How to Become a Somatic Therapist: Training Pathways and Programs in Australia
There’s a growing interest among therapists in working with the body to support clients with trauma. More and more, we’re seeing that talk therapy alone sometimes doesn’t reach the parts of us that hold deep memories and survival responses. As Bessel van der Kolk reminds us in The Body Keeps the Score, “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 21).
Stephen Porges, known for his Polyvagal Theory also highlights how trauma affects the body’s capacity to feel safe and connect with others. He writes, “The polyvagal theory provides a scientific perspective that helps therapists understand why clients with a history of trauma can become easily overwhelmed” (Porges, 2011). This understanding reinforces the importance of working with the body to help clients regulate their nervous systems.
In Australia, the demand for somatic therapy training has been steadily increasing. According to the Australian Psychological Society (APS), “There is a growing recognition of the importance of body-based interventions in trauma therapy, reflecting the evidence that trauma is not just a cognitive or emotional experience but also a somatic one” (APS, 2021). This shift is reflected in the growing number of therapists seeking to integrate somatic approaches into their practice.
Pat Ogden, a pioneer in somatic therapy, notes that “talk therapy often does not reach the nonverbal memories of trauma” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 16). She reminds us that the body carries the implicit memories of trauma whether it is the tightening in the shoulders, the shallow breath, the clenched jaw, words alone can’t always access the bodies memories.
But what does it really mean to become a somatic therapist? And how can you get the training you need, especially here in Australia?
This blog is for therapists and mental health professionals who want to understand the pathways into somatic therapy training, what it involves, and how it can help you work with trauma in a more embodied way. We’ll cover what a somatic therapist actually does, what skills you’ll learn, and how to choose a program that fits your goals.
We’ll also talk about Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia, a training organisation dedicated to providing high quality, body-based therapy training right here in Australia. Whether you’re new to this field or looking to expand your practice, you’ll find practical steps and guidance to get started.
As van der Kolk puts it, “The challenge of recovery is to reestablish ownership of your body and your mind—of your self” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 204). Somatic therapy training gives you the tools to help your clients do just that.
One Australian therapist who completed Level I Sensorimotor Psychotherapy training shared, “I realised that I was only scratching the surface before. Learning to work with the body helped me understand my clients’ experiences in a deeper way. I feel more confident and connected in my work now.”
Let’s explore how to become a somatic therapist and why it matters now more than ever.
What is a Somatic Therapist?
A somatic therapist is a mental health professional who integrates the body into psychotherapy. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses mainly on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy recognises that trauma is held in the body as well as the mind. Healing, therefore, often needs to involve both.
Bessel van der Kolk reminds us that “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 21). This understanding is at the core of somatic therapy.
Somatic therapists learn to notice and work with the body’s language. Pat Ogden describes this as “learning to read the body’s cues. This can include: posture, breath, tension, and movementto understand what the client’s nervous system is trying to tell us” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 44). A client might be talking about something that feels fine to them, but their shoulders might be tense or their breath might be shallow. These are signs that something in the body is holding onto an experience.
In our Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) level I training we teach therapists to pay attention to these subtle cues and use them to guide the therapeutic process. For example, if a client’s jaw clenches while they talk about a memory, we might gently invite them to notice that tension and see what happens when they explore it. This kind of work helps clients connect to their bodies in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Somatic therapists also work with dissociation. Many clients with trauma have learned to disconnect from their bodies as a way of surviving. Pat Ogden often says, “Dissociation is a survival strategy, not a pathology” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 87). Understanding dissociation helps therapists create a safe space for clients to reconnect with their bodies at a pace that feels right for them.
One of the things that sets Sensorimotor Psychotherapy apart is its emphasis on relational safety. We don’t just focus on what the client’s body is doing, we also pay attention to what the therapist’s body is doing. Our presence, breath, and posture can all affect the client’s experience. As therapists, we learn to notice when we’re holding tension or feeling disconnected so we can bring ourselves back to a place of grounded presence.
A somatic therapist works with the whole person, Mind, body, and relationship. This means learning to listen deeply to what the body is saying, both in the client and in ourselves, and using that information to guide the healing process.
Why Train as a Somatic Therapist?
Training as a somatic therapist isn’t just about learning to read the body’s signals. It’s about building a relationship with your clients that fosters trust, safety, and real change. Pat Ogden emphasises that “the therapeutic relationship is the container that makes it possible to explore trauma safely” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 112).
