The Movement and brain development training is designed for adults to support children and young people to heal from complex trauma using body-based and somatic approaches. Trauma is stored somatically and impacts procedural learning, sensory processing and arousal regulation in children. We will explore the role of movement in brain development and practice techniques that promote safety and safe reconnection with the body- through developmental movement patterns, rythmic activities, sensory integrative applications, mindful movement and more.

Participants will learn how trauma disrupts the body- brain connection and why restoring this through mindful, movement- based practices is essential. The Polyvagal theory is applied to build a deeper understanding of the nervous system and arousal regulation through the lens of relational safety.

Participants will gain knowledge about the Polyvagal theory and its application in the context of trauma and the body. States of safety, mobilisation (Fight/ Flight/ Active Freeze) and imobilisation (Withdrawn/ Collapsed/ Shutdown) will be explored, and different somatic and movement-based techniques and activities will be offered for working with children and young people who exhibit these responses to support their effective regulation.

The workshop includes the foundations of body/ brain development and somatic integration- reconnecting with bodily sensations- and embodied practices, with a focus on supporting children and young people to re-establish a safe, balanced relationship with their body. Guided movement and awareness techniques are explored in the promotion of renewed sense of personal agency.


Facilitator
This training is delivered by experienced professional trainers with expertise and experiences in trauma informed intervention and practice. Our trainers have a strong understanding of trauma and its impact on children and families, translating this knowledge into practice in a range of professional contexts. A focus on application to practice via discussion and strategy is a core component of the workshop

This workshop is aimed at people working with and caring for children and young people who have experienced trauma, including child protection practitioners, mental health and allied health professionals and other therapeutic practitioners, educators, family support workers and out-of-home care staff.