Foundational Somatics

A 6-week introductory somatics course, introducing participants to body-mind strategies for nervous system regulation and embodied resilience.

Informed by somatic and mindfulness theory, evidence-based embodiment practices, and an awareness of the intersections between health, wellbeing and agency, this course has no prerequisite knowledge and is open to all. It is available in person and online.

Please note that while this course is trauma-informed and mental health aware, it is not a therapeutic adjunct. If you are looking for a more therapeutic program, please check out our Therapeutic Movement & Mindfulness program.

Our Program Model

Foundational Somatics typically runs as a 6-week course, covering 6 core themes:

  • Week 1: Introduction and Personal Intentions 

  • Week 2: Guiding Principles for Embodied Wellbeing 

  • Week 3: Orienting  

  • Week 4: Grounding 

  • Week 5: Centring 

  • Week 6: Resourcing 

Each theme has associated somatic practices and reflective prompts. 

The course also integrates group discussion and space for additional topics or themes that may emerge, based on the group’s interests and experiences.

Participants in our program also receive additional support through pre-recorded video content and a handbook of movement and mindfulness practices to use at home.

What People Say

  • “I’ve formed a kinder relationship with my body and walked away with a number of somatic practices that will see me through a lifetime.”

  • “I loved the facilitation — warm, gentle, clear and provided flexibility for different ways of learning.”

  • “This was my first experience in a trauma-informed learning environment and I have honestly never witnessed that level of connection, respect and safety in a group setting.”

  • “What a beautiful opportunity to feel softly held in an environment that values an individual, autonomy, learning requirements, lived experience, and time.”

Interested in this Course?

Subsidised places and payment plans are available for those experiencing financial duress. All Collective Being programs are free for First Nations people and communities. If you are a service provider, complete our enquiry form to explore bringing Foundational Somatics to your community.

Foundational Somatics FAQs

  • This program is open to all. No prior experience of somatics or meditation are required. Please note that this program is trauma-informed and mental health aware, however it is not a therapeutic adjunct. If you are looking for a more therapeutic program, please check out our Therapeutic Movement & Mindfulness program.

  • Research on somatic practices, such as grounding, centering, and body-based mindfulness, indicates stress reduction, mental health improvements, and physical health improvements. These practices can also increase interoceptive awareness, which is crucial for emotional regulation and stress management, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression (Mehling et al., 2009; Farb et al., 2013; Kabat-Zinn, 1990; Grossman et al., 2004).

    Somatic practices may also improve mindfulness and presence, which are linked to better mood and reduced rumination (Grossman et al., 2004).

    Additionally, somatic practices are associated with reductions in physiological stress markers, such as cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, contributing to an overall reduction in stress (Maté, 2011). These practices also improve relaxation responses by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the body's fight-or-flight response (Porges, 2011).

    Finally, somatic techniques are beneficial for managing chronic pain by increasing body awareness and modulating the perception of pain, and they contribute to better sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxatio (Mehling et al., 2011; Morin et al., 2009; Ogden et al., 2006).

  • Please see upcoming courses here.

    If you would like to arrange a Foundational Somatics Program for your team or client group, get in touch with us directly.

  • In addition to the facilitator who will guide each session, there will be a support facilitator assigned to this course.

    The support facilitator will practice alongside you and is available to support you throughout the session.

  • Yes, depending on your plan. Please get in touch with us directly to discuss, or have a chat with your case manager or allied health support worker to confirm.

  • Yes, we do. Typically, the program fee is divided into 3 payments received before the first session. However we can offer more regular payments if that is more supportive for you. Connect with our team at hello@collectivebeing.org to request a payment plan for an upcoming program.

    Subsidised places are also available for those experiencing financial duress. All Collective Being programs are free for First Nations people and communities. Please get in touch for more information.

  • This program is designed for personal learning and is not a training. As such, no certificates will be provided at the end of the program.

  • Please email our Programs Coordinator Alexia directly at alexia@collectivebeing.org

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