What is Somatic Experiencing®?

Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a body-based (bottom up) modality for healing trauma and other stress disorders. It is based on a multidisciplinary intersection of physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience and medical biophysics.

SE is the life’s work of Dr. Peter Levine and has been clinically applied in multiple professions and professional settings—psychotherapy, medicine, coaching, teaching, and physical therapy—for more than four decades. 

The SE approach releases traumatic shock, which is key to transforming PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma. It offers a framework to assess where a person is “stuck” in the fight, flight or freeze responses and provides clinical tools to resolve these fixated physiological states and start healing.

The Science Behind Somatic Experiencing®

Trauma is not what happened to you, it’s how your nervous system learnt to adapt in order to survive what you went through.

Trauma may begin as acute stress from a perceived threat to life or as the end product of cumulative stress. Both types of stress can seriously impair a person's ability to function with resilience and ease.

Trauma can result from a wide variety of factors such as accidents, invasive medical procedures, sexual or physical assault, emotional abuse, neglect, war, natural disasters, loss, birth trauma, or due to ongoing fear and conflict.

For us in the Caribbean, trauma results from the transgenerational impact of slavery, poverty and lack of access to resources, high crime rates, natural disasters, dysfunctional family systems and all other social issues that affect our populations.

Peter A. Levine was inspired to study stress in the animal nervous system when he realized that animals are constantly under threat of death, but do not show symptoms of trauma.

Through his research, he developed the Somatic Experiencing® approach which facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of survival energy that was retained in the body after a traumatic experience, thus addressing the root of trauma symptoms and moving people toward more permanent healing. 

Why Get Certified in Somatic Experiencing®?

The Somatic Experiencing® (“SE™”) Professional Training provides a rich theoretical framework for understanding and addressing trauma physiology across multiple professional disciplines and offers tangible skills that can be immediately integrated into your professional practice.

The SE educational model is highly experiential with a rigorous curriculum that equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to understand, assess, and address trauma, through a combination of theoretical study, hands-on practice, and supervised sessions.

The training is delivered through a combination of lectures, live demonstrations, guided practice sessions with fellow students, audio visual case studies, and suggested readings as well as your own personal SE sessions to deepen your experiential knowledge of SE.

And because SE supports regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which underlies every aspect of our physical, emotional, and psychological functioning, the professional applications of SE are diverse. 

SE provides effective skills appropriate to a variety of healing professions including mental health, medicine, physical and occupational therapies, bodywork, addiction treatment, first response, education, and others.

SE supports mood regulation, the reworking of addictive patterns, and the prevention or resolution of PTSD and helps medical professionals treat complex medical syndromes and diseases caused by trauma.

SE techniques are also effective in reducing or eliminating chronic pain and trauma-related symptoms presenting in the musculoskeletal system, making it useful for bodyworkers and other physical-care providers.

Somatic Experiencing® Professional Training for Caribbean Practitioners

The Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Certificate Training is a Certification in Somatic Therapy awarded by Somatic Experiencing® International (SEI) that guarantees Caribbean Practitioners access to an internationally recognized career as an SEP (Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner)

SEI is the world’s leading authority on the SE™ method and is a major provider of training and educational programs for mental health practitioners globally. 

The Espoir Trauma Clinic is the Caribbean's only Somatic Therapy & Trauma Recovery Facility, and is dedicated to supporting trauma resolution and resilience in the Caribbean through culturally responsive mental health service as well as professional training and education, research, and outreach throughout the region.

The Espoir Trauma Clinic has partnered with SEI to bring the SE Certificate Training to Caribbean professionals at a more equitable price and for the first time in 45 years, the program is being adapted to cater to the psychosocial reality of life in the Caribbean.

This cohort holds a distinctive significance for SEI as it marks the first (and only) teaching of Somatic Experiencing® that considers the unique tapestry of geographical, cultural, socioeconomic and historical factors that define the Caribbean lived experience.

Acknowledging these unique facets is crucial in tailoring trauma healing practices to align with our diverse cultural backgrounds. By integrating the perspectives and nuances specific to the Caribbean, this program aims to cultivate a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to SE that recognizes the relevance of local customs, historical legacies, societal dynamics, and the enduring effects of natural disasters on trauma within our communities.

The aim of this training is to provide Caribbean practitioners the opportunity to learn SE in order to support their clients in healing from the damaging effects of trauma specific to our Caribbean context.

SE® Caribbean Training Faculty & Fees

FACULTY: Francine Kelley, LCPC, RYT500, SEP

The SE Caribbean Training is taught by Francine Kelley, SEI's only Caribbean born faculty member. Francine is a Jamaican-born Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Yoga Instructor and Body-Centered Psychotherapist living in Chicago, IL.

