ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Filtering by: “MASTER CLASSES”
Where the Light Plays
Dec
3

Where the Light Plays

Our human bodies, like the earth, are mostly water. Continuum is a practice that engages breath, sound and movement to restore our inherent fluidity and moving flow. This pre-solstice movement class in the Northern hemisphere’s dark time will explore how and where our light can play in our own inner landscape. Come prepared to play with the audability and emergent music of breath as an invitation to invoke your authentic ways of moving and being. Dress comfortably for movement, and please bring “nesting” materials (mats, blankets, cushions) and something to write in.

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Cultivating the Container: Guiding Foundations and Ethos of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Dec
17

Cultivating the Container: Guiding Foundations and Ethos of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

The body is the foundation of all our experiences and is the place of transformation. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy welcomes and values the wisdom of the body as the landscape for therapeutic change. In this experiential and engaging session, we will lean into the guiding foundations and principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and the wise therapeutic maps and structures that have been informed and emerge from these principles. We will learn and deepen understanding of how to nourish a therapeutic container in SP that sets the groundwork for embodied transformative healing.

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Making the Most of Micro-Moments
Nov
5

Making the Most of Micro-Moments

Science shows us that extended periods of regulation aren’t necessary to shape new patterns. In this experiential session, we’ll explore the power of micro-moments to resource regulation. We’ll consider how small naturally occurring moments accumulate, shape our biology, and how we might intentionally use them to write new stories of safety and connection. We’ll learn how the negativity bias gets in the way of taking in positive experiences, build a glimmer practice, and test the steps of savoring.

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Every Inhale Begins With an Uprising
Oct
22

Every Inhale Begins With an Uprising

What does it really mean to embody social justice? What is the direct body experience that gives these words meaning? How can movement liberate from oppression, trauma, fear in our bodies? This experiential conversation will share ideas and practices from the facilitators human rights somatic framework for working with trauma and oppression. The concepts of microempowerments, state-shifting and interoception will be explored through embodied theory and movement in service of an inquiry into how movement liberates.

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Unstoppable Confidence
Sep
24

Unstoppable Confidence

Step into your power with the Unstoppable Confidence Master Class led by Justin Michael Williams.

Discover the transformative art of building genuine self-confidence and self-esteem. Equip yourself with practical tools to assert your authenticity and enhance every aspect of your life, from career aspirations to personal relationships. Join this dynamic session to transform your potential into reality, one confident step at a time.

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Somatic Shadow Work
Sep
10

Somatic Shadow Work

The body holds the secret to engaging with our deepest fears and darkest shadows. Join Kai Cheng Thom, MSW, MSc, Qualified Mediator, Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Jungian Life Coach, for a somatic perspective on "shadow work"—a term that has become popularized in healing and personal development but is often ill-defined and poorly understood.

In this masterclass, Kai Cheng will draw from her study of the applications of depth psychology for coaching as well as her expertise in somatic trauma healing in order to provide participants with a clear and practical foundation for understanding the "shadow" in psychological terms and ways in which this concept relates to embodiment work.

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Happy Endings: Grief, Dying, and End-of-Life
Aug
20

Happy Endings: Grief, Dying, and End-of-Life

Join us for 'Happy Endings: Grief, Dying, and End-of-Life,' a workshop that intertwines the art of poetry and somatics to explore these profound topics.

Under the expert guidance of Sah D'Simone, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of poems that uncover the beauty and wisdom in the realms of loss, mortality, and life's inevitable conclusion. This workshop aims to cultivate somatic acceptance and a deeper understanding of these universal experiences.

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Learn Somatic Self Touch
Aug
6

Learn Somatic Self Touch

Enhance your personal and professional practice: Somatic Self Touch is a simple and highly effective way of bringing immediate relief and support to emotional and physical suffering.

Using targeted self-contact in areas where emotional and bodily tension is focused, individuals experiencing emotional overwhelm and trauma can find self-regulation and experience accelerated results in somatic and conventional therapy.

In this Master Class, participants will gain valuable skills to find significant support during challenging emotional states, such as anger, rage, fear, terror, disembodiment, and numbness.

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Chronic Pain: A Somatic Approach
Jul
30

Chronic Pain: A Somatic Approach

Not knowing how to support a client with unpredictable, labile, and mutating pain and other somatic symptoms can leave practitioners at a loss.