Unlike some somatic approaches that focus primarily on discharging survival energy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy places a strong emphasis on relational safety and the therapist’s own presence as a key part of healing. By learning to track your own body’s responses alongside your client’s, you model self-regulation and attunement.
Our training also dives deep into developmental and complex trauma, especially in Level II Many therapists find that working with shock trauma is one thing but working with the long-term impacts of early attachment wounds is another. SP equips you to understand how relational dynamics and attachment injuries shape the body’s defensive patterns, providing a truly integrative approach to trauma.
This focus on both relational safety and developmental trauma is what sets Sensorimotor Psychotherapy apart from other somatic approaches. It means you’re not just learning to help clients discharge energy you’re learning to help them build a new, embodied relationship with themselves and others.
Research supports this approach. Classen et al. (2020) found that a 20-session group therapy program using Sensorimotor Psychotherapy techniques significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in women with childhood trauma. Gene-Cos et al. (2016) also demonstrated improvements in emotional regulation and reductions in dissociation for clients with complex PTSD participating in SP-based groups. These findings underscore the importance of including the body in trauma therapy.
One therapist who completed our Level II training shared, “I used to feel overwhelmed by clients with developmental trauma. Now, I feel more equipped to work with those deep patterns that show up in the body and in the relationship. It’s changed how I practice.”
Training as a somatic therapist isn’t just about adding another technique to your toolbox. It’s about learning to be with your clients in a way that honours the wisdom of their bodies and creates the conditions for real healing to happen.
Training Pathways in Australia
Choosing a training pathway is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when becoming a somatic therapist. In Australia, the field is growing rapidly, with therapists and mental health professionals increasingly recognising the value of integrating body-based approaches into their work.
At Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia (SPA), we offer a structured training program for therapists who want to specialise in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. SPA is the offical organizer for all SP trainings in Australia in partnership with SPI. You a read more about .SPA here
SP training is divided into three levels, each building on the last and offering both theory and practical skills. This structure allows therapists to grow their competence step by step, while also developing their confidence to work with trauma in a holistic way.
Pat Ogden emphasises that “learning to track the body’s responses in real time is a key part of working safely with trauma” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 109). Our Level I training reflects this principle by teaching therapists how to notice subtle shifts in breath, posture, and muscle tone that can signal a client’s move into overwhelm.
Level I: SP for the Treatment of Trauma
This foundational course introduces therapists to the principles and techniques of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Topics include:
Understanding the six guiding principles of SP, including the non-pathologising perspective.
Developing skills in tracking, contacting, and framing somatic experience.
Learning about the effects of trauma on the nervous system.
Using mindfulness and movement experiments to support integration.
One participant shared, “Level I training helped me slow down with clients. I used to jump in too fast. Now I’m more attuned to the small signals that tell me when a client is getting overwhelmed.”
You can find a full break down of topics in the FAQ section on the Level I training page. Just scroll down to the bottom to open up the FAQS.
Level II: SP for Developmental and Relational Injury
Level II builds on the foundation of Level I, focusing on how early relational trauma shapes the body and psyche. Therapists learn to:
Recognise attachment patterns in posture, breath, and movement.
Understand developmental trauma and its impact on the nervous system.
Use the therapeutic relationship as a healing tool, with a focus on attunement and co-regulation.
This level also teaches therapists how to integrate bottom-up and top-down processing to address complex trauma. Research shows that combining cognitive and somatic approaches can be particularly effective for clients with developmental trauma (Schore, 2012). You can find a full break down of topics in the FAQ section on the Level II training page. Just scroll down to the bottom to open up the FAQS
Level III: Advanced Integrative Training and Certification
Level III is for therapists who have completed Levels I and II and want to refine their skills and work towards certification. This level includes:
Advanced techniques for working with dissociation and chronic PTSD.
Skills for integrating somatic interventions with other therapy modalities.
Peer collaboration and supervision to deepen learning.
Successful completion of Level III leads to certification as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, a credential that reflects a high level of competence and dedication to working with trauma through the body.
Trainings for Level III will be scheduled in the future.
Why Train with Us?
Our training is designed specifically for Australian therapists. We offer a mix of in-person and online learning, with an emphasis on experiential practice. Bessel van der Kolk notes that “being in the presence of others who are attuned to us helps regulate our nervous system” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 210). This is why our In person training days are so valuable, giving therapists a chance to practice and receive feedback in real time.
Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, our training program provides a supportive pathway to becoming a confident, skilled somatic therapist.
Key Skills You’ll Learn in Somatic Therapy Training
SP training is designed to help you develop skills that bridge the mind and the body. One of the unique aspects of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is how it integrates top-down and bottom-up processing. This means you’ll learn to work with both the body’s implicit memories and the client’s cognitive understanding of their experiences.
For example, you might help a client notice how their shoulders tense when talking about a difficult relationship. Then, using a bottom-up approach, you explore that tension through gentle movement experiments. At the same time, you might ask the client what thoughts or memories come up as they feel that tension bridging the somatic experience with cognitive insight.
Pat Ogden often says, “Body and mind are not separate; they are different expressions of the same experience” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 45). This perspective allows you to integrate parts work into your practice. Many clients with complex trauma have different parts that hold different aspects of their experiences. SP teaches you how to notice how these parts show up in the body. It may be in a slumped posture, averted gaze, or even in a freeze response, and we can help clients safely explore and integrate them.
Another key skill you’ll develop is tracking body cues. Pat Ogden describes this as “learning to read the body’s language” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 44). This means noticing small shifts like a client’s breath, muscle tone, posture, or movement, which might signal they’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Being able to notice these cues helps you pace the therapy and adjust interventions so clients stay within their window of tolerance.
You’ll also learn to work with breath and movement. Bessel van der Kolk reminds us that “trauma survivors often have difficulty noticing what is happening in their bodies” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 97). Our training teaches you how to help clients reconnect with their breath and movement in a way that feels safe and supportive.
Understanding dissociation is another essential skill. Many clients with trauma dissociate as a way of coping. We teach therapists how to recognise the early signs of dissociation, like a sudden stillness, a faraway look, or a change in voice tone—and how to help clients come back to the present gently and safely. Research supports that working with dissociation requires careful pacing and attunement to the client’s state (Classen et al., 2020).
Safe pacing and titration are skills you’ll practice throughout our training. This means helping clients process their experiences in small, manageable pieces so they don’t get overwhelmed. Pat Ogden emphasises that “trauma processing needs to be titrated and paced according to the client’s window of tolerance” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 109).
Finally, you’ll develop skills in working with attachment patterns and how these show up in the body. Trauma often shapes how clients relate to others and to themselves. We teach therapists how to notice attachment dynamics in the body like leaning away, crossing arms, or avoiding eye contact, and how to use the therapeutic relationship to create safety and repair.
Our training includes opportunities to practice these skills in small groups, with feedback from experienced trainers, so you can integrate them into your work with confidence. Learning to be a somatic therapist is a journey, it’s about becoming more present, more attuned, and more connected to the healing potential of the body.
What to Look for in a Somatic Therapy Training Program
Choosing a somatic therapy training program is a big step. It’s not just about learning new techniques, it’s about finding a program that supports your growth as a therapist and helps you feel confident in bringing body-based work into your practice.
When looking for a training program, one of the first things to consider is accreditation and reputation. Our training at Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia is accredited by the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, founded by Pat Ogden. This means our program is recognised internationally and meets the highest standards for trauma-informed, body-based therapy.
Experienced trainers are another key factor. Training with people who have both clinical expertise and teaching experience ensures that you’ll receive quality instruction and guidance. Our trainers bring years of experience in the field and their own lived experiences of working with trauma into the teaching. This helps make the material come alive and feel relevant to real-world practice.
Pat Ogden writes, “Learning to work with the body requires not just knowledge but practice and guidance” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 113). That’s why our program includes a strong focus on experiential learning. You’ll have opportunities to practice skills like tracking, movement experiments, and mindful interventions in small groups, with feedback and support from your trainers.
Integration with other modalities is another important consideration. Many therapists ask how somatic therapy fits with their existing approaches, like EMDR, Art Therapy, or Internal Family Systems. Our training is designed to be integrative, helping you weave somatic work into your current practice rather than replacing it. This flexibility allows you to adapt what you learn to meet the needs of your clients.
Supervision and support are essential components of any quality training program. Our training has a requirement for therapists to undertake consultation hours with approved consultants who help you apply what you’re learning to your own cases. Research shows that supervision is linked to increased therapist confidence and improved outcomes for clients (Falender & Shafranske, 2004).
