Advanced Training Dates: December 5–9. Register Here.

All participants begin with the core retreat from December 5–7, and continue with training on the 7th-9th (must attend both for CE’s.)

Join The LIGHT Movement for our grief and trauma-informed training, led by grief psychotherapist with 25+ years of experience and yoga teacher, Amy Pickett-Williams; author, psychotherapist, and yoga teacher/therapist of 40+years, Joann Lutz. This 20-hour training is for people interested in learning about the science and tools of somatic (mind-body) healing from trauma and grief. If you are looking to register for the retreat only, please click here or return to the previous page's menu.

Though this will be supportive for individuals of all professions, it is our understanding that this training will count as CE (continuing education) credits for licensed counselors, marriage & family therapists, educators, teachers, clergy, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. All participants will receive a certificate. We are offering CEs for psychologists and social workers for an additional $100. If you’re in need of CEs, we recommend double-checking with your board to ensure you receive credits. Yoga teachers can also receive credit through Yoga Alliance.

​Information on Continuing Education Credit for Health Professionals

• CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-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 Amy Pickett-Williams at apwcounseling@gmail.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 info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com.

Objectives

Learn the Science of Grief, Trauma, and Burnout

• Gain a comprehensive overview of the physiological impacts of grief, trauma, and burnout. Students will explore systems and theories derived from Western and Eastern medicine, including an understanding of the central and autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, and chakras.

• Learn how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work, focusing in-depth on the polyvagal window of tolerance and its interaction with grief theories. This knowledge provides a foundation for helping people experiencing grief, trauma, burnout understand and interface with their physiological responses in order to heal.

Introduction and Application of Somatic Tools.

• Learn practical somatic tools, including breath techniques, gentle yoga movements, sound vibration, and acupressure points. These skills equip participants to support their clients, patients, students, and employees in returning to parasympathetic states for healing and growth during grief, trauma, burnout recovery. These tools are applicable to all ages, children through older adults.

Integration of Social Justice into Somatic Practices.

• Participate in facilitated discussions to learn practical applications for integrating somatic care with social justice work, emphasizing individual well-being and systemic change.

• Examine how various social locations may influence the experience of grief and trauma in the healing process. This will support participants in cultivating critical consciousness to more justly serve diverse communities.

Recommended Readings

• Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals, Yoga Therapists and Teachers by Joann Lutz​

• Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga: Therapeutic Practices for Emotional Health by Dr. Arielle Schwartz​

• Yoga Skills for Therapists: Effective Practices for Mood Management by Amy Weintraub​​

• The Grieving Brain: by Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor.

• Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others: Connie Burk and Lipsky

Tiered Pricing

• Subsidized – for those needing financial support ($704)

• Sustainer – reflects the true cost of the retreat and training ($880)

• Supporter – helps make this experience accessible to others ($1056)

You will select your pricing tier at checkout. There are additional scholarships.

Lodging & Meals

Lodging and meals are optional add-ons and can be selected during registration.

Scholarships

We are committed to accessibility. Scholarships are available for any training track and pricing level. You may register now and pay later. Our registrar will work with you to ensure this opportunity is affordable.

Register Now.