Somatopia
presents
THE TRAUMA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
INTRODUCING…
The Core Skills Trauma Certificate Program
With former Director of the Somatic Psychology Program at John F. Kennedy University
Dr. Albert Wong
and Guest Faculty
New 3 Month Live Video Training Starts
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Get on the waitlist to be notified first when registration opens.
Working with trauma is sometimes challenging.
Trauma can stay, long after a threat is gone.
Flashbacks from the past can echo into present life.
Memories can lodge themselves into "felt experience."
Even after years of talk therapy and medication,
the effects of trauma can sometimes still linger.
FORTUNATELY, THERE IS ANOTHER WAY.
Instead of trying
"think" our way out of trauma,
contemporary research on healing trauma
invites us to reconnect
with our fragmented aspects of self:
the wisdom of our body,
our lost capacity for creative self-expression.
It invites us to become still, to listen,
and to rediscover our lost, forgotten parts.
Our "felt sense"
Our interoceptive experience.
The Unspoken Voices,
momentarily forgotten,
that still reside within.
THE TRAINING WAS AMAZING!
It was tremendously helpful to me as a survivor of trauma and also as a clinician. I wish more trainings like this would have been a part of my graduate school training and experience. The format was great and the pace was perfect in terms of being slow enough for it to really sink in. The information was also presented in a format that could be easily understood and applied. I highly recommend this training!
ERIN PRUETT
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND HEALING COURSE! ā¤ļø
I have found a deep sense of being ‘back in my own life’ after watching and practicing what is taught here. My awareness grows daily, and I am learning to find new resources of ‘self nourishment’! Enriching for myself and those around me!
CLAIRE ENNEW
MANDALA ARTIST
In this program you will...
-1-
Discover the Brain Science behind Neurobiological Shut-Down
You'll learn how the brain processes trauma, including revolutionary new discoveries in polyvagal theory, and the specific role of the hippocampus, the amygdala and cortisol in encoding trauma memories.
-2-
Learn How to Release Traumatic Memory Trapped in the Body
You will learn how to use interoception, the wisdom of the body and the "felt sense" to help stabilize, metabolize and integrate experiences of trauma.
-3-
Gain Practical Skills To Help Those Suffering From Trauma And Chronic Stress
Enhance your learning by practicing step-by-step skills, including tools you can use with your clients, yourself, and those you love.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
During the Certificate Program, you will…
Learn How to Work with Trauma
from Dedicated Teachers in the Field
Take 4 foundational Core Skills courses:
Foundations of Trauma Therapy
Holistic & Art-Based Interventions for Healing Trauma
Somatic Trauma Therapy: Cultivating Embodied Presence
Further Techniques and Applications of Trauma Therapy
Each Week…
Get 3 hours of online course instruction plus an additional, optional 1 hour per week of structured practice time
Hone your skills by practicing with classmates in your Student Community
Learn how to work with trauma – from a whole person perspective
Earn a Core Skills Trauma Certificate from Somatopia after the completion of 10 core skills practice sessions
FIND OUT MOREBy the end of the program, you will have learned how to:
Watch the Info Session
Recorded Live on
Sunday, May 15, 2022
with Dr. Albert Wong, Program Director
and a cameo by Associate Faculty, Maryasha Katz, LCSW
Register to Watch the Info Session
No Spam. Ever.
IN THE WORLD, THERE ARE FEW PEOPLE...
... who I label as "super co-regulators" – I view myself as good enough…. Albert, I think you could fit within the category of "super co-regulators"… Your presence and your voice… How you use your social engagement system… That's a healing property. It enables the body to become accessible.
