Relational Somatics
A four-week guided online group program exploring the foundations of nervous system regulation and learning practical somatic tools for orienting towards connection, pleasure, ease, creativity and joy.
When: Beginning Tuesday January 21st 6.15-7.30pm AEST
Where: Online via zoom
Somatic Theory and Practice
Over the course of four weekly meetings, there will be a blend of psychoeducation and somatic practices to understand and support healthy and adaptive nervous system function. We will also discuss the therapeutic possibilities of this knowledge and how a flexible nervous system can contribute to a more easeful, creative and joyful experience in our bodies, our relationships and the world.
Who is this for?
For those wishing to personally understand and track their own nervous system patterns and cultivate more practical somatic knowledge, tools and empowerment around how to shift between states of activation (fight, flight, fawn and freeze) towards states of ventral vagal tone (rest and digest, safe and social).
This is also a great container for movement or body workers and health practitioners to incorporate more somatic theory and practice into their existing therapeutic practice.
Why would this benefit you or your practice?
The nervous system is a complex and crucial part of our bodies, and its proper functioning is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing. Understanding how it works and practicing somatic methods to regulate the nervous system can support stress and anxiety management, emotional wellbeing, physical health, pain management, sleep and cognitive function. It can also improve your capacity to connect and be in relationship, ultimately contributing to social wellbeing as well.
What will you receive?
Four 1.5 hour weekly sessions on Tuesdays evenings with a blend of somatic psychoeducation and practice.
Unlimited on-demand access to Small Beyonds online studio containing somatic practices for nervous system regulation
Weekly recordings of the live session and journaling prompts
Further reading resources and an embodied bibliography of somatic practices mentioned in the course.
Program Content
Week One: Introduction to the Ventral Vagal Nervous System
Personal, social and environmental impacts on the nervous system
Nervous system activation and down regulation
Agency and flexibility in the nervous system
Developing capacity to hold charge in the nervous system
Week Two: Noticing, Pace and State Shifting
Pendulation and Titration techniques
Moving at a pace that is consensual for the body
Understanding our capacity and nervous system triggers
Creating buffers and supporting nervous system regulation
Week Three: Co-regulation and Boundaries
How nervous systems communicate in relationship
Co-regulating with the more-than-human-world
The importance of embodied boundaries
Week Four: Orienting Towards Pleasure, Ease, Creativity and Joy
Neurological benefits of creativity, play and curiosity as resources for regulation
Sensory somatic language and body mapping techniques
Somatic poetry and embodied journaling practices
Reflection and integration