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Online COurses

Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Facilitation

Online Training

OVERVIEW

Working with the sacred plant medicines (PM) and Ayahuasca can present with enormous psycho-spiritual challenges. Many come to heal and process traumatic experiences through the plant medicines, however, very few plant medicine facilitators, support workers, and integration therapists have training in the foundation and neuroscience of trauma approaches, and most do not know how to respond effectively to the various trauma imprints that arise before, during and after the ceremonial space.

Plant medicines have an enormous power to activate body, psyche, and spirit, releasing that which has been trapped in the unconscious into the light of awareness. However, this often happens ceremonial space in a way that happens too fast or too intensely, and repercussions could be re-traumatizing and even damaging. It requires a great deal of courage, experience, and bravery to navigate skillfully through the process, and, unfortunately, many are trauma survivors who do not have the inner resilience or the skills to do so. Similarly, Plant Medicine and Ayahuasca facilitators can also feel overwhelmed with a lack of resources and a grounded understanding of what to do when various trauma imprints arise, which could be harmful and neglectful to participants.

As Plant Medicine and Ayahuasca facilitators, we have an ethical duty of both responsibility and care to the participantā€™s health and wellbeing, both before, during, and after the ceremonial experience. In doing so, it is fundamental to upskill our understanding of trauma and the nervous system, and learning the best practices to respond effectively to the signs and symptoms of trauma when it arises.

This program is for individuals who are interested in or are currently facilitating healing spaces with the sacred indigenous and plant medicines. This may include Ayahuasca, Bufo, Kambo, Ibogaine, Wachuma, and Psilocybin. Individuals who are currently working, or interested in plant medicine integration work, as well as facilitation assistants, will also benefit from this workshop.

The 8-day Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Program will be conducted in three modules which can be purchased as a package or separately. Participants who finish the entire program will be presented with a certificate by AYA Healing Retreats.

Join us in the Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Online Program to change lives and hold safer spaces in the world for healing, growth and transformation.Ā 

ā€œAyahuascaĀ canĀ evoke directĀ butĀ long-suppressed memoriesĀ ofĀ trauma.

It can also trigger emotional states and visions of horror and pain that are not direct recollections, butĀ emotional imprintsĀ ofĀ trauma.ā€

Dr. Gabor Mate

Schedule

3 Modules with LIMITED SPACE.Ā 

Each day consists of:

2 Video lectures (2 x 1hr)
2 Live Zoom Workshops (2 x 2.5hr)

This three-month course is a deep dive into the world of somatic psychology, embodiment, trauma-informed foundations, neuroscience, and plant medicine and shamanist wisdom.

The program consists of a combination of video lectures and theory, Live Zoom Workshops and experiential explorations and learnings, group sessions and a FB page where students will receive ongoing support to integrate the application of the learnings of the training.

You’ll Learn:

  • Overview of Trauma and the Nervous System, and Polyvagal theory.
  • Different types of Trauma show up frequently: Physical, emotional & sexual abuse and violence, perinatal/ birth trauma, attachment trauma, developmental trauma, and medical trauma.
  • The Shamanic Paradigm vs Western Contemporary Paradigms of Trauma Recovery.
  • Soul Loss and Disassociation
    Identifying the signs of different types of trauma.
  • Tools on how to respond effectively to each category of trauma.
  • The body is key: How to listen and support the intelligence of the body to resolve trauma in ceremonial space.
  • Self-Regulation and Co-regulation.
  • Safety, Resourcing, and Grounding.
  • Trauma-Informed Language, tone, and body language.
  • Using Touch as a resource:: Consent and Boundaries, different forms of touch, 3 areas of the body for touch work.
  • Your role as facilitator: Before, During, and After.

You’ll Receive:

  • 5 recorded video sessions which you will get to keep.
  • 20 hours of big group conferencing on the 18th ā€“ 22nd Feb 2022. The Live Zoom workshops will be recorded and all students have lifetime access to the online recorded program.
  • Our trauma-informed facilitation PDF manual, slides and worksheets.

