SE™ Master Class
Chronic Pain, Syndromes, and Long COVID-19
Work with the Somatic Side of Trauma
w/ Peter A Levine, PhD
Ergos Faculty: Dave Berger
Scroll Down to Watch the Syndromes Description & Short Demonstrations Video w/ Dr Levine
ONLY In-Person
Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA
June 4th - 7th, 2023 (case consult June 3rd)
Program Hours Daily 10am to 6pm
(DAY ONE START AT 9:45am)
*Prerequisite SEI Intermediate I and Above
*Public Health Precautions are in place at the Mercy Center - subject to evolution
mercy center notification: COVID-19 vaccines are no longer required
This SE Master Class Includes
Didactic Lecture w/ Q&A
In-depth Demonstration Client Sessions w/ Extensive Debrief
2 SEI Group Case Consultation Supervision Credits
4+ Live Case Reviews
Scroll down to learn about client demonstration opportunities
Supervised Triad Practice and Table Touch Work / Body Work
Recording - not available for separate purchase
Discount for SEI Members
Master Level SE Assistants will be providing Private Sessions for SEI Credit - separate cost
We will add here if we secure CE credits for this program
Yoga, Sound Meditation, and Movement Offerings
Outdoor Labyrinth and Hiking Trails
Meals Included in Retreat Center Fee - see meal times below
About
Many Somatic Experiencing® practitioners struggle to help individuals who present with a seemingly endless array of unpredictable, labile, and mutating symptoms. These conditions include migraines, vertigo, rapid heart rate, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome/rapid heartbeat and fainting), heart arrhythmias, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), asthma, and certain auto-immune conditions. These syndromes are often associated with various anxiety, depressive, and mood disorders. These syndromes appear to be associated with neglect, various types of abuse, early attachment difficulties, and long COVID-19 conditions.
With the rapid spread of COVID-19, millions of people who became ill and recovered are experiencing a range of debilitating after-effects. While the causes of some of these lingering symptoms remain unclear, Dr. Levine believes that specific SE™ tools can be useful in providing relief and aiding in recovery. With this pressing need in mind, he is including skills recommended for work with COVID-19 long-haulers. This is intended to be helpful for post-COVID-19 clients and their supporting caregivers. Our SE perspective is needed now more than ever during this unprecedented time.
It is important to recognize that these perplexing symptoms may have a common root as a single underlying syndrome involving core dysregulation of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. This system influences, in turn, autonomic, endocrine, and immune functions throughout the body. Rather than chasing after individual symptoms, we explore possible underlying stress conditions that cause this dysregulation. If these stress conditions can be identified, they can be effectively treated using special SE tools. During this Master Class, we will learn important concepts such as autonomic balance, tuning, and kindling. We will learn how to identify the syndromes of core dysregulation, understand the underlying dynamics, and work with them using Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory as a guide to enhance and master our SE skills.
We hope this timely class will better equip you to help your clients, loved ones, and the community. Learning from observation, practice, and discussion is an integral way to enhance and master your SE skills.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
State how trauma associated w/ an original traumatic event can lead to Chronic Pain and Syndromes
Identify the various symptoms of Syndromes and Chronic Pain
Utilize the knowledge of Somatic Experiencing to assess clients w/ complex Syndromes and Autonomic Dysregulation
Describe tools necessary to work w/ Chronic Pain & Syndromal clients
Describe the functional nature of long Covid-19 symptoms to their clients
Apply perceptual skills and practical tools for working w/ long Covid-19 clients
Identify the functional mind-body pathways mediated by the Polyvagal circuits
Identify the mapping of the Polyvagal system on the various organ systems – skeletal and visceral
Describe Syndromes in relation to the Polyvagal Theory
Practice skeletal and visceral afferents to modulate efferent activity and central nervous system homeostasis
Define Autonomic Dysregulation Syndrome and understand the basis of these syndromes
Tell how to support clients in understanding the functional nature of their symptoms through psycho-education
Practice working w/ energy wells through sound, exploration, movement, and diaphragms
Define the principles of Somatic Experiencing Bodywork - diaphragms, joints, and viscera
Discuss interfacing w/ Medical personnel – Internists, Specialists, Complementary, and Integrative Physicians
Support medical care for a client to differentiate a functional syndrome from organic-based medical symptoms
Describe how to track autonomic nervous system shifts precisely
Define perceptual skills and practical tools to create more presence, rhythm, and connection with our clients
Differentiate various somatic techniques to aid w/ soothing and self-regulation
Demonstrate how to implement exercises geared towards increasing your client’s capacity to engage in life
Client Demonstrations w/ Dr. Levine
Do you have a challenging Syndromal or Long COVID-19 client?
To have your client considered for a live on-site, filmed demonstration with Dr. Levine (FREE SESSION), please discuss this opportunity with your client and if they agree, download this form and return it completed to m@somaticexperiencing.com.
Live Demonstration Format
The practitioner will introduce the client’s case history and discuss with Dr. Levine the work they've been doing with their client and where they might be struggling. He will then work with the client directly and advise approaches moving forward. After the demonstration, participants are encouraged to ask questions and make suggestions (Peter loves hearing how someone else would work). Submissions are for in-person live demos with both the client & practitioner present.
