0204 - Working with Trauma and the Body: The Fundamentals of Somatic Therapy
Course Description
Hours: 12
Trauma is often misunderstood as merely a psychological experience, but in reality, it is deeply physiological in nature. The impact of trauma on our body can lead to a variety of physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral symptoms that are often confusing and debilitating. Body-oriented modalities, such as Somatic Experiencing®*, help individuals release traumatic shock that becomes trapped in the body, transforming the wounds caused by trauma. These approaches provide relief from symptoms and promote healing without the need for extensive therapy, reliving painful memories, or relying on medication.
This two-day professional development course is designed to help participants understand trauma from the perspective of the autonomic nervous system and the body. Using experiential activities, demonstrations, and group discussions, this course will:
- Explore the key concepts of Polyvagal Theory, activation cycles, and incomplete self-protective responses.
- Learn how the body can serve as a powerful resource for healing.
- Discover ways to use verbal narrative to explore and understand the body’s story.
- Examine the role of attunement and co-regulation in trauma healing.
- Develop skills to increase awareness of bodily sensations and other aspects of inner experience.
Given the experiential nature of somatic modalities, this course will be highly interactive. Participants should be prepared to engage in activities that foster embodied awareness, allowing them to directly experience the material covered.
* Please note that becoming a somatic therapist requires extensive training through an official program such as Somatic Experiencing®. This course is independent of Somatic Experiencing International (SEI), and continuing education hours earned do not count toward official SEI training programs.
Notes
Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Trauma Certificate : Trauma Certificate