Many medical professionals, physical therapists, and Psychotherapists attempt to chase after individual symptoms to little avail. In this workshop, we will learn how to identify the underlying stress conditions that often cause these perplexing symptoms. Once we know how to identify these stress/trauma conditions, we can more effectively treat them by utilizing special techniques to resolve the underlying autonomic dysregulation.

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When You Wish You Could Stop But You Can't
Jul
9

When You Wish You Could Stop But You Can't

In this Master Class with Dr. Ann Weiser Cornell, we will apply the somatic practice of Inner Relationship Focusing to cultivating the strong, compassionate self so unhelpful habits can be shifted without shame or self-blame. We will learn methods to support our clients who are struggling with numbing and distracting behaviors as well as the inner critics that make them feel bad without actually helping them stop. The result: An increase in self-acceptance and in the ability to make wise choices in life.

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4 Essential Somatic Skills for Supporting Trauma Recovery
Jun
4

4 Essential Somatic Skills for Supporting Trauma Recovery

Whether participants are professionals in the trauma recovery field, or individuals engaged in their own healing journey, this presentation will provide simple and practical somatic tools that support the development of trauma recovery skills. Kathy will give an overview of four essential somatic skills that are particularly important for increasing the effectiveness of trauma recovery interventions.

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Navigating Emotional Triggers and Resistance: An IFS Approach for Practitioners
May
21

Navigating Emotional Triggers and Resistance: An IFS Approach for Practitioners

In this Master Class, Dr. Richard Schwartz offers a deep dive into the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, tailored specifically for practitioners. Explore the complex dynamics of emotional triggers and resistance from a professional perspective. Learn how to effectively identify and engage with the parts of clients that surface in reaction to stress or challenge. Dr. Schwartz will provide participants with practical IFS techniques and tools that foster compassion and understanding, enhancing therapeutic practice by being in Self, and aiding clients in achieving greater inner harmony and psychological resilience. Join us to refine your skills in managing emotional triggers through an IFS lens.

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Breaking Through Fear
May
7

Breaking Through Fear

Unlock the full potential of courage and confidence in our Master Class "Breaking through Fear" with Justin Michael Williams.

Learn how to confront and conquer the fears that limit you, reclaim your inner strength, and unlock a life of freedom and possibilities. In this powerful session with Justin, you'll explore the eight hidden forms of fear that often lead to self-sabotage, and learn tools that you can incorporate immediately to dismantle these fears and create instant breakthroughs whenever they arise.

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The Effects of Disrupted Attachment & Early Trauma on the Developing Mind
Apr
23

The Effects of Disrupted Attachment & Early Trauma on the Developing Mind

In this workshop, renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, delves into the profound long-term impact of adverse early life experiences on the brain, focusing especially on areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and cutting-edge research, Dr. van der Kolk will explore the psychological and physiological consequences of disrupted attachment and childhood trauma. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how early trauma can shape an individual's emotional, cognitive, and social development. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk will discuss the latest insights into the neurobiological effects of trauma and offer innovative practical strategies for therapists and other professionals to support those affected by early adversity.

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Healing and Helping Heal an Addiction to Stress (Drama)
Mar
26

Healing and Helping Heal an Addiction to Stress (Drama)

Discover the inner workings of drama addiction in Dr. Scott Lyons' transformative class based on his groundbreaking book, Addicted to Drama. Delve into the profound psychological, biological, and social roots of drama as an addictive behavior. Through insightful discussions, uncover how drama serves as a coping mechanism, perpetuating a relentless cycle of crisis and chaos. Learn to identify the underlying pain driving this addiction and explore healthier avenues for self-expression and fulfillment. Gain tools to break free from the grip of drama and cultivate a more balanced and peaceful existence. Join us on a journey towards understanding and healing.

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Vagal Toning for Nervous System Regulation
Mar
5

Vagal Toning for Nervous System Regulation

Grounded within the principles of Polyvagal Theory, affective neuroscience, and trauma-informed care, this Master Class with Dr. Arielle Schwartz will help you gain a better understanding of how our brains and bodies respond to stress and trauma and offer a self-led healing journey toward feeling more empowered, grounded, clearheaded, inspired, and at ease.