Her collaborative style combines yoga, mindfulness, meditation and other somatic (body-centered) and energetic approaches. Trained in Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy, LifeForce Yoga, Reiki and somatic touch, Francine is fascinated by scientific, energetic and spiritual approaches to healing.

As a workshop facilitator and trainer, Francine brings with her over a decade's worth of professional experience exploring the ways that the body and mind can work together to help people find healing, plus a robust toolkit of skills and respected trauma methodologies.

Francine has presented nationally and internationally to mental health and medical practitioners on the topic of mind/body approaches to health and healing. Francine is a co-developer of the 24-week Integrative Trauma Recovery (ITR) group process which combines DBT, somatic approaches, yoga skills and psychoeducation to help trauma survivors gradually move toward a more knowledgeable and empowered involvement in their recovery from trauma.

Fee Structure

Based on the principles of Equity & Social Justice, we are offering preferential pricing for Caribbean Practitioners and this training has tiered pricing as follows:

Full fee (International) – For students outside of the Caribbean who have sufficient financial resources to pay the full price which allows us to continue offering trainings that support trauma healing in the Caribbean community at a reduced rate

Starts at US $975 per module, payment plans available 

Mid-Range (CARICOM) – For Caribbean students who are employed full time and have sufficient financial resources available to cover the full CARICOM fee

Starts at US $675 per module, payment plans available 

Supported (CARICOM) - For Caribbean students who would be otherwise unable to take the training due to hardship of the fee. Statement of Financial Need required. Limited Availability. 

Starts at US $495 per module, payment plans available 

Persons registering in groups of three (3) or more will receive an additional group discount.

Scholarships

For those who require it, we have scholarships available at a 50% tuition fee reduction. See Supported (CARICOM) Pricing above.

We also have TWO (2) 25% tuition fee scholarships available for students who are a part of traditionally underserved communities/identities (such as LGBTQI+ and Indigenous Peoples) within the Caribbean.

Scholarships are intended for students who would not be able to attend the training without it. With that said, we encourage you to apply only if there is need.

Scholarship decisions are made by a small committee of folks affiliated with SE Caribbean. When determining eligibility, we will look at: 

• the applicants' financial need; 
• the applicants' reach within their community; 
• the applicants' frequency of work with traditionally under-served individuals and communities.

Scholarship applications are embedded into the full application process. When you fill out your application form, you will be asked whether or not you are interested in also applying for a scholarship.

Registration Process

Registration for the Somatic Experiencing Professional Training is completed through a process of application and approval. 

Successfully submitting your application to the program does not guarantee a space for you in the training. The only thing that guarantees your space once you've been approved is payment.

Due to the demand of Somatic Experiencing training in general, as well as the increased interest across the Caribbean, we anticipate a large volume of applications to the program. Because of this we will be reviewing each of your applications individually so that we can ensure our program has participant diversity both in profession and demographics. 

Applications will require you to submit: 

• Personal information (e.g. name, pronouns, city);
• Professional and personal development information (e.g. your practice details, what field you work in, personal development history);
• An up-to-date CV.

​No documents will be required beyond your CV; you will not need to submit transcripts or other professional development certifications. People who are in the process of receiving certification as a practitioner are welcome to apply. Proof of independent practice is not a requirement of the training.

Registration Fee: Once your application is accepted and approved, you must register and pay for the Beginning I module in order to guarantee a spot in the training. 

In order to complete registration and secure your spot, you must pay the Beginning I tuition in full OR pay the first installment of your Payment Plan.

PS. If you choose a payment plan, the balance of the registration fee must be paid in full BEFORE the start of the program. All payment plans carry a US $50 Processing Fee

Training Curriculum & Timeline

The Somatic Experiencing® (“SE™”) Professional Training curriculum is delivered through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and guided practice sessions with other students. Course material is taught in 8 training modules of 4 to 6 days in length, spaced out over 2½ to 3 years.

Training modules must be taken in sequence. While it is not a requirement, it is an expectation that participants will follow their cohort through the training program so we strive to ensure that our students can continue their education with the same group of people they began with.

Because competent practice of SE requires direct clinical experience, as well as a refined somatic awareness and capacity for self-regulation, becoming an SE Practitioner (SEP™) also entails receiving personal SE sessions to deepen your experiential knowledge of SE.

Training Certificates & International Certification

Certificates will be provided upon successful completion of each 4-day module. However, the full Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) Certificate and designation is awarded upon compliance with the training plan and respective personal and supervision sessions

In order to fulfill the requirements for compliance for receiving the Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Certificate students must also fulfill a set number of credit hours of personal SE sessions and professional case consultations. 

