Embodied Touch Skills Training — The Art of Contact (Fall 2026)

A trauma-informed, scope-aware training in embodied touch + self-touch as pathways for safety, boundaries, and co-regulation.
Date & Time
Weekend 1: Sept 18–20, 2026
Weekend 2: Oct 16–18, 2026
Weekend 3: Nov 13–15, 2026
Schedule: Fri 6:00–9:00pm | Sat 10:00am–6:00pm | Sun 12:00–6:00pm
Touch is one of our first ways of knowing ourselves in the world.
And many of us are living in a touch-starved culture—often offered “fixing” instead of contact that listens.
Embodied Touch Skills Training: The Art of Contact is for practitioners who want to bring touch (and self-touch cueing) into their work within scope, safety, and trauma-informed process.
This is not a “do more techniques” weekend series.
This is a training in consent, boundaries, pacing, nervous system tracking, ergonomics, and embodied presence—so touch becomes supportive, not intrusive.
In 2026, this training is also being structured as part of a clearer professional pathway with hours and curriculum being tracked in support of ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association) education-hour requirements and core competency development.
Who this supports especially well
• pre-verbal trauma patterns and early attachment adaptations
• rebuilding trust after sexual abuse/assault (with scope and care)
• co-regulation as a lived experience (not just a concept)
• nervous system settling through safe contact and clear boundaries
What we’ll cover
• Trauma-informed agreements for touch: consent, choice, boundaries, pacing
• Nervous system tracking: reading “yes/no/maybe” in the body
• Self-touch as an informational pathway: how to cue it safely for clients/students
• Basic anatomy + fascia awareness to deepen somatic understanding
• Practitioner ergonomics + strategies to keep your body and nervous system supported
• Touch skills labs (partner practice with clear opt-outs and alternatives)
Who it’s for
Practitioners who want to employ the gentle power and potency of touch work within their existing practices, including:
therapists, counsellors, somatic practitioners, yoga/meditation teachers, movement educators, bodyworkers (within scope), health providers, and facilitators.
Investment
Early bird + access pricing + payment plans available (see registration page).
Register / learn more: [PASTE LINK]
This is a small-group training with a strong focus on consent, safety, and practice integration.
Questions? Reach out — we’re here to help.
Facilitator: Stacey Madden, MSME/T, SE, MBT Mindful Somatic Wellness