Continuing Education

Somatic Therapy

Integrating Mind-Body Connection for Trauma Healing

Mental Health Education

About The Course

Course Title: Somatic Therapy

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1 credit (general). ASWB ACE and NBCC.

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 10 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again.

Certificate of Completion: In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

Why is understanding this topic important?

1. Holistic Healing:

Somatic Therapy addresses the connection between mind and body, offering a more comprehensive approach to healing by recognizing how physical sensations and trauma are intertwined. This can lead to more effective and lasting recovery for individuals suffering from trauma and emotional distress.

2. Trauma-Informed Care:

As awareness of trauma’s impact on mental health grows, Somatic Therapy provides a crucial, evidence-based method for addressing deeply rooted psychological issues. It’s particularly important for treating conditions like PTSD, which traditional talk therapy might not fully resolve.

3. Advancing Mental Health Practices:

Integrating Somatic Therapy into mainstream mental health care represents an important shift toward more inclusive, personalized treatment options. This approach can improve outcomes for diverse populations, including those who may not respond to conventional therapies.

Learning Objectives:

Explain Somatic Therapy Techniques: Students will be able to explain how Somatic Therapy techniques can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities, such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems, to enhance their clinical practice.
Apply Trauma-Informed Practices: Students will develop the skills to apply trauma-informed therapy interventions in their work with clients, particularly those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Enhance Therapeutic Presence: Students will develop strategies to enhance their therapeutic presence, fostering a safe and supportive environment that encourages clients to explore their physical and emotional experiences.

Target Audience:

Mental health professionals and Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP – Owner/ Psychotherapist at Embodied Wellness, PLLC

Sarah Rollins is a seasoned psychotherapist and the owner of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group practice specializing in online therapy for adolescents and adults in Michigan. With expertise in Somatic Experiencing (SE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), she focuses on treating trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Before founding Embodied Wellness, Sarah gained extensive experience in various clinical settings, including as a Psychiatric Social Worker at the University of Michigan Health System and as a School Social Worker at Clara B Ford Academy. Her background in multi-systemic therapy and foster care has equipped her with a broad skill set for supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

Sarah is deeply committed to providing inclusive and trauma-informed care, with a focus on supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Her practice reflects her dedication to helping clients achieve personal growth and healing through innovative and compassionate therapeutic approaches.

Meagan Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group instruction for over 8 years.

Meagan Mitchell, LICSW, is currently a Child and Adolescent Therapist and owner of Brain Space Wellness. She is working towards her Play Therapy credential. Meagan is also the founder of Agents of Change Social Work Test Prep – a learning platform and community designed for social workers preparing for their licensing exams.

She loves combining her passion for learning and sharing her knowledge with the social work community. Meagan has a strong interest in tech & and innovation, specifically exploring the intersection of technology with social work practices. She is also passionate about multicultural supervision & and ethics; ensuring diverse voices are heard, understood, and supported in supervision and consultation.

Lastly, Meagan is currently a DSW student at SUNY Buffalo.

Course Outline:

1) Introduction and Background

Overview of Sarah’s background as a psychotherapist, her private practice, and expertise in trauma-informed care.
CE objectives: understanding the importance of somatic therapy, techniques, trauma-informed practices, and enhancing therapeutic presence.

2) Defining Somatic Therapy

Explanation of somatic therapy as a body-centered approach to therapy.
Differences between traditional talk therapy and somatic therapy.
Focus on the integration of nervous system regulation, body sensations, and trauma stored in the body.

3) Trauma and the Mind-Body Connection

Discussion of how trauma is often stored in the body, leading to physiological responses even after the trauma is over.
The concept of “overcoupling” and how physical sensations can be misinterpreted as emotional responses
Role of somatic therapy in addressing this disconnect and helping clients process trauma through their body.

4) Therapist’s Role and Client Engagement

Importance of transparency and seeking client permission to create safety in the therapeutic relationship.
Managing both the therapist’s and client’s nervous systems during therapy sessions.
The therapist’s responsibility to help clients reconnect with their bodies and build self-trust through therapeutic work.

5) Outcomes and Practical Applications

Expected outcomes of somatic therapy, including increased self-compassion and the ability to manage difficult emotions.
The importance of patience in trauma therapy and adapting techniques to individual needs.
Recommendations for further education and resources for therapists interested in somatic therapy.

Course Creation Date: 9/21/24

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

System Requirements:

The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
Javascript enabled
PDF plugin
Graphic and audio output capability
Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Refund Policy: In general, refunds will not be provided. However, if you do have any concerns or grievances, please contact us at the email address below. Registrants who do not complete their course(s) will not receive a refund. Registrants who purchased the course but did not achieve a passing grade will not receive a refund. The Agents of Change Grievance Policy can be viewed here.

Cancellation Policy: If an Agents of Change Continuing Education course is canceled, a full refund will be provided to all participants.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the course.

Agents of Change is Approved by ACE

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

Agents of Change is Approved by NBCC

Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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