STEPHEN PORGES
FOUNDER OF POLYVAGAL THEORY
THE CORE SKILLS TRAUMA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
THE CURRICULUM
Trauma 101
Foundations of Trauma Therapy
Laying the Groundwork for Understanding
Trauma 102
Art-Based Approaches for Healing Trauma
Connecting with Our Creativity and the Voice that Lives Within
Trauma 103
Somatic Trauma Therapy
Cultivating Embodied Presence and Essential Qualities for Healing Trauma
Trauma 104
Trauma Therapy: Further Techniques and Applications
Further Techniques and Applications
OUR FACULTY
Bringing decades of experience, with over 1,000 students trained
Camara Rajabari, LMFT
Core Faculty
Sue Martin, MA, REAT
Core Faculty
Bill Say, MA
Associate Faculty
Niralli D'Costa, LMFT
Associate Faculty
Maryasha Katz, LCSW
Associate Faculty
Angela Porter, LMFT
Associate Faculty
Sheila Rubin, LMFT, RDT/BCT
Associate Faculty
Patricia Rojas-Zambrano, LMFT
Associate Faculty
YOUR HOST
Dr. Albert Wong
Former Director of Somatic Psychology
John F. Kennedy University
BLENDING ANCIENT WISDOM
WITH MODERN SCIENCE
PROGRAM DETAILS
OVERVIEW
The program will run from May 24th to August 18, 2022.
All live sessions will be recorded so that students who cannot attend the live sessions can watch or revisit the lesson at their own convenience.
Students are welcome to either attend the live sessions or participate in the certificate program through watching the video recordings.
In order to receive the Trauma Certificate, students must complete 10 practice sessions, as well as a self-evaluation, by October 18, 2022.
THE CURRICULUM
The program is comprised of four separate, but interlocking courses:
- Foundations of Trauma Therapy
- Art-based Approaches to Healing Trauma
- Somatic Trauma Therapy: Cultivating Embodied Presence
- Trauma Therapy: Further Techniques and Applications
Because this curriculum builds upon itself, these courses cannot be taken individually, but must be taken together as a unit as part of the integrated Core Skills Trauma Certificate Program.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Classes will meet twice a week during the summer session (May 24 through August 18, 2022).
All weekly classes are on:
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1 PM-2:30 PM (Pacific Time)
+ optional after-class 30 minute practice session
Each 90-minute class will be followed by an optional 30 minute practice session for students so that they might develop and practice their skills learned during the class, as well as earn practice session credit towards their Core Skills Trauma Certificate.
Please view the calendar listed above for an overview of the schedule, with particular attention to your local time zone.
CLASSROOM FORMAT
COURSE CONTENT: Students may participate in the training either by attending the Live Sessions on Zoom or by watching the Class Recordings which will be housed via the online learning platform, Somatopia.
REFERENCE MATERIALS: The online learning platform at Somatopia will be the repository archive for all information about the course including:
- Orientation information
- Student Handbook
- Detailed class schedule
- Instructions on how to access the live classes via Zoom
- Class recordings of live sessions – available within 24 hours of the end of the live event.
STUDENT ORIENTATION
Student orientation will occur on the first day of class, Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 1 PM (Pacific Time). During this time students will be oriented to the parameters of the class, how to utilize the learning platform, community agreements, and the structure of the certificate program.
A recording will be made available for students who cannot attend live.
HOMEWORK
In order to earn the Core Skills Trauma Certificate, students must complete 10 core skills practice sessions and complete a self-evaluation. These are due by October 18, 2022.
Practice sessions may be completed either with members of the class cohort, or with willing volunteer "practice clients" outside of class.
Students are welcome to schedule the practice times as best fit their (and their practice partner's) individual schedule.
CLOSING CEREMONY
Closing Ceremony will occur on the last day of class, Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 1 PM (Pacific Time).
Students will be given an opportunity to share their experience in community.
Family, friends, and loved ones are welcome and invited to attend.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
In order to receive the Core Skills Trauma Certificate, students must:
- Attend the live sessions and/or watch the recordings
- Complete 10 practice sessions implementing the Core Skills techniques
- Complete a Self-Evaluation
TUITION FEES
Our fees are sliding scale, and we make every effort to keep our trainings affordable for students.
Students may choose one of three sliding scale rates – Full Fee, Base Fee, or Reduced Fee – which range from $987 to $797 on a sliding scale basis.