You’ll learn:

  • TIPM Screening and Assessment: The Principles
  • TIPM Flow Chart: The Process
  • TIPM Written Application: Assessing the Participant
  • Reading the Written Application
  • Medical Screening Template for participants in Ayahuasca Sessions & Retreats
  • Choosing the applicant from a Trauma-Informed Lens
  • TIPM Interview: Getting to know the Applicant
  • Trauma-Informed PM Interview: Building the Relationship
  • Trauma-Informed Language: Social Engagement
  • Decision Making: Is this person the right fit for PM?
  • TIPM Preparation: Intention Setting
  • Intention Setting: A Somatic Approach

You’ll receive:

  • 2 recorded video sessions which you will get to keep.
  • 10 hours of big group conferencing on 12 ā€“ 13 March 2022. The Live Zoom workshops will be recorded and all students have lifetime access to the online recorded program.
    * Your trauma-informed PDF manual, slides and worksheets.
    *Pre-requisite for Mod 2 is the completion of Mod 1

You’ll learn:

  • An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Integration
  • The Heroā€™s Journey: An Application to Trauma-Informed Integration
  • Trauma-Informed Integration: The Objectives and Goals
  • Trauma-Informed Post-Ceremony
  • Aspects of Self for Integration
  • Trauma-Informed Integration: The Categories
  • Trauma-Informed Integration: The Process
  • Trauma-Informed Somatic Integration: An Introduction
  • Useful Tips and Tools for Integration
  • Integration Documents and Templates

You’ll receive:

  • 2 recorded video sessions which you will get to keep.
  • 10 hours of big group conferencing on the 2nd & 3rd of April 2022. The Live Zoom workshops will be recorded and all students have lifetime access to the online recorded program.
    * Your trauma-informed facilitation PDF manual, slides and worksheets.
    *Pre-requisite for Mod 3 is the completion of Mod 2

SCHOLARSHIP GIVEAWAY - Valued at $895

Weā€™re giving away 2 full scholarships to this program. Applications close 1st December 2021 at midnight GMT.Ā 

YOUR TEACHER

Atira Tan, MA, SEP

Head of Integration

AYA HEALING RETREATS

Learn More About Atira:

A TED speaker, activist, somatic trauma specialist, #1 Best Selling Author, and yoga teacher & group facilitator, Atira Tan is a powerful agent of transformation and change.Ā 

She has touched the lives of thousands of women, men, and children in her 17 years of experience in various somatic and creative trauma recovery approaches.

Passionate about creating safer spaces through trauma-informed education, and bringing healing in the ‘shadowy’ areas of life, Atira has worked as a trauma-informed somatic plant medicine integration specialist in retreat centres such as the Temple of the Way of Light. She is currently the head of integration at AYA Healing Retreats.

