SOMATIC DEVELOPMENTAL TRAUMA THERAPY™ CERTIFICATE
Heal at the roots. Restore what was missing. Transform trauma through the body.
WHY SOMATIC DEVELOPMENTAL TRAUMA THERAPY?
Developmental trauma shapes everything—our bodies, our breath, our reflexes, our ability to connect, and the very way we exist in the world.
It doesn’t just come from “what happened.”
It comes from what was interrupted (developmental milestones) and what was missing: safety, connection, attunement, and belonging.
Moments of not being wanted.
Being separated too soon.
Having needs ignored, shamed, or unmet.
Or growing up without enough support to feel like it’s okay to be me.
These early ruptures live in the nervous system long after the events themselves. They show up in clients as chronic shame, boundary struggles, emotional collapse, hypervigilance, and relational confusion.
While most trainings approach developmental trauma through a cognitive or attachment lens, the body remembers first—and without addressing these somatic imprints, healing remains incomplete.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Solution: A Somatic Map of Developmental Healing
The Somatic Developmental Trauma Therapy Certificate provides a practical, body-based framework for recognizing and repairing developmental trauma in adults—bridging neuroscience, somatic psychology, and experiential practices that rewire traumatic imprints in the nervous system.
The power of this program lies in moving beyond story and basic attachment theory into the realm of body memory, reflexes, and relational imprints—teaching you how to track and repair what was missing across the earliest stages of life. In this program, we work our way down to the body’s earliest imprints, then back up into integration—restoring the foundations that make healing safe, embodied, and lasting.
You’ll gain the tools, presence, and confidence to work with developmental trauma in a way that is safe, integrative, and deeply transformative.
MEET YOUR FACULTY
Internationally recognized leaders bring to life a holistic and unified somatic curriculum.
DR. ARIELLE SCHWARTZ
KAI CHENG THOM, MSW, MSC
DR. SCOTT LYONS
MANUELA MISCHKE-REEDS, LMFT
MARIAH ROONEY, MSW, LICSW
THE PROGRAM ARC
The Somatic Developmental Trauma Therapy™ Certificate takes you on a three-part journey through the earliest stages of human development—prenatal, infancy, and early independence.
Across these modules, you’ll explore how unmet needs and early disruptions become embodied as patterns of tension, mistrust, fragmentation, and boundary struggles. Through an integration of neuroscience, somatic psychology, and experiential practice, you’ll learn to recognize these developmental imprints and apply powerful tools to restore safety and connection, helping clients unfreeze and reclaim vital stages of development.
Together, the modules provide a comprehensive framework for repairing what was missing and supporting resilience, trust, and wholeness.
WHY THIS PROGRAM IS DIFFERENT
Most trauma trainings focus on tools or techniques to manage symptoms. Few go to the root: how trauma interrupts the body’s natural sequence of development and embeds itself in posture, physiology, and relationship patterns from the very beginning of life.
The Somatic Developmental Trauma Certificate is different because it:
1. Centers Developmental Sequencing
Rather than treating trauma as a static event, we explore how unmet needs at each stage of development — from pre- and perinatal through early childhood — alter the trajectory of nervous system growth. Repairing these gaps reactivates forward movement in the developmental arc, rather than just compensating for what was lost.
2. Integrates Body Memory and Neurobiology
We work with implicit body memories (sensations, rhythms, reflexes, micro-movements) alongside explicit reconsolidation (narrative and meaning-making). This dual approach allows preverbal trauma to be accessed and reorganized — something traditional talk therapy cannot reach.
3. Focuses on Repairing Missing Needs
Each module emphasizes the “missing experience”—safety, connection, validation, play, agency—and provides concrete protocols for reintroducing these experiences in the therapeutic relationship. The program teaches how to restore the developmental scaffolding so clients can progress into autonomy, resilience, and authentic connection.
