Trauma sensitive training programs

Mindful Facilitators at Sinomlando Oral Storytelling Centre, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

“Due to the increasing prevalence of trauma in everyday life, it is imperative that all leadership and education programs train facilitators in basic trauma practices and emotional regulation.”  

-Erin Lee Henshaw, Co-founder

Process:

Step 1: 30-hr Mindful Facilitation Training
Step 2: 30-hr Trauma Sensitive Facilitation Training

30-HR Training -Step 1

The Mind Body Project has been running mindfulness programs in the US and China since 2015. Recently, we have been asked to help others learn to teach these programs, and we think that’s a great idea. We can’t wait to get a group of like-minded people together to explore science-backed solutions for personal growth and applied practice. Here’s a bit more about our 30-hr Mindfulness Facilitator training in Beijing, China. www.themindbodyproject.com

Who? This program will be led by Erin Lee Henshaw, American mindfulness facilitator, who has studied internationally with Mindful Schools, Rishikesh Yog Peeth, LifeForce Yoga for Anxiety and Depression, and Zap Chen with Janet Evergreen. Erin has worked for the Mind and Life Institute, taught mindfulness programs for the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia and received multiple grants to teach and study in the US. Most recently, she facilitated programs with the International WELL Building Institute and has been continuing her cold exposure and breathwork training.

Erin will be assisted by Ric Rodriguez, an experienced growth facilitator with a background in Thai Yoga Massage, natural products and healing.

Where? Crossboundaries Beijing architecture studio in the heart of Sanlitun, around the corner from The Bookworm. http://crossboundaries.com/

What? 3 0-hr Mindfulness Facilitator Training including:

-Introduction to MBSR theory and evolution
-Introduction to Basic Neuroscience
-Introduction to Growth Mindset and Mindful teaching theory -Daily Deep Relaxation through Yoga, Breathwork and more
-Daily Reflection on personal growth and application of new skills -Daily vegan/gluten free lunch, snacks and tea

Weekend 1 Skills:

1. Sitting and Self-Reflection (Journaling)

2. Body Scans

3. Emotional Labeling

4. Gratitude

5. Breathwork

Weekend 2 Skills:

1. Mindful Movement

2. Intentional Thinking

3. Visualization

4. Mindful Eating

5. Mindful Communication

   Sample Day:
   1-hr Morning movement, breathwork and self-reflection practice

   Intro to Science and Practice for Skill 1 followed by Pair Practice Intro to Science and Practice Skill 2 followed by Pair Practice LUNCH
   Meditation
   Intro and Practice for Skill 3 followed by group demo
   Intro and Practice for Skill 4 followed by group demo or discussion Deep Relaxation

When? 2 Weekends

Why? Over the past 50 years Western culture has increasingly dictated that we work in chairs, prioritize information flowing into our frontal lobes and see our emotional responses as a hindrance to “achievement.” We have grown accustomed to learning from experts instead of a more experiential teaching model. Fortunately, the neuroscience-backed field of mindfulness reminds us of what we are missing: authentic teachers, emotional intelligence and whole-body learning. As part of this program with The Mind Body Project we will explore how to integrate traditional standards of achievement with whole-person facilitation and learning.

Upon completion of 25 classroom hours, each participant will leave with the skills and confidence to authentically lead introductory (Level 1) mindfulness programs or integrate these teachings with facilitation/leadership practices in their current field.

30-hr Training - Step 2

What? 30-hr Trauma-Informed Facilitator Training including:
-Introduction to Trauma and PTSD Theory
-Introduction to Basic Neuroscience of Trauma
-Creation of a therapeutic container for a broad application of group experiences -Practical experience leading trauma-informed tools and exercises
-Practical experience soothing a triggered participant
-Daily Deep Relaxation through Yoga, Breathwork and more -Daily reflection on personal growth and application of skills -Daily vegan/gluten free lunch, snacks and tea

Weekend 1 Tools:

1. Trauma-Informed Language

2. Therapeutic Container Creation

3. Resourcing the Room

4. 5-Senses Meditation

5. Extended Exhalations and Anchor Points

6. Yoga Nidra

Weekend 2 Tools:

1. Body Scans: Progressive Tightening and Relaxing

2. Tapping and Humming

3. Language: Noticing Self-Talk and Setting Intentions

4. Safe Place Visualization

5. Soothing a Triggered Response

   Sample Day:
   1-hr Morning movement, breathwork and self-reflection practice

   Intro to Science and Practice for Skill 1 followed by Pair Practice Intro to Science and Practice Skill 2 followed by Pair Practice LUNCH
   Meditation
   Intro and Practice for Skill 3 followed by group demo
   Intro and Practice for Skill 4 followed by group demo or discussion Deep Relaxation

When? 2 Consecutive Weekends in October, 2019 (Beijing)

Why? Due to the increased prevalence and awareness of trauma in everyday life, it is best practice for all facilitators to develop a basic understanding of trauma care and socio-emotional regulation. As leaders, we are often unaware of the past traumas that participants bring to our programs. For programs with mandatory participation (such as school or work experiences) participants will mental health challenges may be exposed to situations that trigger fear and panic, and can re-traumatize the participant, unless the facilitator is trained to handle trauma and emotion. For example, water programs, intense exercise or self-reflection practices may bring up deep wounds or insecurities.

It's important that we create a safe container so that all participants may feel safe to grow on programs. As a result of trauma-informed facilitation, participants with trauma will heal and grow in the face of challenge, and students without trauma will thrive because of the care these practices provide. This program empowers facilitators to feel calm and comfortable to assist participants if they are pushed beyond their personal limits, and to become comfortable leading basic mindfulness practices as part of their programs.

Upon completion of 30 classroom hours, each participant will leave with the skills and confidence to authentically lead introductory (Level 1) trauma-informed facilitation programs or integrate these teachings with facilitation/leadership practices in their current field.

How? Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to join. In the past we have hosted teachers, facilitators, corporate professionals, parents, etc. In order to apply for the training you must have at least the following:

1. Two years of personal mindfulness or self-reflective practice

2. Two years of teaching or leadership experience (alternative or non-traditional is great)

3. Read the book: The Body Keeps the Score OR Waking the Tiger

CHINA TRAINING AND THOUGHTS

My heart is so full from the strength and love I’ve witnessed in our China wellness community, they have given me the foresight and strength to have a positive perspective for the trials we will face in the United States and beyond.  We recently certified four new Trauma Sensitive Facilitators who are providing support around the world, and I could not be more proud of these caring and brave teachers.

Congrats to:  

Christy Mendenhall, elementary teacher in Qingdao, China

Karen Horworth, licensed therapist in Beijing, China

Monika Gorowska, PhD behavioral psychologist in Moscow, Russia 

Christa Nel, elementary teacher in Durban, South Africa

Ric Rodriguez, international facilitator

Participation vs Certification:
*Relevant at both step 1 and step 2

Participation includes 25 group classroom hours only and participant will not become a certified The Mind Body Project facilitator in our network.

Certification includes 25 group classroom hours, mentoring via live practice session and 5 at-home hours to create a final print or video class. Successful candidates will become TMBP-certified facilitators and be added to our facilitator network.

Let's start exercising those brain waves...

erin@themindbodyproject.com