Format and accessibility matter too. We offer a mix of in-person and online learning, making it easier for therapists from different parts of Australia to participate. “Social support is the most powerful protection against becoming overwhelmed by stress and trauma.” —Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 213) That’s why our in-person training days are so valuable—they give you a chance to practice and receive feedback in real time.
Another key strength of our training is its emphasis on the therapist’s own development. Pat Ogden notes that “the therapist’s own embodied presence is the most important tool in the therapy room” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 110). We encourage therapists to explore their own body responses, patterns, and defences as part of the training process. This self-awareness helps you become more grounded, attuned, and effective with clients.
Finally, look for a program that aligns with your values and your vision for your practice. At Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia, we believe in a relational, non-pathologising approach that honours the wisdom of the body. We see our training as a partnership with therapists, helping you grow at your own pace and supporting you to bring somatic work into your practice with confidence.
Choosing the right program is an investment in yourself and in the clients you serve. We’d love to be part of that journey with you.
How to Get Started
Starting your journey into somatic therapy is about more than just choosing a training program. It’s about preparing yourself to work with clients in a way that is grounded, compassionate, and informed by the body’s wisdom.
Reflect on Your Readiness
Before enrolling in our training, take some time to reflect on where you are in your practice. Are you already working with trauma? Do you notice moments in sessions when talk therapy seems to hit a wall? These are often the moments when somatic therapy can open new pathways for healing.
Experience Somatic Therapy Yourself
Pat Ogden emphasizes that “experiencing somatic therapy from the inside out helps therapists understand its power and limitations” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 117). We strongly recommend that you engage in your own somatic therapy as a client. This gives you a felt sense of the work and deepens your empathy and understanding of what clients might experience.
Explore Our Training Pathways
Our training is structured into three levels:
Level I: SP for the Treatment of Trauma focuses on foundational skills like tracking the body, working with somatic resources, and understanding trauma’s impact on the nervous system.
Level II: SP for Developmental and Relational Injury expands on attachment and relational dynamics, helping therapists work with clients who have experienced early relational trauma.
Level III: Advanced Integrative Training and Certification is designed for therapists who have completed Levels I and II and are ready to refine their skills and pursue certification.
Review Prerequisites and Application Process
Our training is open to mental health professionals who are licensed or in the process of completing their training. Each level has specific prerequisites, and we’re here to guide you through the application process. This usually involves submitting an application, paying a one time application fee of $ 25 , and paying a deposit to secure your place.
Plan for Consultation and Support
Each level of training requests that you undertake a number of consultation hours with approved consultants to support your learning. These sessions help you apply what you’re learning to your own cases, ensuring you feel supported as you integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy into your practice. These consultation hours are not included in the training tuition and must be completed as part of the training requirements.
Choose the Right Format for You
Currently in Australia we offer a hybrid training that includes both in-person and online training opportunities. In-person days give you the chance to practice skills with peers and trainers, building confidence and a sense of community. As Bessel van der Kolk notes, “Being with others who are attuned to us helps regulate our nervous system” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 210).
Connect with Our Community
When you train with us, you’re not just enrolling in a course, you’re joining a community of therapists who are committed to bringing body-based trauma healing to Australia. Our trainers bring lived experience working in the Australian mental health landscape, which means they understand the unique challenges and opportunities therapists face here.
Many of our alumni stay connected long after training, forming peer support groups and continuing their learning together. This sense of community is one of the things that makes our training truly special.
Training in somatic therapy is a journey. It’s about learning to listen to the body, building trust with your clients, and deepening your own understanding of yourself. We’d love to have you join us on this journey.
Ready to Start Your Somatic Therapy Training?
Training to become a somatic therapist is more than learning a set of techniques. It’s about transforming the way you work with client and getting better outcomes when working with trauma. . It’s about learning to read the subtle language of the body, to sense when a client is moving out of their window of tolerance, and to respond with compassion and skill.
Bessel van der Kolk reminds us that “the challenge of recovery is to reestablish ownership of your body and your mind of your self” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 204). As a somatic therapist, you become a guide in this process, helping clients reclaim their sense of safety and connection.
Our training at Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia is designed to support you on this journey. From the foundational skills in Level I to the advanced integration in Level III, each stage of our program builds on the last, giving you a comprehensive, research-informed understanding of how to work with trauma through the body.