4. Embeds Somatic Practices into Clinical Work
Through guided labs, students practice somatic interventions such as:
Repatterning prenatal and perinatal imprints (e.g., primordial freeze, birth spiral, Moro reflex)
Repairing preverbal fragmentation through movement, breath, and touch
Supporting authentic boundaries and autonomy through embodied “no”
Facilitating rupture and repair in therapeutic relationships
5. Bridges Science and Practice
The program grounds every stage in both developmental neurobiology and applied somatic psychology. Students don’t just learn about trauma — they learn how to track it in posture, breath, and micro-expressions, and how to create the conditions for repair in real clinical settings.
6. Is Experiential, Not Just Theoretical
Participants will not only study developmental trauma but also engage in self-reflection, guided journeys, and embodied practices that bring the material alive. This makes the work personally transformative as well as professionally applicable.
Join us and discover a practical, body-based framework for recognizing and repairing developmental trauma.
CURRICULUM
45 HOUR ONLINE & ON-DEMAND CERTIFICATE
This 45-hour on-demand certificate program includes 3 Modules, all available to watch online and on-demand at your own pace. All sessions can be completed via your online Content Library which you will gain access to upon registration. You will also receive access to an Online Community Forum.
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Foundations of Embodiment
This opening module explores the prenatal and perinatal imprints that shape safety, trust, and belonging from our earliest moments of life. You’ll learn how developmental disruptions and trauma at this stage can embed in the body as patterns of tension, mistrust, dissociation, or primordial freeze—and how to restore the missing experiences that make existence itself feel safe.
Developmental Needs:
Safety in the womb · Physiological support through maternal regulation · A protected entry into life where existence itself feels safe
Disruptions & Trauma Patterns:
Primordial freeze and prenatal stress
Birth trauma and early medical interventions
Somatic imprints of dissociation, tension, and mistrust
You’ll learn to:
Apply somatic practices that restore primal rhythms, regulate the nervous system, and repattern early imprints
Recognize and work with presentations such as primordial freeze, dissociation, and disrupted attachment
Track bottom-up cues of prenatal/perinatal trauma and pace sessions to prevent overwhelm
Use experiential tools—from somatic synchrony practices to guided birth narratives—to support repatterning and deep integration
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Attachment, Safety, and Repairing Missing Relational Experiences
This module explores how early attachment, caregiving, systemic and environmental experiences lay the groundwork for safety, connection, and the developing sense of self. When these needs go unmet, infants can form imprints of unworthiness, mistrust, or disconnection from their core rhythms.. In early stages of development, fragmentation from relational wounds can emerge as parts of self that are uncoordinated. Left unresolved, these early splits can echo into adolescence and adulthood, shaping relational struggles and inner conflict. You’ll learn how to recognize these early signs and apply somatic practices that not only rebuild safety and connection but also repair the relational scaffolding that supports trust, exploration, and emotional regulation throughout life.
Developmental Needs:
Safety & security · Connection · Validation & empathy · Exploration · Agency · Emotional regulation
Disruptions & Trauma Patterns:
Interruptions in bonding or continuity of care
Medical challenges or unmet developmental needs
Violating, abusive, rigid or inconsistent caregiving
Developmental imprints of mistrust, unworthiness, or loss of place
You’ll learn to:
Apply memory reconsolidation practices to re-pattern preverbal body memories
Repair missing relational experiences through guided somatic and relational practices
Work with fragmented parts and the grief system to restore wholeness
Use play-based co-regulation to support safety, joy, and spontaneity
Track preverbal cues and pace sessions to prevent overwhelm, supporting developmental sequencing and integration
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Autonomy, Boundaries, and the Embodied Self
This module focuses on the crucial stage where autonomy, boundaries, and authentic selfhood take shape. Here, children begin to experiment with saying “no,” explore their preferences, and assert independence while still needing the safety of connection. When these needs are shamed, overprotected, or prematurely forced, the imprints can echo into adulthood as patterns of fawning, rebellion, avoidance, collapse, or flight. You’ll learn to recognize these somatic signatures and guide clients in reclaiming their right to boundaries, authentic choice, and self-expression—restoring the capacity to stand in one’s truth while staying in relationship.
