Level II: SP for the Treatment of Trauma
Join the world’s leading trauma therapists
and learn somatic approaches for healing trauma.
Level II: SP for Developmental and Relational Injury
Hybrid In- Person and Online.
The SP level II in Australia is a hybrid In-person and Online training format.
Training consists of approximately 126 contact hours divided into 7, or 10 multi-day modules, for a total of 21 days. Modules are typically spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Trainings typically complete within 9-12 months.
Training Schedule
Module 1 | 3 days online 9am-5.30pm
Module 2 | 2 days online 9am-5.30pm
Module 3 | 2 days online 9am-5.30pm
Module 4 | 2 days online 9am-5.30pm
Module 5 | 2 days online 9am-5.30pm
Module 6, 7 & 8 | 6 days In person Brisbane
Module 9 | 2 days online 9am-5.30pm
Module 10 | 2 days online 9am-5.30pm
The SP level II training is a comprehensive training with a total Training Hours
126 hours. We accept a limited number of students to ensure supportive, hands on supervision to guide participants through their practice sessions as both therapist and client. (Participants who are not able to attend in person are able to join online via zoom.)
Training Fees
$8499 AUD inc GST, Early bird and payment plans available. See FAQ below
Consultation Hours
Students are required to complete 4 hours of individual or group consultation with an SPI Approved Consultant. Fees for the required consultation hours are paid independently outside of training tuition.
Upon Completion You May:
Refer to yourself as ‘trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy’ or having completed level II SP trauma training
Apply to complete SP level III Trauma training
Work towards SP certification SP certification
List in the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia practitioner directory
List in the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute Therapist directory
Training FAQ’s
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Candidates must fulfill each of the following criteria to be considered for enrollment:
Successful completion of either Level I course: SP for the Treatment of Trauma or SP for Trauma Themes
Recommendation from trainers of the Level I course completed.
Completion of Training Application & Questionnaire found within the course listing.
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The tuition for Level II : SP for Developmental and Relational Injury In Person and Online is $8499 AUD Inc GST
Application of training requires a non-refundable fee of $25.00.
Level II training requires students to complete 4 hours of consultation with an SPI Approved Consultant or Consultant-in-Training.
Fees for the required consultation hours are paid independently outside of training tuition.
Once accepted, a deposit of $500.00 is due within 7 days to provisionally secure your place in the training.
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Yes, SPA offers payment plans
After your initial $500 deposit you can select a monthly payment plan for the remaining of your tuition balance.
All payment plans and full tuition payments must be submitted to SPA within 7 days of acceptance of your training place.
A one-time, non-refundable set up fee of $100 applies to all monthly payment plans, regardless of plan length.
Structure
Monthly payment plans for tuition are calculated after the minimum $500 deposit has been secured.
The remaining tuition balance is divided equally into a number of monthly payments.
Enrollees who wish to secure a monthly payment plan for their tuition balance can choose from a number of monthly plan options offered.
After an enrollee has selected a payment plan and linked their credit or debit card to their account, SPA will automatically deduct the monthly payment amount each month, for the duration of the payment plan, starting on the day the payment plan begins, continuing thereafter until the tuition balance is paid in full.
If the monthly payment is declined or rejected after 2 attempts a $50.00 admin fee will be charged.
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Yes!
Tuition paid in full: $7905 AUD Inc GST
Super early bird tuition: $8031 Inc GST*For applications received 180 days before training start date
Early bird tuition:$8201 Inc GST
*For applications received between 120-179 days before training start dateRegular pricing applies for applications less than 120 days before training start date
*Reminder: All applications incur a one time non refundable application fee of $25 AUD.*Participants who enter into a payment plan are also charged a one time set up fee of $100
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Successful completion of level II training requires 4 hours of additional Case Consultation
The purpose of case consultation is to support students in applying the skills and techniques learned in the training to their own psychotherapy practice. Your Trainer will share more about the case consultation requirements. Meanwhile, here is a brief overview:
Level II training requires 4 hours of case consultation with an SPI Approved Consultant.
