Trauma-Informed Breath & Nervous System Regulation Program
(10-Week Online Cohort)
Professional Program Description
This 10-week small-group online program (maximum 10 participants) offers a structured, trauma-informed approach to nervous system regulation through guided breathwork, somatic awareness practices, and psychoeducation.
Participants meet weekly for 2-hour live sessions in a confidential, choice-based group setting. The program integrates:
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Nervous system education informed by polyvagal theory
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Somatic tracking and pendulation practices inspired by somatic approaches to stress physiology
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Gentle, titrated breathwork adapted from rhythmic breath modulation methods, including elements derived from the SOMA Breath framework
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Guided meditations that emphasize safety, orientation, and interoceptive awareness
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Integration and reflective processing
The focus of the program is not catharsis or trauma excavation. Instead, it centers on strengthening participants’ capacity for self-regulation, expanding their window of tolerance, and increasing embodied awareness in a paced, consent-based environment.
Optional 1:1 check-ins are available to support individualized pacing and ensure participant safety.
This program is educational and supportive in nature. It is not psychotherapy and does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Core Clinical Principles
This program is built on five operational principles:
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Safety before activation
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Choice at all times
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Titration (small, manageable doses of activation)
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Pendulation (moving between resource and mild activation)
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Integration before intensity
Breathwork is used as a regulatory tool — not as a trauma-release mechanism.
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Structure Overview
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Format
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10 weeks
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2-hour weekly live online sessions
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Maximum 10 participants
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Optional individual check-ins (15–30 min)
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Home practices (15–20 minutes, 3–4x/week recommended)
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Weekly Session Template (2 Hours)
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Arrival & nervous system check-in (15 min)
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Psychoeducation segment (20 min)
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Somatic orientation & gentle movement (20 min)
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Guided breath practice (20–30 min; titrated)
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Downregulation & integration meditation (15 min)
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Small group reflection (structured, not process therapy) (15–20 min)
Participants may opt out of sharing at any time.
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Breathwork Framework (Trauma-Adapted)​
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Breath practices are derived from rhythmic breath modulation approaches used in SOMA Breath, modified to emphasize:
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Gradual pacing
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No forced hyperventilation
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Optional light retentions only after week 4
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Emphasis on nasal breathing when possible
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Clear re-regulation protocols
Intensity is never required or encouraged. Participants are instructed to remain within a tolerable physiological range.
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Somatic Components
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Somatic work includes:
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Orienting practices
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Interoceptive awareness exercises
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Pendulation (resource ↔ mild activation)
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Slow spinal mobility sequences
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Bilateral movement
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Containment gestures (self-holding, grounding pressure)
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Post-activation settling protocols
Language avoids inducing regression or narrative trauma processing.