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The Somatic Signs of Developmental Trauma
Feb
20

The Somatic Signs of Developmental Trauma

Treating Developmental Trauma as a practitioner can be challenging because the signs are often masked by more recent traumas. This program will help you to identify, in the body, preverbal neglect and attachment wounds, explore what could have been missing, and learn specific tools to help restore your clients' sense of agency, direction, and purpose.

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Cultivating Embodied Equanimity: Holding Multiple Truths in a Single Heart
Feb
6

Cultivating Embodied Equanimity: Holding Multiple Truths in a Single Heart

Join transformational somatic coach, Qualified Mediator, and somatic sex educator Kai Cheng Thom for this Master Class on somatic practices for embodied equanimity— learning how to find our center and dance gracefully with the multiple truths that exist within and all around us. This class will be particularly helpful for those struggling with current-day social conflicts, or for practitioners who are looking for somatic strategies to facilitate challenging group dynamics.

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Self-Love as an Embodied Practice
Jan
23

Self-Love as an Embodied Practice

We were born lovable, and ready to love and be loved. And yet so often the events of our lives lead us to feel unlovable, and to find it difficult to truly love ourselves.

In this Master Class with Dr. Ann Weiser Cornell, we will apply the somatic practice of Inner Relationship Focusing to resolving the blocks to loving ourselves unconditionally. We will learn to form a healing connection with the part that feels unlovable, as well as to the inner critic that is trying to blame and shame it into being "good enough." We will learn methods to enable our clients to take this same journey, from feeling unlovable to being able to fully receive love.

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The Voice Keeps the Score: Sounds as a Portal to Embodiment
Jan
9

The Voice Keeps the Score: Sounds as a Portal to Embodiment

Having a voice is a fundamental part of being human and allows us to connect to others in healthy ways: to communicate our needs and desires; to speak up when expectations have not been met, or when boundaries are over-stepped; and to connect and to share our innermost worlds. This part-experiential, part didactic Master Class with Linda Thai will delve into the vibratory resonance of sound as the first experience of attachment, the developmental actions of attachment and attunement, and sounds, vocal expression and songs as portals to attachment and to embodiment.

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Complexity and Contradictions: Healing and Practice
Dec
5

Complexity and Contradictions: Healing and Practice

Holding complexity and navigating contradictions seems to be essential life skill these days. Whether it’s working with our internal experiences and healing, navigating relationships and family, or engaging in the world and our collective future, complexity and contradictions are there. How do we work with these skillfully, from a somatic perspective? How can we welcome complexity and not lose ourselves? How do we navigate contradictions without polarizing?

Through this Master Class with Staci K. Haines, we’ll learn to expand our embodied ability to notice, be with, and take skillful action amidst complexity. We’ll discover how contradictions live in the soma, and how we can shift from reacting to them to embracing them. Complexity and contradiction hold wisdom. Through embodied practice and process, we’ll discover this wisdom and let it inform our healing, relationships, and action.

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Somatic Shame Work for Conflict Transformation
Nov
28

Somatic Shame Work for Conflict Transformation

Who among us has yet to feel the sharp sting of shame in the midst of conflict? Shame is among the powerful and painful somatic experiences that can arise in the field of relationship, and our instinctive attempts to avoid it often become a part of our fundamental shaping. Yet avoiding or rejecting shame can result in patterns of behavior and perception that prevent us from living as our full selves and creating the kinds of relationships that we most desire. Conflict offers us a window into our experience of shame like no other.

Join Kai Cheng Thom, professional embodiment coach and Qualified Mediator, for a class on practical somatic approaches to holding and healing shame in the body. We will also explore the notion of the "shadow," and the impact of collective trauma and systemic oppression on shame. Together, we will lean into the question - what would be possible if we learned to love our most shameful parts?

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The Science of Safety
Oct
31

The Science of Safety

In this session, Dr. Stephen Porges and Dr. Scott Lyons will engage in a conversation around recreating the fundamental elements of safety when boundaries and a sense of protection has been ruptured. They will explore how enhancing neuro-reception can help those who have experienced trauma to once again, discern cues of danger and safety, allowing that individual to move into connections, co-regulation and, ultimately, ease.

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Continuum of Movement: Practices for Trauma Transformation
Oct
10

Continuum of Movement: Practices for Trauma Transformation

Breath inspires movement, and movement inspires breath. The natural allies and dance partners often become estranged in bodies experiencing oppression, fear, distress and trauma. Continuum is a moving practice that uses breath and sound to invite free-form, organic movement, helpful for interrupting the somatic and movement patterns that are no longer in service of our wholeness. This highly experiential class will teach Continuum sounds and sequences to promote restoration of our core rhythmicity, empowerment, and balance in our bodies.