Case consultation is arranged independently between the student and the consultant to negotiate hours and fees.
You may reach out to any consultant on the list and consider time zone, niche practices, populations, client goals, preference for in-person or online meetings, etc., when determining which consultant to work with.
SPI Trainers can also provide consultation. Click here for the List of SPI Trainers.
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Once we receive your completed application, it generally takes 7-10days to review and confirm.
You will be notified by email at that time. Note that a few applicants have reported that emails go to their spam folders, so please check your in-box before sending a follow-up email to prompt. Acceptance at SP trainings is at the discretion of the trainer and organiser. -
SPA offers a limited number of spaces for training to ensure a supportive hands guidance in the training. Generally we take up to 30 students per training.
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SP is a comprehensive and through therapeutic modality.
Below is an overview of topics covered in level II
Trauma, Traumatic Attachment, and Development
Review the legacy of attachment; identify developmental and traumatic wounds and apply somatic treatment approaches for attachment patterns.
Physical Development and Relational History
Track how body structure, posture, gesture and movement can reflect and sustain relational wounds; learn interventions to heal them.
Procedural Learning
Identify and work with the emotional, cognitive, and physical action patterns that develop from attachment and relational wounds.
Translating Implicit Language and Memory
Understand how meaning is encoded non-verbally as well as verbally, and work with posture, expression and movement to change meaning conditioned by early attachment interactions
Therapeutic Techniques for Developmental Themes
Learn body-oriented interventions that address procedurally learned habits and the legacy of early attachment and later relationships.
Verbal and Physical Experiments
Apply embedded relational mindfulness to introduce verbal and somatic experiments that address relational issues.
Somatic Resources for Developmental Injury
Capitalize on the body’s resources for transforming painful unresolved relational patterns.
Re-working Limiting Beliefs and their Somatic Components
Identify manifestations of cognitive schemas in the body, connect meaning making to relational interactions, and learn interventions to transform limiting beliefs
Action Systems
Learn how motivational, or action, systems are disrupted by trauma and attachment failure, and discriminate maladaptive action tendencies from adaptive ones related to these systems
Adaptive Strategies
Explore how adaptive strategies form in response to personal, sociocultural and transgenerational influences and lead to physical, emotional, and thinking patterns.
Therapeutic Enactments
Develop a bottom-up approach to understanding and negotiating therapeutic enactments.
The “Child” State of Consciousness
Describe the connection between early memories and child parts that holds the pain reflected in limiting beliefs and procedural learning.
Integration of Treatment Techniques for Developmental Injury and Trauma
Demonstrate how to work with clients who present with both attachment-related issues and unresolved trauma
Action Cycle
Describe the four steps of the action cycle: insight, response, nourishment, and completion.
Current Issues
Identify patterns of themes and adaptive strategies that underpin current issues.
Three Avenues
Explain how the Three Avenues for processing – adaptive strategies, the child state, and the therapeutic relationship – exist within and are shaped by historical and contemporary contexts.
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The In-person and online hybrid training in Australia includes access to an online platform with self paced online learning modules. These modules accompany the live training days and should be completed prior to the live training days.
Although there is no formal requirement for you to complete any additional skills practices or form a peer group, SPA has found that students who are able to practice in between trainings benefit immensely and develop fluidity with their skills.
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This training has meetings that require attendance. Attendance is taken for each day of the live-online or live, in-person meetings. For Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit, students must be fully present on both days of the live-online or live, in-person meetings for each module.
Students are expected to make every effort to attend all training meetings. However, sometimes unforeseen circumstances may adversely impact student attendance. If it becomes clear that a student will miss more than one module, that student must notify the Trainer by direct message immediately.These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, it will be at the discretion of the Trainer whether it is best for the student to:
Agree to an alternative training completion plan OR
Drop the training and enroll in a future training.