ALL ARE WELCOMEDR. WONG WAS AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO WATCH...
Dr. Wong was an absolute joy to watch take us through journey of trauma healing. His voice was soothing and a authentic teacher. I’m a Family Physician who is focused on Mental Health in Men and Boy Children. My approach in therapy has always been around CBT and Positive Psychology. Referring my patients for Somatic Therapies. You gave me another technique to help my clients. The phase 3 connection part was beautiful. Somehow I found it connected to CBT. Loved it!!
DR. UNATI MAKIWANE
FAMILY PHYSICIAN
WHO IS THIS FOR?
THIS COURSE WAS UNBELIEVABLE.
This course was unbelievable. I learned so much. This will be invaluable when working with my clients. I not only use this with my clients It has helped me to understand my own trauma.
LORRAINE ROSSITER
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Registration for the 2022 Core Skills Training is now closed.
The program will run again starting in August 2023.
Sign up below and be the first to know about the 2023 Core Skills Trauma Certificate Program.
I HAVE SUCH HEARTFELT GRATITUDE...
...for Dr. Wong and this course. I too like so many have suffered trauma in my life. And working through that trauma has led me to a career field in healing. I'm a structural integrator and I work directly with physical manifestations of trauma on a daily basis and I find this curriculum and what it can bring to my work valuable. I thoroughly enjoyed this course. And I thank you Dr. Wong, for your time and your genuine desire to share this gentle approach with all of us. I truly look forward to learning more from you in the future. Thank you so much.
REGINA VISCONI
LICENSED MANUAL THERAPIST
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatās a virtual course?
Can I get benefit from the course if I miss the live classes?
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I am not a mental health professional. Am I eligible to take the Trauma Certificate training?
Is this a certification program?
Does this course qualify for continuing education credit?
What are the dates and schedule for the course?
Is this a theoretical or experiential learning program?
Do I need any special books or materials for this training?
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FACULTY BIOS
Sue Martin, MA, REAT
Core Faculty
Sue Martin, MA, REAT, has over 40 years experience working in the field of trauma. In 1977 she cofounded one of the first shelters for battered women in the country and then, Futures Without Violence in 1980. Sue has taught students, professionals and community agencies for many decades. Known for her dynamic and passionate teaching, She served on the faculty of John F. Kennedy University from 2007 to 2020, teaching courses on Working with Trauma and PTSD, the Psychobioimmunology of Stress and Embodied Expressive Movement. Sue has supported hundreds of students to learn to listen to their body’s wisdom and to follow the depth of knowledge discovered therein. She is a proponent of simple practices that support embodying our essential/highest nature. Sue has a private practice in Berkeley, California and is a longtime student of the Diamond Heart School for Spiritual Development, where she is currently in the teacher-training program.
Camara Meri Rajabari, LMFT
Core Faculty
Camara Meri Rajabari (she/her) is an arts-based, somatic, ancestral psychotherapist, professor, activist practicing and living in the unceded lands of the Chochenyo and Ramaytush Ohlone peoples called Oakland, California. Her private practice specializes in anxiety, depression and intergenerational trauma experienced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color. She is also trained psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist working offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for clients experiencing complex ptsd. Camara’s approach is person-centered, imaginal and inclusive. Her work focuses on intergenerational trauma, ancestral resiliency and the exploration/liberation of consciousness.
Maryasha Katz, LCSW
Associate Faculty
Maryasha Katz is a Jewish Queer Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dancer, and Life Coach. She is a member of the Adjunct Faculty in the Holistic Studies and Graduate Psychology Departments at JFK/National University and Palo Alto University. She has extensive experience working with trauma with a focus on sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition to her private practice, she provides supervision and consultation to other psychotherapists and organizations. Her skills in online course development have put her in high demand during these challenging times. She has also worked as the Counseling Department Supervisor and Sexual Assault Department Manager at Women’s Crisis Support~Defensa de Mujeres, as a Self-Defense Instructor, and as a Trainer.