Developmental Needs:
Exploration & self-assertion · Autonomy with connection · Embodied “No” · Creative exploration
Disruptions & Trauma Patterns:
Shaming of needs or punitive responses to boundaries
Chronic power struggles, conditional love, neglect, or abuse
Overprotection (blocked autonomy) or premature independence
You’ll learn to:
Work with somatic patterns of fawning, defiance, avoidance, indecision, freeze, and flight
Support authentic self-expression through play, creativity, and movement
Track micro-movements of autonomy and embodied boundary-setting
Guide transitions from co-regulation to self-regulation
Navigate therapeutic ruptures and power struggles without overriding client agency
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?
Therapists & Counselors who want to integrate somatic developmental trauma work into their clinical practice.
Coaches & Wellness Practitioners who support clients through transformation and want to address developmental trauma at its root.
Bodyworkers & Somatic Practitioners looking to expand their capacity to track and repattern preverbal and developmental imprints.
Educators, Social Workers, and Healing Professionals committed to advanced trauma-informed, body-based approaches.
“Thriving is our birthright. Healing individual and collective trauma is the deepest embodiment of this truth.”
— DR. SCOTT LYONS
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PROGRAM REGISTRATION
45-HOUR ON-DEMAND CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE AT CHECKOUT.
Upon registration you will receive a welcome email with details on how to access the program.
You will have lifetime access to the on-demand training sessions.
Program valued at $1608
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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
By the end of this certificate, you’ll be able to:
Identify somatic markers of developmental trauma across prenatal, perinatal, infancy, and early childhood stages.
Apply embodied interventions to repair what was missing: safety, belonging, connection, boundaries, attunement, and early autonomy.
Track and repattern primitive reflexes, breath patterns, and movement imprints and how they show up in your client.
Use your own embodied presence and relational field as a primary tool of repair.
Work confidently with preverbal trauma in adult clients through developmentally informed movement, safe touch, and relational practices.
Understand intergenerational and systemic influences on development, and how they show up somatically.
The power of this program lies in moving beyond story and basic attachment theory into the realm of body memory, reflexes, and relational imprints.
PROGRAM DETAILS
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
This 45-hour on-demand certificate program includes 3 Modules, all available to watch online and on-demand at your own pace. All sessions can be completed via your online Content Library which you will gain access to upon registration. You will also receive access to an Online Community Forum.
HOMEWORK
There are no homework assignments during the program.
LEARNING PLATFORM FORMAT
ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM: The online learning platform hosts all the information about the course including:
On-demand course sessions
Supporting materials such as PDFs of the reading material and presentations
Access to your Online Community Forum
ACCESSIBILITY
VIDEO / AUDIO: Within the online learning platform, students may watch the video within their online library or download the video or audio to their computer. They will have lifetime access to the content.
LIVE CAPTIONING / TRANSCRIPTS: Captioning was only available during the live sessions. Transcripts are offered in English.
READING LISTS: Each instructor will provide required or recommended readings.
Required readings will be available freely online or in PDF format.
Recommended readings are optional and for futher exploration. They may include books, online articles etc.
PDFs of the instructor’s presentation will also be provided.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Below are the requirements to receive the Certificate of Completion:
Watch all the on-demand recordings.
Complete the Self Evaluation & Reflection
Submit full payment.
REGISTRATION / ENROLLMENT / TUITION
Enroll for the certificate program by choosing one of two registration options here. Once you register, you will receive a welcome email with how to access all the details for the certificate program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
+ Who is this program designed for?
This program is a certification process that distills an educational methodology to integrate into a variety of modalities such as: Social Workers, Mental Health & Pastoral Counselors, Yoga Therapists / Yoga Teachers, Movement Therapists, Coaches, Physicians (MD, DO, ND, DC & others) & Physician Assistants, Nurses & Nurse Practitioners, Psychologists, Emergency Medical Personnel, Meditation Teachers, Educators, Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists & Body Workers, Hypnotherapists, Kinesiologists, Complementary & Alternative Medicine Professionals, Clergy & Religious Leaders, other Wellness Professionals.
This is an education program and not a licenser program.
