family Systems" after enrolling. More information is available in the "bonus" section.
If you are already IFS-informed, this training will greatly enhance your ability to work with parts. The chosen modalities and somatic techniques work well with the IFS protocol.
![Somatic Approaches to Psychotherapy [LP] 84](https://lifearchitect.com/app/files/2023/02/3mc_eb_desktop_v2.png)
![Somatic Approaches to Psychotherapy [LP] 85](https://lifearchitect.com/app/files/2023/02/3mc_eb_tablet_v2.png)
![Somatic Approaches to Psychotherapy [LP] 86](https://lifearchitect.com/app/files/2023/02/3mc_eb_smartfon_v2.png)

Who is this training for?
This program is intended for mental health practitioners who wish to integrate somatic strategies into their trauma-healing practice.
While it is designed with mental health professionals in mind, other healthcare professionals would also benefit from this program: physicians, nurses, movement therapists, social workers, coaches, yoga therapists, breathworkers, psychedelic therapists, bodyworkers, psychologists, art and music therapists.

How it works
All events are taking place live, on the Zoom platform.
You will receive the link to the Zoom meeting along with the password one day before each session. There will be technical support available.
The Workshops and Guided Somatic Exploration sessions will be recorded. In 5 days after live session, you will receive access to the recording. We won't record Connection Circles meetings.
The recordings will be available in your Life Architect Account, so you can go through them at your own pace. Recordings will be available with no time limits only for those who have enrolled, with no option of purchasing access after the training ends.
Additionally, we will provide access to extensive handouts (ready for printing or using on your laptop or smartphone) to make it easier for you to engage with the theory in the most convenient way for you.

The Life Architect team
Life Architect is a therapist educational organization that is dedicated to helping mental health professionals grow professionally. Our overall mission is to create innovative models of education and therapy that support mental health professionals in coping with emotional problems and unlocking their full potential in their practices.
Our team of therapists, educators, and researchers is committed to advancing the field of therapy and education through ongoing research and the development of new methodologies.
We offer a variety of programs and services specifically designed for mental health professionals, including online and onsite workshops, certified training programs, and retreats.
Opinions about Life Architect's workshops
Meet Tisha & Michael - our Program directors
Tisha Shull
Program director
Tisha Shull is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing in treating complex trauma, and anxiety disorders and working with adults healing from past abuse and sexual trauma. She is a Level 3 trained IFS Therapist and has been a Program Assistant for many IFS trainings internationally. She is the Co-founder of IFS Vermont, an organization dedicated to providing training, community and opportunities to share the IFS Model. Tisha is the Co-host of the popular podcast, IFS Talks.
Michael Pasterski
Program director
Michael is a Certified IFS Practitioner from Poland. He is the founder and CEO of Life Architect. He is the originator of this training and a leader of the whole training team. His role is to connect all of the dots to ensure the best possible experience for the participants. Michael is the author of "Insight. Road to Mental Maturity" - a book about the skill of looking into our inner worlds. Over the past 10 years, he published more than 400 articles, which attract the attention of more than one million readers a year.
"We designed the program with the intention of avoiding overwhelming you with information. You will have ample opportunities to experience the presented techniques and begin applying them in your therapy practice."

Up to 7 days after the first workshop, if you are not completely satisfied just let us know about it. We will give you a full refund. You are not required to give any reason. You have nothing to lose!

Connection Circles & Training Assistant
Connection Circles & Training Assistants
Meet with your fellow students once a week to share, support each other and ask questions to Training Assistants.
Learning and healing experiences are most effective when they take place in a community. We will host Connection Circles to help you feel connected and supported throughout the training. It's a community event where we will create a set of themed rooms (Sharing Space, Q&A Room, Guided Meditation Room, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Random Conversations, etc.). You will get to decide which rooms to join, and you will be able to switch rooms at any time.
Connection Circles will take place once a week (Thursdays after the Guided Somatic Exploration session) for 30 minutes, with an option to stay longer.
Each room will have one or two designated Training Assistants - licensed psychotherapists from our team with training and experience in using somatic modalities for trauma therapy.
Participating in Connection Circles is optional but highly recommended.
Meet our Training Assistants
Licensed psychotherapists from our team with training and experience in using somatic modalities for trauma therapy will support you during the Connection Circles.

