Patricia Berendsen and Associates is an affiliate of Somatic Experiencing® International.
Somatic Experiencing® International is a registered trademark in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.
What is Somatic Experiencing®?
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) offers a new and hopeful vision of trauma. It is a short-term, naturalistic approach to the resolution of trauma developed by Dr. Peter Levine.
Trauma is not a disease; it is a state of “dis-ease.” Discomfort is a signal to us that something inside needs our attention. If these signals go unanswered, they eventually evolve into the symptoms of trauma.
Each individual experience is unique. Many symptoms can appear and be very stressful and confusing to people. In most cases, our bodies have retained the crucial information that link the symptoms to the original trauma. That is why it is essential that we learn to trust the messages our bodies are giving us. The symptoms of trauma are internal wake-up calls. Through Somatic Experiencing® (SE), we can learn how to listen to our body, to increase both physical and mental awareness, and begin to heal our traumas.
Who is the SE® Training for?
Mental Health Professionals
Medical Professionals
Body
Workers
Other Professionals
The Levels/Curriculum
Resources
Here you will find a curated list of resources to help support you in your SE journey. Click on any of the images to go directly to the link.
In an Unspoken Voice by: Dr. Peter Levine
This is not required reading, but a familiarity with Dr. Levine’s work is a great foundational piece to have prior to the training.
Waking the Tiger by: Dr. Peter Levine
Again, this is not required reading, but if you want to prepare yourself for the training, this would be a great place to start.
The Somatic Experiencing International site is an amazing resource. Here you can find a comprehensive list of trainings as well as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioners near you.
This article posted in Psychology Today, is a great resource to learn more about the training.
Somatic Experiencing International’s YouTube channel is filled with useful and informative videos.
This Workshop from University of British Columbia will provide a detailed look at generation trauma and healing through a trauma informed lens.
Policies & Procedures
If notice is given more than 45 days prior to the start of the training, we are able to provide a 75% refund of the total fee.
If notice is given between 30 to 45 days, you will receive a 50% refund.
No refund s will be provided for cancellations made less than 30 days before the training. This policy does not apply if we receive your tuition payment after reaching capacity for the training. You will simply receive a full refund, in this situation.
Once we have received your complete application you will receive a confirmation email.
All applications will be reviewed. If we require additional information about your application, we may schedule a phone call between our Faculty and yourself.
We reserve the right to reject applications, without explanation.
We reserve the right to cancel and/or reschedule any Beginning 1 class due to low enrollment prior to the start of the class. Should your class be cancelled, you will be notified as soon as possible. A full tuition refund will be issued or the funds may be transferred to another Beginning 1 class, held by our organization.
Somatic Experiencing International nor Patricia Berendsen are not liable for expenses incurred due to cancellation of a training.
FAQ's
No prior knowledge of SE is required. Some students find that it supports their learning to read Peter Levine’s book In An Unspoken Voice, but this is not required. After meeting the admission requirement, having an openness to learn and a willingness to practice are the only other qualities we are looking for.
There will be light refreshments served during the morning and afternoon breaks with an assortment of teas. There are efforts made to ensure that all dietary restrictions are accommodated for. However, if you require something in particular, we would recommend that you bring additional snacks. Students will provide their own lunches, and are welcome to bring their own or go to any of the local restaurants.
A current schedule will be provided on the participant portal for current students.
The schedule WILL vary slightly. However, the schedule for Beginning to Intermediate is scheduled from Friday to Monday, 10:00am to 6:00pm. There is a two hour lunch break and two shorter breaks in the morning and afternoon. During the lunch break, students will have an opportunity to receive SE by accredited providers. During lunch (starting in Beginning Module II), there will be case consultations with the faculty that are not mandatory but can be used towards the requirements to become a Somatic Experiencing practitioner.
The training is provided at The BMO Center in London Ontario. The building is located within the Old East Village District and is fully accessible.
The training is a combination of didactic learning (lecture format), small practice groups, videos, and live demonstration. Each practice group will have a trained assistant to support each students’ learning.
Each module has an accompanying manual which will be sent electronically a few days prior to the training. It is not required to bring a printed copy to the training.
Yes. Our hope is that students who begin taking the Somatic Experiencing Beginning I module in June 2020 and will be finishing together with their cohort for Intermediate 3.
Currently, we only offer the Beginning and Intermediate levels of training. We hope to offer Advanced SE Training in the future.
Yes. While the hands-on approach of SE makes it especially important to be available for the live training modules, we know that life can sometimes get in the way. Video trainings are available if needed.
Our next training cohort dates are as follows:
Beginning 1 — June 9-12, 2023
Beginning 2 — Sept 8-11, 2023
Beginning 3 — Jan 12-15, 2024 (ONLINE)
Intermediate 1 — Mar 15-18, 2024 (ONLINE)
Intermediate 2 — May 17-20, 2024 (ONLINE)
Intermediate 3 — Nov 15-18, 2024
The cost is $1200.00 CAD +tax ($1356.00) for a four-day training weekend.
Due to overhead costs and administrative fees associated with the training, it is not possible for us to offer a full refund upon cancellation. If notice is given more than 45 days prior to the date of the training, we are able to provide a 75% refund of the total fee. If notice is given between 30 and 45 days, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be provided for cancellations made less than thirty days before the training. This policy does not apply if we receive your tuition payment after reaching capacity for the training. You will simply receive a refund.
Students can refer to themselves as Somatic Experiencing practitioners once they have completed:
- Three 24-hour modules of Beginning Level Somatic Experiencing Training + 4 hours of case consults
- Three 24-hour modules of Intermediate Level Somatic Experiencing Training + 6 hours of case consults
- Two 36-hour modules of Advanced Level Somatic Experiencing Training + 8 hours of case consults
Students will also be required to complete 4 hours of personal SE sessions per level (12 hours total).
Upon successful completion of the module each participant will be given a certificate of completion signed by the faculty. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep this in a secure location, as it may be required to transfer to a different cohort. or by SEI when assessing your application to become an SEP. If you have lost your certificates and request a re-issue from our office, there may be a $50 administrative fee associated with this request.