12-Day Somatic Trauma Therapy Training with Babette Rothschild

About the Training

Somatic Trauma Therapy (STT) is an integrative approach developed by Babette Rothschild in 1992. It brings together an understanding of the psychological and physiological effects of trauma with practical tools that can be incorporated into different therapeutic approaches.

The 12-day training builds on the principles presented in The Body Remembers, Volumes 1 and 2, and draws on the work of Pierre Janet, Judith Herman, Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk and the Bodynamic Institute, amongst others.

The course has three central aims:

1. To strengthen the connection between trauma theory and clinical practice.

2. To introduce non-touch somatic tools that practitioners can integrate into their existing therapeutic work.

3. To develop practitioners' ability to distinguish when processing traumatic memories may be helpful, when it may be inappropriate or premature, and how to support clients accordingly.

A central principle of STT is that therapy needs to be adapted to the needs and circumstances of each individual client. Practitioners are encouraged to draw on a range of theories, skills and therapeutic approaches, rather than relying on a single method.

The training is therefore intended to complement and extend existing professional knowledge and experience. Practitioners from different therapeutic backgrounds, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, EMDR, cognitive behavioural therapy, humanistic and body psychotherapy, mindfulness-based approaches and other modalities, can integrate the learning into their work.

Who Is the Training For?

The training is suitable for qualified psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, healthcare professionals, body therapists and other professionals who work therapeutically with people affected by trauma.

Participants should already have relevant professional training and be working with clients, enabling them to apply and consolidate their learning throughout the course.

This is continuing professional development for practitioners with an existing professional foundation, rather than an introductory qualification in counselling or psychotherapy.

Course Content

The training is delivered in three four-day modules, with each module building on the knowledge and skills developed in the previous one.

Throughout the course, particular attention is given to phase-oriented trauma treatment, the distinction between trauma recovery and trauma-memory processing, and reducing the risks associated with trauma therapy.

Part 1 :

Focuses on stabilisation and safety. Theoretical material includes: treatment planning, psychology of stress and trauma (including the role of dissociation); physiology of stress and trauma (including how to facilitate clear thinking and integration); autonomic and sensory nervous system branches and their application to principles of stabilisation; defining types of trauma clients; “putting on the brakes” for containment and safety; applications of mindfulness and regulating hyperarousal. Experience with basic body awareness, mindfulness, muscle toning, boundaries and the use of resources will provide the basis for direct practice during this module.

Part 2:

Peter Levine’s SIBAM model is featured as a multifaceted tool that can be used to enhance stabilisation as well as to increase association and resolution of trauma memories. The model will be taught in steps, culminating in practice sessions with role-played clients. Addressing issues of self-care, including avoiding risks of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue and learning to consciously adjust resonance and empathy will round out these 4 days.

Part 3:

The Bodynamic “running technique” will be introduced as an imaginal, mind/body integrative procedure for reawakening the flight reflex and reducing hyperarousal. Graduated training in the model will make it accessible to therapists for their clients with applications in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Participants will also be supervised in making relevant choices of techniques both during triad role-plays and during client consultation. Integration of both theoretical and practical material from all three workshops will be included, reinforcing the bridge between theory and practice, training and actual work place situations. Treatment planning will be further discussed and practiced.

How Is the Training Delivered?

The course is taught live online via Zoom by Babette Rothschild, supported by experienced assistants who provide additional guidance during breakout-group practice.

The training combines teaching and discussion with films, video demonstrations, role-played therapeutic practice, client consultations and opportunities to explore clinical applications.

Participants receive relevant handouts to supplement the required reading.

The online format is designed to retain the interaction and experiential learning of the original in-person training. Assistants are available to support participants during smaller-group practice sessions.

Participants are encouraged to practise the approaches taught using role-played clinical situations, rather than working directly with their own traumatic experiences.

The 12-day training is a continuous programme delivered over three four-day modules. Participants must join at Part 1 and complete all three modules with the same cohort. Individual modules cannot be booked separately, and participants cannot move between cohorts.

Practice Between Modules

There are substantial gaps between the three modules to allow participants to consolidate their learning and consider its application in their clinical work.

Participants are encouraged to form small peer groups to practise between modules, either online or in person.

Each module builds on the previous one, so attendance and participation across all 12 days are important.

Completion and Certification

Participants completing the 12-day programme receive documentation confirming their attendance and 84 hours of professional training.

For practitioners wishing to pursue certification in Somatic Trauma Therapy, a further stage of training and assessment is available by application.

This is a separate process from completing the initial 12-day course. Babette Rothschild provides further information about the certification pathway during the training.

Completion of the 12-day programme does not, in itself, confer certification as a Somatic Trauma Therapist.

About Babette Rothschild

Babette Rothschild, MSW, is a psychotherapist, international trainer and author who has worked in psychotherapy since 1976 and taught professional training since 1992.

She developed Somatic Trauma Therapy as an integrative approach to trauma treatment, drawing on her clinical experience and an understanding of the relationship between psychological and physiological responses to trauma.

Her publications include The Body Remembers, Volumes 1 and 2, The Body Remembers Casebook, 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery, Help for the Helper, and Trauma Essentials. She has also co-authored practical workbooks supporting both trauma recovery and the wellbeing of helping professionals.

Babette teaches and consults internationally, supporting practitioners to integrate trauma theory with thoughtful, individualised clinical practice.

Upcoming Training Dates and Booking

The 12-day training is offered in three four-day modules, usually spread over approximately one year.

Courses are delivered live online, with dates, fees and booking arrangements confirmed for each cohort.

Please see the current training listings for details of upcoming programmes, availability, eligibility and registration.