All supervisions and personal SE sessions are conducted by professionals certified as Somatic Experiencing® Practitioners (SEP) and approved by SEI as SEPs capable of providing sessions and/or supervision for students of SE.

The cost of individual sessions and supervision is additional and paid directly to the chosen professional. The value is based on the cost of the professional's work hour, which usually starts at US $100.

Every SE module includes a 3-hour Group Case Consultation (included in registration fee). 3 hours of Group Case Consultation is equal to 1 Credit Hour of case consultation. For all individual case consults and personal sessions: 1 hour session = 1 credit hour.

It is the responsibility of each student to register their sessions and supervisions, collect the signatures of each professional approved by SEI and send these records to the SE Caribbean Team, to receive their international SEP certification.

Continuing Education Credits (CEs)

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any Continuing Education Credits (CEs) for this training. If you are a US-based practitioner requiring CEs for their SE Training, it may be best to register with a different cohort within the USA.

SE® Caribbean Training Dates

The dates for this cohort are as follows:

Basic Foundations in SE - May 25 2024, Francine Kelley (open for registration)

Beginning I - August 2 - 5 2024, Francine Kelley (open for registration)
Beginning II - November 15 - 18 2024, Francine Kelley
Beginning III - February 14 - 17 2025, Francine Kelley

Intermediate I - June 27 - 30 2025, Francine Kelley
Intermediate II - September 12 - 15 2025, Francine Kelley
Intermediate III - December 12 - 15 2025, Francine Kelley

Advanced I - 2026, Efu Nyaki (online, via Zoom)
Advanced II - 2026, Efu Nyaki (on-site in Saint Lucia)

Ps. ALL Beginning & Intermediate modules will be ONLINE via Zoom

NOTE: Due to the length of completion for this training, application for the SE Caribbean program only happens once every few years. Application to our next program will be announced in 2025.

Upcoming SE® Caribbean Trainings

01 Basic Principles in Somatic Experiencing®

This Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing is a live interactive workshop for professionals interested in learning the basic principles and theory of the SE model and to learn more about the 3-year SE Professional Training Program.

Training Details:

Date: Saturday May 25, 2024 | 12PM - 3PM AST

Presenter: Francine Kelley, LCPC, SEP, RYT500

Location: Online (via Zoom)

Tuition: US $75 

Upon completion of this workshop, all attendees will receive a one-time $50 credit towards their SE Professional Training Beginning I module and a Certificate of Attendance. Discount applies only to the SE Caribbean Beginning I training which starts this August.

You can register for this introductory workshop here.

Registration Closes: May 24, 2024

02 SE™ CARIBBEAN BEGINNING I COURSE

This four-day Beginning I training module is the first of eight modules constituting the Somatic Experiencing Professional Training and is open to those enrolling for the full Somatic Experiencing Practitioner certificate program.

Training Details:

Date: August 2-5, 2024 | 11AM - 6PM AST, daily 

Presenter: Francine Kelley, LCPC, SEP, RYT500

Location: Online (via Zoom)

Tuition: US $975 International, US $675 CARICOM 

How to Register:

In order to register for this training, you must FIRST complete the Professional Training Application.

Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be invited to register and pay for your Beginning I Training Module using the personal link found in your invitation email.

Click here to complete the online Application form.

Registration closes: July 26, 2024

Admission Standards

The Somatic Experiencing® (“SE™”) Professional Training is a continuing education certificate program designed to enhance the skills of professionals working with traumatized or stressed individuals.

To be considered for admission, applicants must be professionals with an active practice so that the techniques learned in the training can be immediately applied and developed throughout the course of the program. Exceptions may be granted to graduate students participating in an internship program. Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis.*

Professionals who may qualify for the SE™ Professional Training program include:

• Mental Health Professionals: psychologists, psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, social workers, counsellors, marriage and family therapists, expressive arts therapists, etc.

• Medical and Alternative Medicine Professionals: medical doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, emergency medical workers, surgeons, obstetricians, midwives, acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, etc.

• Bodyworkers: massage therapists, Rolfers®, Craniosacral and Polarity therapists, Feldenkrais practitioners, yoga therapists, etc.

• Other Practitioners: first responders, crisis centre staff, educators, mediators, clergy, chaplains, coaches, etc.

This program is designed to train professionals in working more effectively with client trauma. It is not suitable for those solely seeking a personal-growth experience or for those who do not have an active professional practice.

Acceptance into the SE™ Professional Training does not ensure that all SE™ methods will be appropriate for inclusion in your professional practice. Training participants are responsible for operating within their professional scope of practice and for abiding by provincial and federal laws.

The Somatic Experiencing® International reserves the right to approve or deny any application, and/or accept or reject the participation of any person in its sole discretion and in accordance with its policies and the law.