Niralli D’Costa, MA, LMFT
Associate Faculty
Niralli D’Costa, LMFT, MA, Somatic Ecotherapist, is a licensed psychotherapist, teacher and practitioner of integrative energy healing modality Syntara System. She believes that everything that we need in order to heal and awaken, is available to us in the natural world. Niralli draws upon her long-term study of yoga, meditation, and tantra to support people on their spiritual path and healing journey. She has taught at the intersections of social justice, embodied spiritual practice, and nature-based elemental healing at a range of institutions. She has served as adjunct faculty at UC Berkeley, John F. Kennedy University, Syntara System School of Energy Awareness, the Mind Body Therapy Certificate Program at Embodied Philosophy, and currently serves as affiliate faculty in the Spiritual and Depth Psychology Specialization at Antioch University. She currently practices online and in Chumash and Ohlone territories.
Patricia Rojas-Zambrano, LMFT
Associate Faculty
Patricia Rojas-Zambrano is a psychotherapist, activist, artist, and educator. She completed a B.S in Psychology at Universidad de Los Andes in her native Colombia where she worked in community-based programs. Upon relocating to the US to complete graduate studies at CIIS (EXA, 02), she focused her practice towards community mental health settings that serve immigrant and refugee communities. In her clinical practice she has specialized in the treatment of trauma using both Expressive arts and somatic approaches including focusing, movement-based, and mindfulness approaches such as Hakomi. She is the co-founder and Director of Wellness in Action at the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, a community-based training program for unserved and underserved communities and mental health practitioners of color. Ancestral knowledge, relational wisdom and embodied practices are central to this work.
Bill Say, MA
Associate Faculty
Bill Say holds an M.A. in psychology, and certification in Process Work and Core Energetics. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Wright Institute, California Institute of Integral Studies, JFK University and the Process Work Institute. He brings many years of experience to private therapeutic practice, diversity awareness training, conflict resolution and community building, with work in the US, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Bill is Japanese Korean American, cis and male and straight identified, middle-class, spiritually oriented, socially introverted, married to Linda and parent to Gabe. His website is: http://www.billsay.com
Angela Porter, MA, LMFT
Associate Faculty
Angela Porter, MA, MFT is a somatic therapist, trauma treatment, and addictions specialist, with a primary focus in group practice, and work with other therapists and clinicians. She trained in Gestalt, body-centered, and Somatic Therapy at Esalen Institute, Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute, and is both an instructor and practitioner of BREEMA and a practitioner of EMDR. Facilitating the connection between body and mind is the foundation of her psychotherapeutic work. Angela also serves as adjunct faculty at JFK and CIIS graduate psychology programs, teaching courses in clinical supervision, group therapy, and somatic approaches for treating trauma. She has recently launched Blackbird Institute in Oakland CA, where she works training and offering clinical supervision to psychotherapy interns and associates interested in treating trauma through a developmental, somatic, evolutionary and transpersonal lens.
Sheila Rubin, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT
Associate Faculty
Sheila Rubin, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT is a leading authority on Healing Shame. She co-created the Healing Shame – Lyon/Rubin Method and has delivered talks, presentations and workshops across the country and around the world, at conferences from Canada to Romania. Sheila has been presenting Healing Shame workshops with her husband, Bret Lyon, for over 10 years; she has been presenting workshops for therapists about working with shame, eating disorders, and child and family trauma for over 25 years.
Albert Wong, PhD
Core Faculty, Program Director
Dr. Albert Wong is the former Director of Somatic Psychology at John F. Kennedy University and a leading clinician and educator in the field of somatics, healing trauma, and the body-mind connection. He served as residential staff at the Esalen Institute and as Core Faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies, where he taught classes on Somatic Approaches to Trauma, Therapeutic Communication, and Theories and Techniques of Trauma Therapy. He has been featured on PBS, in Time Magazine, and his work has been published in titles ranging from the scientific journal Biological Cybernetics to the book anthology Radical Spirit. He is the founder of Somatopia, an online educational platform that is dedicated to creating an embodied world.