Andreia Pacheco
IFS | Somatic IFS | Polyvagal Theory

Karla Amanda Brown
Couples | Touch | Psychedelic Therapy

Zandra Bamford
IFS & Polyvagal Practices in Healthcare Systems

Terry Shevlin
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy | IFS

Ellen Bush
Dance Movement Psychotherapy | Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy | IFS

Katarzyna Andrys
IFS | Somatic IFS

Tina Vreys
Psychiatrist | IFS | Polyvagal informed psychotherapist

Emilie Button
Psychedelic therapy | IFS | Hakomi | Somatic Experiencing

Margot Davidson
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy | IFS | Somatic IFS

Denisa Udžanová
IFS | Somatic IFS

Siobhan Mcnulty
IFS | TRE | Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy

Hoda Refaat Mahfouz
Somatic Experiencing | IFS | EMDR | Psychodrama

Camilla Zacho
IFS | Rolfing

Marcia Webster
Somatic Experiencing

LaDonna Silva
IFS | Somatic IFS | Process therapy

And 6 more Training Assistants

Guided Somatic Explorations
This training wouldn’t be complete without a space designated solely for movement and exploration of our bodies.
Every Thursday, we will meet for a 30-minute live & recorded Guided Somatic Exploration session led by Elia Mrak,
a Qi-gong and dance teacher. During these sessions, he will guide you into a deep connection with your body, using different explorations inspired by modalities presented during workshops and other types of movement.
The goal of this experience is to open up to your body and create a deep relationship with it. Please note that these sessions are optional, and each one will be recorded for you to explore at your convenience (and as many times as you wish).
Elia Mrak
I am dedicated to the belief that everyone can dance, everyone deserves joy, and everyone can heal. I am a nervous system and trauma-informed educator trained in the fields of Dance, Body-Mind-Centering (pending), Qigong, Fitness, and bodywork/touch. And I use the integration of these practices to create safe spaces for individuals and communities worldwide.

Bonus worth $147
By enrolling for this training you will gain access to a 12-day „Introduction to Internal Family Systems” course created by Michael Pasterski, founder of Life Architect and a Certified IFS Practitioner. IFS is an evidence-based parts work therapy modality developed by dr Richard Schwartz.
As providers of official IFS training we believe in parts work and this lens will underpin the whole training. Previous experience or basic knowledge of IFS is not needed to participate in this 3-month training, but is recommended.
The 12-day course gives a good overview of this model with lots of personal practice for you to experience parts work on yourself. The time investment is around 30 minutes a day for 12 days. You will get access to the bonus course immediately after purchasing our 3-month training. It will be available in your Life Architect Account.

Continuing Education
“Integrating Somatic Techniques in Therapy" has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit.
Sessions approved for NBCC credit are clearly identified.
Life Architect is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-4321.
With this training, there are 28,25 CE hours available to be applied for.
Download the PDF and read more about the certification.
After making a purchase, you will receive an email with a form
that needs to be completed if you are applying for CE hours.
We will also ask you to pay an additional fee of $50 to cover the cost of CE hours.
Obtaining CE hours requires confirming your live attendance at workshops.
We do not offer CE hours for watching the recordings.
Sessions approved for NBCC credit are clearly identified.
Life Architect is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-4321.
With this training, there are 28,25 CE hours available to be applied for.
Download the PDF and read more about the certification.
After making a purchase, you will receive an email with a form
that needs to be completed if you are applying for CE hours.
We will also ask you to pay an additional fee of $50 to cover the cost of CE hours.
Obtaining CE hours requires confirming your live attendance at workshops.
We do not offer CE hours for watching the recordings.
Sign up for the interest list for the next edition.
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PRICE
987 USD
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MODULE 1 / TBA
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TRAINER / TBA
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INTEREST LIST
Enrollment for the current "Integrating Somatic Techniques in Therapy 3-Month Online Training" is no longer available. You can still sign up for the interest list, and we will let you know about the next edition as soon as the details are set.
Name is required.E-mail is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it make sense for me to attend if I have taken your other courses?
Do I have to attend all the live meetings to receive the certificate?
If you are not applying for the CE hours, you do not need to be present at all live workshops. You can watch their recordings. After completing the training, you will receive a certificate of attendance from Life Architect (with no extra cost).
We do not offer CE hours for watching the recordings because NBCC credit cannot be provided for the recorded portions of the program. To receive CE hours for each workshop, you must participate in the live interactive online Zoom workshop.