+ What are the dates, schedule and time commitment?
This 45-hour on-demand certificate program includes 3 Modules, all available to watch online and on-demand at your own pace. All sessions can be completed via your online Content Library which you will gain access to upon registration. You will also receive access to an Online Community Forum.
+ Will there be an orientation session?
No, there will not be an orientation session.
+ Do I need to attend live or am I able to watch recordings?
All live sessions have been recorded so students may watch in their own time (more information below). Please note, captioning was only available during the live sessions.
+ How can I interact with others? Will I receive guidance?
A private online community forum is also provided for the certificate.
+ Do you offer scholarships?
There are no scholarships offered for the on-demand program.
+ What are the homework requirements?
There are no homework assignments for this program.
+ Is there a deadline for registration?
No, there isn't a deadline for registration.
+ Do you offer refunds?
We offer a Registration Guarantee which means that if you register but decide the course isn’t right for you, we’ll refund your course fee - no questions asked - up to 48 hours before the course start date. No refunds are available after this time or once the program commences.
+ How can I access the online course and recordings?
ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM: Once you register, you will receive immediate access to our online learning platform which includes all the information about the certificate, including:
- All the on-demand course sessions
- Supporting materials such as PDFs of the reading material and presentations
- Access to your Online Community Forum
ACCESSIBILITY | Video / Audio: Within our online learning platform, you may watch the video within your online library or download the video or audio to your computer. You will have lifetime access to the content.
ACCESSIBILITY | Live Captioning / Transcripts: Captioning was only available during the live sessions. Transcripts are offered in English.
ACCESSIBILITY | Reading Lists: The reading list will include items available at the public library or will be provided as a PDF where possible. PDFs of the instructor’s presentation will also be provided.
+ Is this a summit?
No, this is an integrated curriculum co-created by the faculty. The faculty are colleagues in this program. They worked together to make sure each individual module is cohesive with the entire curriculum. Every teacher was informed about what was coming before and what was coming after and integrated their curriculum based on that information.
+ Is this a theoretical or practical (experiential) program?
While some theory will be presented to support the learning, the primary focus of the practice is experiential, giving practical tools for the participants.
+ Will I receive a certificate?
You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion once you have completed the following:
- Watch all the recordings.
- Complete the Self Evaluation & Reflections after each module.
- Submit full payment.
All students who complete this program will receive a Certificate of Completion whether they attended it LIVE or ON-DEMAND.
+ What title can I use after completing this program?
Licensed therapists or health professionals (e.g., social workers, psychologists, clinical therapists, registered nurses) may use the title "Somatic Developmental Trauma Therapy Practitioner."
Non-licensed individuals may say: "I integrate somatic developmental trauma healing interventions into my practice."
+ Will this program teach me to work with children?
This certificate focuses on working with adults who carry developmental trauma imprints. A program specific to children may be offered separately.
+ Will Continuing Education hours (CEs) be offered?
20 hours of CEs are available for Health Professionals upon completion of the live training. Please note - Live attendance is required.
To register your interest for CEs for this program and more detailed information, please visit this link: https://forms.gle/76mwhjgG5vnzVw9BA
Below is more information on the health professionals which may be eligible for CEs through the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program.
- CEs for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by sponsors of CE who are approved by the American Psychological Association.
- LCSW, LPCC, LEP and LMFTs, and other professionals from outside of California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept credits from programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
- SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes. Nurses outside of California must confirm acceptance with their licensing boards.
- For questions about your certificate or the content, logistics, or other support issues regarding this course, please contact The Embody Lab at info@theembodylab.com.
- For questions about whether APA CE is valid for you, contact your licensing board directly.
- For general questions about APA CE, contact SCA at ce@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com.
FROM A DIFFERENT STATE OR COUNTRY?
Health professionals from a state or country outside of California need to check with their licensing boards as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of Continuing Education by the American Psychological Association (APA).
DIFFERENT CREDENTIAL?
If your credential is not listed, please check with your licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of Continuing Education by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The SCA and The Embody Lab are not able to determine your eligibility.