Make-up Work Policy
Please keep in mind that there is NOT an option to make up missed materials by attending another training session. Instead, in the event of an absence, students must provide verification to the Trainer indicating that they have:
Viewed the recording of the missed material (if available) or read through all materials for the session(s) missed.
Meet with a peer to complete practice elements for the session(s) missed.
Make-up work does not qualify for CE or CPD credit.
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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) training is comprehensive. It is a full therapeutic modality.
SP is both didactic and experiential. Each aspect is integral to developing skills and embodying the method.
Students are invited to actively engage in role play and experiential exercises. Participation in peer study groups and peer partner practice is strongly recommended to support learning.Study Group. Students may form small groups for the purpose of studying and supporting each other's learning. Study groups may meet as desired during or outside of class time to study together, review assignments, practice techniques, and help members make up missed material. The structure of the study group may be determined by the students based on time zones or other factors. Additionally, Trainers will offer input and suggestions for how groups may take shape during the opening of the training.
Peer Partner Practice Exercises. Students are encouraged to pair up during or outside of the training to practice elements of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and gain experience with SP skills by working with a fellow student over the course of the training.
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Yes it certainly can! Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, helping clients process stored trauma through awareness of physical sensations and nervous system regulation.
The best part about somatic therapy is that it works seamlessly online. You don’t need to be in person for these practices to be effective.
From the comfort of your own home, you’ll work with your therapist to explore your body’s responses and learn tools and resources to support your unique nervous system.
This approach empowers you to gain a deeper understanding of your body and equips you with practical skills for ongoing self-regulation and healing.
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Yes! Practitioners wishing to call themselves a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist within PACFA must participate in post grad psychotherapy training post AQF5+ in counselling or counselling & psychotherapy (not social work or psychology).
The CoP Leadership Group have included Sensorimotor Psychotherapy on our approved modalities list. You can find the list in the below link.
https://www.pacfa.org.au/portal/About/Colleges/Psych/Portal/About/Colleges/Psych.aspx
Additional Information
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Candidates who wish to participate in the Training Program must complete an online application, which consists of a questionnaire and the requirement to upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), as well as provide proof of one of the following:
Licensure in a mental health profession
Legal authorization to practice as a mental health professional in state/province, or country of residence
Enrollment in a graduate level mental health program at an accredited college or university; or Post-graduate degree and engagement in the process of qualifying as a mental health professional legally authorized to practice
A nominal, nonrefundable application fee of $25 fee is assessed to all Level I applications.
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Training Withdrawal Policy
Enrolling in SP Training is a commitment on several levels, including financial. Students are expected to attend for the duration of the training they are enrolled in and make tuition payments on time. However, certain factors may necessitate cancellation or withdrawal.
To maintain the integrity of each cohort and container of the learning environment, students are not permitted to join cohorts in progress.
Registration transfers are not permitted once training is underway.
Students considering withdrawing you must notify SPA in writing by email (hello@sensorimotorpsychotherayaustralia.com) as soon as possible if they are considering withdrawing.
SPA will review options and financial implications with the student.
Students who decide to proceed with withdrawal must then submit written notice to Student Services.Asynchronous Modules
Asynchronous modules are a core part of SPI Training. Access to these modules constitutes a significant portion of the training experience. Refund calculations will account for the accessibility and usage of asynchronous content, regardless of whether the student has attended live modules.
Before the training begins:
60 or more days prior to the first scheduled Training date: Participants will receive a full refund of tuition paid, including the original deposit. The application fee is non-refundable.
30-1 day prior to the first scheduled Training date: Participants will receive a full refund of tuition paid minus the initial $500 deposit. The application fee is non-refundable.
Refund Calculation
Deposits:
Deposits are non-refundable.
Deposits are non-transferable within 30 days before the start of training.
Payment Plans:
If on a payment plan, payments must be completed according to the balance owed.
The one-time administrative fee is non-refundable.
Refund Determination
Refunds are calculated based on the date the written notice is submitted to Student Services and the date of the last module attended.
Refunds are calculated based on the total tuition fees paid.
