“When we come together in the service of collective trauma integration, presence is the most essential and sacred substance we can bring."

Training for Facilitators

Art of Holding Space

A practical workshop for facilitators to explore the nuances of holding space with sensitivity to trauma.

Holding space has become common in the past two decades with the rise of yoga, movement, sound, and other healing art practices. However, most training does not include the sensitivity of handling trauma. It is inevitable for traumatic material to emerge during these environments. How do we manage that appropriately?

Holding space or facilitation brings up a power dynamic that needs to be discussed, acknowledged, and navigated with reverence. How do we handle cultural and racial sensitivities? What is contextually appropriate in the spaces we are working within? What are ways to integrate consent and boundaries in localized community building settings?

In this workshop we will explore the layered nuances of facilitation, discuss power dynamics. and the importance of choice in preparing, holding space for, and integrating empowering spaces.

There will be emphasis on the intelligence of the body through basics of embodiment and somatics, how our bodies development in the womb (embryology), ancestral and evolutionary influences imprinted in our bodies, spinal dynamics as the home of our nervous system (craniosacral), and potential components for recovery and rebalancing to support holistic well-being.

We will dive into an overall understanding of the lingering impact of trauma on the body, trauma within the cultural context of Singapore/Asia, and the wider systemic issues of living amidst a capitalist-colonialist system that perpetuates harm and oppression. While exploring how this affects our place in the world as a facilitator and space holding for people, ourselves, and landscapes.

Languaging, exploring boundaries, and shaping our ethical values as facilitators will be an active and engaging component. We aim to offer a perspective on the skills needed to navigate complex facilitation scenarios with integrity, and compassion.

We intend for this workshop to be an active imperfect collective process to unfold the tools for facilitating in a way that expresses embodied empathy and nuanced somatic awareness for collective care and healing.

By the end of the workshop, participants leave with a deeper understanding of trauma-sensitive practices, along with practical references to support their ongoing application of these principles in their work.

I like to have some case studies to elaborate on the facilitation aspects, and how colonial cosmologies and collective trauma show up in spaces and how people unintentionally reproduce them. Nope, all clear! no. E-book was very clear, very well organized – thank you for that! I loved the discussion of the gut in the e-book and would love us to focus more on this in the September closed-group gathering.

Learn trauma sensitive practices to integrate into the spaces you hold

Who Should Attend?

Facilitators, community organizers, yoga instructors, movement practitioners, and individuals in healing arts practices
People interested in holding space while integrating trauma-sensitive practices
Facilitators working within diverse communities, with a focus on Asian diversity
Professionals seeking to navigate complex facilitation scenarios with integrity and compassion
Those seeking a deeper understanding of consent, power, abuse, boundaries, and politics of the body as a facilitator/space holder

Connect with Chloe if you’re not sure if this program is suitable for you

What you will learn

This program will be adapted based on the specific needs of the participants and the context in which you work.
Each module includes a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, experiential somatic and embodiment practices, and contemplative activities for self awareness.

Internal World of the Body
What is embodiment and somatics? Embryology basics, Brain Evolution, Perceptions of Pain, Energetic Body, Body Intelligence

External Impacts on the Body
Bottom-up & Top-down Processing, Impacts of Environment, Contextualising Your Service

On Facilitation
Power Dynamics between Facilitator and Participant

Impacts of Trauma
Window of Tolerance, Landscape of the Body, Polyvagal Theory

Central Nervous System
Midline Dynamics, Spectrum of Emotions, Components of Recovery

Languaging
Opening, Expectations, Boundaries, Structures

Building Your Structure
Guidance for appropriate approaches for workshops, retreats, events

Business Ethics
Shaping Values as a Facilitator, Cultural Appropriation, Political Body, Liberation Ontology

More Detailed Program Course Breakdown is available.

Sources: The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium

trauma sensitive basics for facilitators 3 hrs $299 (online)
2 modules

certificate of attendance
16r hrs in persons

certificate of attendance
30 hrs retreats in person and online attendance
certification of completion

*required

Assessment
Trauma-sensitive class/workshop structure plan

Module 1: Understanding Trauma

Introduction to Trauma: Definitions and types of trauma, prevalence statistics.
Impact on the Body and Mind: Exploring how trauma affects individuals physically and psychologically.
Recognizing Trauma Signs: Identifying behavioral and physiological indicators of trauma.

Module 2: Trauma-Sensitive Language and Communication

Effective Communication: Developing language that promotes safety and trust.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: Adapting communication for diverse audiences and experiences.
Active Listening and Empathy: Techniques for understanding and responding to trauma disclosures.

Module 3: Somatic Approaches

Introduction to Somatic Practices: Exploring the role of the body in trauma recovery.
Embodied Awareness: Techniques for cultivating mindfulness and body awareness.
Somatic Language in Facilitation: Integrating somatic practices into teaching and guiding.

Module 4: Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments

Setting Boundaries: Strategies for establishing and maintaining safe spaces.
Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and addressing cultural considerations in trauma-sensitive practices.
Inclusivity in Group Settings: Nurturing an environment that embraces diversity.

Module 5: Trauma-Sensitive Practices in Action

Case Studies: Analyzing real-world scenarios and applying trauma-sensitive approaches.
Interactive Workshops: Practical exercises to implement trauma-sensitive practices.
Feedback and Reflection: Sharing experiences and refining trauma-aware facilitation skills.

Module 6: Integrating Trauma Awareness Into Your Work

Personalized Action Plans: Developing individual strategies for trauma-sensitive facilitation.
Collaborative Learning: Group discussions on challenges, successes, and ongoing support.
Resource Sharing: Providing tools and references for continued learning and growth.

This curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing for adaptation based on the specific needs of the participants and the context in which they work. Each module can include a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, experiential exercises, and self-reflection activities.

“When we come together in the service of collective trauma integration, presence is the most essential and sacred substance we can bring."

Training for Facilitators

Art of Holding Space

Learn trauma sensitive practices to integrate into the spaces you hold

Who Should Attend?

What you will learn

Module 1: Understanding Trauma

Module 2: Trauma-Sensitive Language and Communication

Module 3: Somatic Approaches

Module 4: Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments

Module 5: Trauma-Sensitive Practices in Action

Module 6: Integrating Trauma Awareness Into Your Work

Connect with Chloe

Quicklinks

collaborate

Meet Chloe

Blog

Legal

Connect with Chloe

Embodiment

Therapy

Deep Time Retreats

Work with Me

For Facilitators

About

Articles

Stay in the Know

“When we come together in the service of collective trauma integration, presence is the most essential and sacred substance we can bring."

Training for Facilitators

Art of Holding Space

Learn trauma sensitive practices to integrate into the spaces you hold

Who Should Attend?

What you will learn

Module 1: Understanding Trauma

Module 2: Trauma-Sensitive Language and Communication

Module 3: Somatic Approaches

Module 4: Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments

Module 5: Trauma-Sensitive Practices in Action

Module 6: Integrating Trauma Awareness Into Your Work

Connect with Chloe

Quicklinks

collaborate

Meet Chloe

Blog

Legal

Connect with Chloe

Embodiment

Therapy

Deep Time Retreats

Work with Me

For Facilitators

About

Articles

Stay in the Know

Biodynamic Somatic Therapy in Singapore

September 1 - 30, 2024