Research shows that body-based approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy are effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and helping clients regulate emotions (Classen et al., 2020; Gene-Cos et al., 2016). As therapists, integrating these approaches can make a real difference in the lives of the people we work with.
One of our past trainees shared, “This training changed the way I work. I feel more present with my clients, more able to hold space for the hard stuff. It’s not just about learning techniques. it’s about becoming the kind of therapist I want to be.”
We know that choosing to train as a somatic therapist is a big decision. It’s a commitment to your own growth and to the healing journey of your clients. We’re here to support you every step of the way, with experienced trainers, a supportive community, and a program grounded in evidence and compassion.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to add your details to our waitlist to be notified when the applications open.
Join the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia Waitlist
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia’s next Level I Hybrid Online and In-Person Trauma Training is scheduled to commence in June 2026, with exact dates to be announced soon. Given the high demand and limited spots, our trainings consistently fill well before the deadline. To ensure you don't miss out, we offer priority to those on our waitlist.
By joining the waitlist, you'll:
Be among the first invited to apply when enrolments open.
Gain early access to exclusive updates and preparation resources.Join the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia Waitlist
Avoid missing out on one of Australia’s most sought-after somatic trauma trainings.
Level II trainings will follow in 2027 for those who meet eligibility criteria.
To secure your place ahead of time, please fill out your details on our Contact Page.
FAQs
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to healing that recognises that trauma affects not just the mind but also the body. As Bessel van der Kolk writes, “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 21). Somatic therapists work with clients’ posture, breath, and movement to help them process experiences that words alone may not reach.
How long does it take to become a somatic therapist?
It varies depending on the training you choose. At Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia, Level I training usually takes several months and includes a mix of online and in-person components. Levels II and III each add another layer of complexity and skill, with each level building on the last. Most therapists complete their training over two to three years, depending on their pace and other commitments.
Do I need to be a mental health professional to train as a somatic therapist?
Yes. Our training is designed for licensed mental health professionals or those in the final stages of their training. This ensures that therapists have the foundational clinical knowledge to integrate somatic work safely and effectively into their practice.
Is supervision included in the training?
Each level of training asks that you complete a number of consultation hours with approved consultants. These sessions give you the chance to apply what you’re learning to real clinical cases and receive feedback from experienced trainers. As Falender and Shafranske (2004) note, supervision is essential for developing confidence and competence in new therapeutic approaches. Please note that case consultation is an additional fee outside of your training tuition
Can I train part-time?
Yes. Many therapists complete our training while working in their practice. We offer flexible formats, including online modules and in-person workshops, so you can balance training with your professional commitments.
Is in-person training better than online training?
Both have their advantages. In-person training allows for hands-on practice with skills like tracking posture and movement and receiving real-time feedback. Bessel van der Kolk highlights that “being in the presence of others who are attuned to us helps regulate our nervous system” (van der Kolk, 2014, p. 210). Online training, meanwhile, offers flexibility and accessibility. Many therapists find that a combination of both works best for them.
How much does training cost?
Fees vary depending on the level and format of training. For the most up-to-date information, Please see the training tuition fees under the FAQ section on our level I training page. Remember to consider not just the course fees but also consultation hours, reading materials, and any travel costs for in-person days which are not included.
Do I need to do my own therapy?
We highly recommend it. Pat Ogden emphasises that “experiencing somatic therapy from the inside out helps therapists understand its power and limitations” (Ogden et al., 2006, p. 117). Working with a somatic therapist as a client gives you valuable insight into the process and deepens your empathy for your clients.
Can I integrate somatic therapy with other modalities?
Yes. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is designed to be integrative. It can be woven into existing approaches like EMDR, Internal Family Systems, CBT, and more. This flexibility makes it a valuable addition to many different types of practice.
References
Classen, C., et al. (2020). Pilot randomized controlled trial of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in group treatment for women with histories of childhood trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(2), 266–275.
Falender, C. A., & Shafranske, E. P. (2004). Clinical Supervision: A Competency-Based Approach. American Psychological Association.
Gene-Cos, N., et al. (2016). The effectiveness of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in group therapy for individuals with complex PTSD. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 7(1), 31629.
Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Schore, A. N. (2012). The Science of the Art of Psychotherapy. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Australia (2024). Level I, II, and III Training Curricula. Retrieved from www.sensorimotorpsychotherapyaustralia.com
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York: Viking.