Discount and scholarship awards are not considered as payment toward tuition in the calculation of refunds.
SPI is not responsible for the participant’s travel, lodging, or incidental expenses.
Orientation and closing sessions, if included in the training, are not considered in refund calculations or as modules.
Refund Schedule
Before the Training Begins:
60 or more days prior to the first scheduled training date: Participants will receive a full refund of tuition paid, including the original deposit. The application fee is non-refundable.
30-1 day prior to the first scheduled training date: Participants will receive a full refund of tuition paid minus the initial $ 500 deposit. The application fee is non-refundable.
Once the Training Begins:
Four & Six Module Training (Includes SP for the Treatment of Trauma)
Withdrawal Timing
Tuition Eligible for RefundLive (online & in-person)Module 1 & 2
50% tuition refund minus original deposit
Module 3+No refund Hybrid (online & in-person) – includes asynchronous modulesModule 1A & 1B
50% tuition refund minus original deposit Module 2A+No refund
Seven & Eight Module Training
Withdrawal Timing
Tuition Eligible for RefundModule 1 & 2
75% tuition refund minus original deposit Module 3
50% tuition refund minus original depositModule 4+No refund
Ten Module Training
Withdrawal Timing
Tuition Eligible for Refund
Module 1 & 2
75% tuition refund minus original depositModule 3 & 4
50% tuition refund minus original depositModule 5+No refund
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Minimum Enrollment
A minimum enrollment threshold is set for each individual course by the Director of Training. In order to ensure both financial viability and adequate class size for the best possible learning experience, a course will commence as scheduled only if the minimum threshold is met or exceeded no less than 30 days prior to the scheduled start, or as otherwise approved by SPA & SPI.
SPA may not officially confirm course commencement until 30-days before the start of the training.
Course dates, times, locations, and Trainers are subject to change, and participants will be contacted if any changes are made. The Office of the Registrar will disseminate status of course commencement to all officially enrolled participants no less than 30 days prior to the scheduled start.
Participants are instructed not make any travel arrangements until official notice from SPA regarding course commencement is received.Training Postponement
In the event the minimum enrollment threshold for a course is not exceeded by 30-days before the course start date, SPA reserves the right to postpone or cancel course. All officially enrolled participants will be notified via e-mail.
In the event a course is postponed SPA may attempt to reschedule course dates to allow more time to increase enrollment and exceed the minimum threshold.
Some of the originally scheduled course dates may remain intact, new dates may also be added, and all officially enrolled participants may remain on course roster if they so choose. Participants may transfer their enrollment to another Australian course equivalent so long as enrollment for that course is officially open.Participants enrolled in a course that has been postponed are eligible to receive a full refund of any tuition payments (excluding the nonrefundable application fee).
Participants who transfer their enrollment to another Australian course will abide by the terms and conditions of that course. The Office of the Bursar will award any refunds that may be due.Training Cancellation
In the unlikely event an SPA course is cancelled, all scheduled dates will be eliminated. Participants enrolled in a course that has been cancelled have the option of transferring their enrollment to another equivalent Australian course as long as enrollment for that course is open.
Participants who choose not to transfer their enrollment will be removed from the official course roster.Participants enrolled in a course that has been cancelled are eligible to receive a full refund of any tuition payments (excluding the nonrefundable application fee).
Participants who transfer their enrollment to another course will abide by the terms and conditions of that course. The Office of the Bursar will award any refunds that may be due.SPA & SPI makes every effort to deliver the training as scheduled but in the event an individual training module is cancelled or rescheduled due to an Act of God or other situation outside of the control of SPA & SPI including: inclement weather, illness of trainer or travel issues, SPA & SPI will not be responsible for any travel expenses incurred by the student. SPA & SPI will try to notify students at least 24 hours in advance of the cancellation if possible. It is recommended to obtain travel insurance or refundable or transferable tickets if travelling.
Please note; trainer assignments are subject to change at any given moment at any time for any reason.