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The Science of Tremoring: How Body Tremors Help us Inhabit our Natural State of Grounding & Humility
Sep
26

The Science of Tremoring: How Body Tremors Help us Inhabit our Natural State of Grounding & Humility

The body’s ability to self-evoke tremors during stressful or frightening events is genetically encoded in every mammalian and human organism. The purpose of this organic tremoring process is to down-regulate the nervous system and release the chronic myofascial tension patterns associated with the stressor. This process of restoring the organism to an internally relaxed and peaceful state produces the sensation of survival and growth. The result of the completion of this process is a deeper regard, gratitude, and humility of simply being alive and appreciating our life to its fullest degree.

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Setting Boundaries with Children with the Brain in Mind
Aug
29

Setting Boundaries with Children with the Brain in Mind

This 90 minute webinar with Lisa Dion introduces participants to boundary setting with the brain in mind. Participants will learn how to think about boundary setting in a way that promotes connection instead of disconnection and integration instead of shame. Understanding the role of co-regulation, using the body as feedback to understand when it is time to set a boundary, how to work with emotional flooding and how to do repair will be explored.

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Power of Boundaries
Aug
15

Power of Boundaries

Discover the transformative potential of embracing clear and healthy boundaries in your relationships in this Master Class “Power of Boundaries” with Justin Michael Williams.

Learn the invaluable skill of speaking up before tensions escalate, understanding the distinction between boundaries and rules, and gaining the wisdom to discern when to establish boundaries and when not to. In this powerful session with Justin, you'll learn the tools to foster harmonious connections with your friends, family, coworkers, and loved ones and cultivate authentic and fulfilling relationships, where respect, communication, and personal growth thrives.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Compassion
Jul
25

Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Compassion

Join Dr. Schwartz for a special online workshop titled “Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Compassion“. IFS is a gentle, yet powerful, healing delivery system that releases the therapist from the need to be clever because it trusts and empowers the clients’ Compassionate Self. In addition to fostering a generalized sense of self compassion, IFS helps people have compassion for all parts of them—even the parts that screw up their lives or stand in the way of giving and receiving love fully. In that sense, IFS is radical self-compassion!

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Somatic Symphony: Navigating Trauma with the Full-Octave Relational Model
Jul
11

Somatic Symphony: Navigating Trauma with the Full-Octave Relational Model

Somatic Symphony: Navigating Trauma with the Full-Octave Relational Model with Dr. Albert Wong is a workshop designed for trauma therapists, somatic practitioners, and mental health professionals who are interested in exploring a groundbreaking approach to somatic trauma therapy.

In this workshop, we will introduce participants to the innovative Full-Octave Relational Model and its profound impact on healing trauma. The Full-Octave Relational Model takes inspiration from the world of music, drawing on the metaphor of a symphony to guide our understanding of the therapeutic process. By incorporating the concepts of harmony, rhythm, and resonance, we will discover how to create a therapeutic experience that promotes deep healing and resilience.

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Embodied Spirituality: Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga
Jun
27

Embodied Spirituality: Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga

In this Master Class, we explore the intersection of science, soul, and soma as the foundation for embodied spirituality. Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga offers a set of interventions that involve improving self-awareness, engaging in conscious breathing, and applying sensory input to create greater regulation of your autonomic nervous system. Our brains are constantly learning and that we can shape our growth in a wanted direction. Whatever you repeatedly think, feel, sense, and do builds new or strengthens existing neural pathways. You can rewire your nervous system to enhance your resilience.

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Quieting the Threat Response: Enhancing Safety and Connection
Jun
13

Quieting the Threat Response: Enhancing Safety and Connection

In this workshops we will explore quieting the threat response in healing overly frightening or chaotic childhood experiences to enhance relative safety and restore healthy connection.

Through experiential learning we will explore how to help heal the disorganized attachment style, known as the most complicated disrupted attachment style which usually involves unresolved developmental trauma.

Disorganized attachment involves autonomic dysregulation and an entangling of the attachment system with the threat response. We will differentiate between situational disorganized and chronic disorganized that may manifest in combination with avoidant attachment or in combination with ambivalent attachment or both.

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