Schedule (subject to evolution)
June 3rd
2:00pm Lodging Check-in
*(you may choose to check-in June 2nd if you are attending the June 3rd Case Consult)
*(you can check-in June 4th, but please be ready to start June 4th at 10am)
6:00pm - 7:00pm Family Dinner (for Lodging and Case Consult Guests)
June 4th
8:00am - 9:30am Family Breakfast (for all participants and team members)
9:00am - 9:30am Movement
9:30am - 9:45am Registration
9:45am - 10:00am Mercy Center Orientation & Welcome Announcements (time to be in the seats)
10:00am - 11:15am Session One
*(please do not miss the 10am opening on the first day June 4th)
11:15am - 11:30am Tea Break
11:30am - 12:45pm Session Two
12:45pm - 1:45pm Family Lunch (for all participants and team members)
1:45pm - 2:45pm Restore Break (labyrinth, walking trails, meditation room, etc.)
2:45pm - 4:15pm Session Three
4:15pm - 4:30pm Tea & Snack Break
4:30pm - 6:00pm Session Four
6:00pm - 7:00pm Family Dinner (for all participants and team members)
*(June 5th, there will be an evening session Demo Review 7:00pm - 8:30pm)
*(TBD yoga, sound meditation, and movement offering days and time)
*(you can check-out June 7th, but please stay until 6pm June 7th to complete the course)
June 5th - 7th
8:00am - 9:30am Family Breakfast (for all participants and team members)
9:15am - 9:45am Movement
9:45am - 10:00am Sign-in
10:00am - 11:15am Session One
11:15am - 11:30am Tea Break
11:30am - 12:45pm Session Two
12:45pm - 1:45pm Family Lunch (for all participants and team members)
1:45pm - 2:45pm Restore Break (labyrinth, walking trails, meditation room, etc.)
2:45pm - 4:15pm Session Three
4:15pm - 4:30pm Tea & Snack Break
4:30pm - 6:00pm Session Four
6:00pm - 7:00pm Family Dinner (for all participants and team members)
*(June 5th, there will be an evening session Demo Review 7:00pm - 8:30pm)
*(TBD yoga, sound meditation, and movement offering days and time)
*(you can check-out June 7th, but please stay until 6pm June 7th to complete the course)
June 8th
8:00am - 9:30am Family Breakfast for Lodging Guests
11:00am Lodging Check-out
Location
Mercy Retreat Center in beautiful Burlingame, CA
Mercy Center offers you its peaceful grounds surrounded by oaks and flower gardens in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Less than ten minutes from the San Francisco International Airport: Google Map
The Mercy Retreat Center is a special meeting place for nonprofit organizations and groups seeking a tranquil setting for their conference or retreat. We will be the only group studying here at this time. Their serene environment is conducive to learning and reflection. There will be lots of space for indoor and outdoor break-out exercises (weather permitting).
This class features supervised practice and will not be online.
What to Bring
Notepad / Pen(s) and or Pencil(s)
Clothing layers to accommodate California coastal weather
Sweater / light coat
Hat / beanie
Walking / Hiking shoes
Sunscreen
If lodging, bring toiletries (bedding, robes, slippers, towels, and hair dryers are provided)
Items of comfort, like a small soft blanket
A favorite book / journal (book store on site)
Yoga materials (optional, some will be provided)
Retreat Center Lodging & Fee
mercy center notification: COVID-19 vaccines are no longer required
Please READ THE BELOW INFORMATION CAREFULLY and pay the Retreat Center costs directly to the Mercy Center.
All participants and team members must book on-site lodging or purchase a commuter pass. On-site lodging has limited capacity - reserve your room ASAP. If you stay elsewhere off-site or live locally, you will require a commuter pass.
(Lodging options at nearby hotels)
Fees:
Commuter Pass: $85 per day per guest
Including all meals, parking, and access to the building, labyrinth, and grounds.
Lodging: $185 per night per guest
Including all meals, parking, and access to the building, labyrinth, and grounds.
Single-occupancy private bedrooms with dormitory-style bathroom facilities, including refrigerator/kitchenette use.
For lodging, Ergos recommends arriving on June 3rd and departing on June 8th.
If attending the June 3rd Case Consult, we recommend arriving on June 2nd.
Students must attend the Master Class from 10am on June 4th to 6pm on June 7th.
*Please note: there will be no discount for unused meals*
Please Review the Mercy Center Policies
Participants must be at least 18 years of age: Mercy Center’s insurance policy does not allow infants and children under 18 years of age to be present in common areas, meeting rooms, and dining rooms during conferences and programs.
Service Animals: Only certified service animals are permitted on Mercy Center’s campus.
Alcohol: Beer and wine are allowed in the conference room area only with prior permission. No alcohol is permitted in bedrooms, common areas, or dining rooms.
Smoking: They are a smoke-free campus—no smoking of any kind, candles or incense in conference rooms, bedrooms, or common areas.
