Working with the Body: Expanding Somatic Skills for Counsellors

PLEASE NOTE THIS WORKSHOP IS BEING HELD ON A FRIDAY RATHER THAN A SATURDAY

About the workshop:

As counsellors, we are attuned to so much of what unfolds for our clients before a single word is spoken. We are skilled at thinking things through, recognising patterns, and engaging in thoughtful dialogue—work that is undoubtedly valuable. Yet, when we begin to notice and share the subtle communications arising from the body, the therapeutic process can deepen in powerful ways.

In this workshop, we will explore why working with the body is so helpful, what to pay attention to, and how to cultivate our own somatic awareness alongside that of our clients. We will also consider how to make interventions that honour both mind and body, supporting a richer and more integrated therapeutic work.

About the Speaker:

Caroline Walker is a UKCP Registered Child & Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor specialising in trauma. Caroline was the Child Clinical Lead for Trust House Reading (a centre for counselling and giving advice to people who have been affected by sexual abuse) where she helped to grow the service, trained counsellors to work with this client group and supervised her team.

Caroline is passionate about working in the field of trauma and draws on her different modalities of Integrative Creative Art & Play therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy to help clients find their own healing path towards a more balanced and positive way of being. She has previously been a lecturer for the postgraduate course in trauma counselling at Willows.

Caroline now works in Private Practice, room based and out in nature, with her small herd of horses using the natural surroundings to help bring clients back to self-regulation, inner strength and ultimately processing the trauma when they are ready.

With this work, Caroline takes self-care very seriously so she can continue this important work for the longevity. She engages with her own therapy, supervision and regulates her own nervous system daily with mindfulness, exercise and working with her own horses.

Practicalities:

Breaks - There will be one short refreshments break and a lunch break. Free tea & coffee will be available on site, and there are a number of shops and cafes locally that delegates may wish to use during lunch.

Parking - Limited free parking is available on site on a first come first served basis. There are a number of pay as you go car parks locally. The closest is on Prospect Place (51 Prospect Place, SN1 3LJ) 1 minute walk away.

Train/Bus - Willows Training is accessible by local bus routes. The main Swindon bus and rail stations are approx 20 minutes walk away.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop has been designed as a source of Continued Professional Development (CPD) for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, other mental health professionals, and students undertaking counsellor/psychotherapy training. It may also be helpful for anyone working in a caring, helping or pastoral profession, including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers and Social Workers.

About Willows Counselling and Training Service

Willows is a registered charity offering Counselling and Counsellor Training in Swindon, Wiltshire. With more than 30 years' experience, Willows is well established in both knowledge and reputation in the local area and beyond.

Willows offers the full suite of qualifying courses for counsellors: CPCAB Levels 2, 3 and Level 4 Diploma. For qualified therapists, they run a Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma (Level 6 equivalent), an NCPS Advanced Specialist course, as well as a programme of one-day CPD workshops and training conferences.

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Host or Publisher Willows Counselling