Public Health / COVID-19: Guest Protocol - Mercy Center Burlingame (mercy-center.org)
No perfumes, please.
We appreciate your cooperation in creating a safe & successful environment for this much-needed class.
Mercy Center Cancellations and Refunds
Mercy Center requires notice of cancellation in writing (email to mc@sistersofmercy.org) one-week prior to the event for a full refund by check or 50% of the total program cost if the notice is received three-days or less prior to the event.
No refund will be given if a retreatant leaves early or arrives late during a retreat. Out of consideration for others on the waiting list, please make a commitment to attend the entire retreat.
Once you register for this course, click the below link to be redirected to the Mercy Retreat Center website to book your lodging or reserve your commuter pass. For further assistance, contact Mercy Center at 650-340-7474.
Please do not contact Ergos Institute about lodging or commuter fees; the staff will not be able to help you.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age: Mercy Center’s insurance policy does not allow infants and children under 18 years of age to be present in common areas, meeting rooms, and dining rooms during conferences and programs.
Service Animals: Only certified service animals are permitted on Mercy Center’s campus.
Alcohol: Beer and wine are allowed in the conference room area only with prior permission. No alcohol is permitted in bedrooms, common areas, or dining rooms.
Smoking: They are a smoke-free campus—no smoking of any kind, candles or incense in conference rooms, bedrooms, or common areas.
Public Health / COVID-19: Guest Protocol - Mercy Center Burlingame (mercy-center.org)
No perfumes, please.
We appreciate your cooperation in creating a safe & successful environment for this much-needed class.
Mercy Center Cancellations and Refunds
Mercy Center requires notice of cancellation in writing (email to mc@sistersofmercy.org) one-week prior to the event for a full refund by check or 50% of the total program cost if the notice is received three-days or less prior to the event.
No refund will be given if a retreatant leaves early or arrives late during a retreat. Out of consideration for others on the waiting list, please make a commitment to attend the entire retreat.
Once you register for this course, click the below link to be redirected to the Mercy Retreat Center website to book your lodging or reserve your commuter pass. For further assistance, contact Mercy Center at 650-340-7474.
Please do not contact Ergos Institute about lodging or commuter fees; the staff will not be able to help you.
Tuition
$1,200
For payment plans, payments by check, or registration issues: Please contact: admin@somaticexperiencing.com
SEI Members receive $100 off; use code:
MEMBER100
(please make sure your membership is up to date with Somatic Experiencing International)
Partial-Scholarships:
There are limited financial need partial scholarships available to BIPOC students and/or those working primarily with underserved populations (clinics, reservations, volunteer, etc.). For submission, please email admin@somaticexperiencing.com.
Refunds:
The last day to request a program refund, minus a processing fee, is May 1st, 2023.
*After the deadline, you will receive future course credit for extenuating circumstances, including a positive COVID-19 test.
Please pay Retreat Center costs directly to Mercy Center. - see Retreat Center Information above.
Prerequisite
This course is available to SE Practitioners and SE students who have completed SE Intermediate I+.
It is not available to the general public.
Please honor your SE Level by practicing new SE tools with your SE peers before using them with your clients.
Note: This program features table touch work/bodywork practice.
Course Communications
The evening before June 4th you will receive an email from m@somaticexperiencing.com with a LINK and PASSCODE to the PRIVATE PORTAL for this program.
Please save this information to access the PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS, SLIDES, HANDOUTS, DETAILED SCHEDULE, RECORDING, SIGNED CASE CONSULT SHEET, and MORE.
For General Customer Service, not payment related, please contact:
info@somaticexperiencing.com
The Ergos Institute of Somatic Education is managing this course.
PROGRAM NOTES & AGREEMENTS - PLEASE READ PRIOR TO REGISTERING
By registering, I agree to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of fellow participants and copyrighted material.
By registering, I agree this will be a safe space of openness where cultural, religious, historical, generational, societal, and personal differences are respected without judgment, criticism, or harm. I agree to take what serves me and leave what does not.
By registering, I agree not to record, take photographs, or share my private portal link and passcode. Furthermore, only registered participants may view Ergos programming.
By registering, I acknowledge that the Ergos Institute will record this workshop for future educational purposes.
By registering, I authorize my voice or likeness to be included in the recording if I ask a question, are a demonstration client, or present a case.
By registering, I agree neither Peter Levine, Legacy Faculty, the Ergos Institute, FHE, SEI, nor any of the managers, staff, coordinators, assistants, faculty members, technicians, affiliates, online platforms, venues, or representatives have any responsibility or liability for my participation. Therefore, I hereby release them from all claims in connection with such.
By registering, I agree that I meet the prerequisite for this program.
By registering, I agree that I have read the refund policy.
This program is for education purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition or treatment and before undertaking a regimen.
*Your registration is an agreement of confidentiality.
Ergos Assistants
If you have assisted the Syndromes or Eye of the Needle SE Master Classes and would like to assist with this June course, please email info@somaticexperiencing.com. Bodyworkers and those working with syndromal clients are encouraged to apply to assist. Must be able to attend the entire program. Thank you!!