Words of Gratitude

Wow!! I just want to say thank you for holding space for such an incredible informational experience. I feel that I have SO many resources now to draw upon now. Atira is filled with experience and hold such beautiful, vibrant energy that is powerful. I feel safe, and seen in her presence! True magic!
Molly Moon
FACILITATOR, ISRAEL
Atiraā€™s extensive knowledge on the subject of trauma and working within the PM context has been immensely beneficial. Iā€™ve gained a deeper sense of how to hold the container of healing, which in turn, opens doors for journeyers to be met with more compassion, understanding, and safety to move through their process.
Simone MacKay
FOUNDER SOMAH JOURNEYS, CANADA
I cannot recommend this training enough for anyone working in the plant medicine space; whether you are pouring medicine, a supporter/facilitator, a pre or post-ceremonial integration specialist, or even a student of the plants. I strongly feel that this training should be the basic foundational training (alongside 1st Aid) for all healers and support plant medicine staff. Atira is an excellent bridge and guide into the intersectional realms of plant medicine and trauma therapy.
SKYE MENDOZAY
FACILITATOR, SOUTH AFRICA
This programā€™s deep dive into the realms of living impeccable service has been nothing short of life-changing. I remembered so much about the nervous system, about my life, about my purpose, about the bridges between paradigms and the collective trauma on the Earth. I was deeply warmed, inspired, challenged and excited by the entire experience. Atira transmits genuine, care, curiosity, understanding and expertise. She is devoted to providing safe spaces for people to heal and her lifeā€™s work is testimony to her wisdom. This body of work is a must for all.
MELE MAI
FACILITATOR, AUSTRALIA
What a life-changing experience. This training is a true treasure of knowledge and wisdom and shared with a caring and loving presence. The depth of insights into a variety of tools to create safer spaces is the most I have ever experienced in any training. However, besides the theoretical teachings, what touched me the most was how the space was held in such safety and care and naturally became the soil for our personal softening into the journey. And with that, we were able to truly experience the effect of a teacher who fully embodies what she teaches. And that is a priceless gift I will benefit from for the rest of my life.
FLORIANNE WOLFHART
Trauma-Informed Coach, The Netherlands
My mind and heart are in deep amazement and gratitude as I apply all that I learned in the Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine workshop. I highly recommend this course/workshop, not only to those who are interested in the relationship between trauma and plant medicine but anyone who is curious about understanding human relational patterns to self and society. Atira shares in-depth knowledge and expertise of trauma studies and this work is much needed in the world.
ELIZABETH GOTTWALD, KAMBO FACILITATOR, USA
KAMBO FACILITATOR, USA
As someone who has supported hundreds of individuals through deep-immersion plant medicine healing I always felt there was a missing piece in my skill set. While the traditional shamanic lens is profoundly powerful, my role as a facilitator is largely about building a bridge between the worlds of our foreign patients and the indigenous healing modalities they are participating in. This trauma-informed plant medicine facilitation course has put language and science to the most important aspects of my work in ways I never could. I feel it empowered me to create safer, more integrated, and more compassionate healing containers for myself, the healers I work with and of course our patients. I now feel that anyone working to facilitate healing of any kind should be trauma informed as a foundational part of their approach. In fact, as we face the mounting challenges of todays world, I feel we canā€™t afford not to be.
Lara Charlotte
CO-FOUNDER AT GARDEN OF PEACE, PERU

Level Up With Us

With Atira Tan, Somatic Trauma Specialist & Educator, M.A., SEP, and #1 best selling author

Save up to $240 when booking the full program with early bird discount for $50 off! Ends Jan. 15

Full 3 Months Program

$ 895
  • 9 Recorded video sessions which you will get to keep.
  • 40 hours of big group conferencing, recorded with lifetime access
  • Your PDF manual & Access to our closed FB community group

* This program can be taken as a self-paced learning experience. All live workshop videos are recorded and you have lifetime access to the content.

** Please read ourĀ Terms and Conditions before booking. Your booking is confirmation that you have read and agree to our terms and conditions.

*** Completion of the Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Program is highly encouraged but not compulsory for this program.

**** Payment plans are available for eligible concession and unemployed students. Please email Elio at info@ayahealingretreats.com for more information.

Ā 

PROGRAM Details

Where:Ā Online and Virtual

Mod 1 Dates:Ā February 18th ā€“ 21st, 2022

Mod 2 Dates:Ā March 12 & 13th, 2022

Mod 3 Dates:Ā April 1st & 2nd, 2022

For PST & AEST Time Zones:Ā 6 pm ā€“ 11.30 pm Los Angeles/ 11 am ā€“ 4.30 pm Sydney

For EST/ GMT/ CEST Time Zones:Ā 7 am ā€“ 12.30 pm New York/ 12 pm ā€“ 5.30 pm London/ 1 pm ā€“ 6.30 pm Paris

*This program will start on February 19th ā€“ 22nd for Australian and New Zealand students.

** Times may be subject to change.

Ā 

Scholarship Giveaway!

Weā€™re giving away 2 full scholarships to this program. Applications close 1st December 2021 at midnight GMT.Ā 

OUR PROGRAMS CHANGE LIVES.Ā   

We believe that every girl and woman deserves to determine her future. As part of our social change model, this training ā€œpays it forwardā€ to assist women and girls from Nepal & India who have experienced sex slavery and exploitation to receive COVID-19 relief food packs.

One student will sponsor ONE woman to receive relief food packs with our charity partner Art to Healing.

We would love for you to join us!

Please email Elio at info@ayahealingretreats.com for booking inquiries

LET'S START

Application

Our comprehensive screening questionnaire has been developed in partnership with the International Centre for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS). Please take your time to answer it as honestly and with as much detail as possible. This information will remain strictly confidential and will only be used to assess your suitability for a place on retreat with AYA Healing Retreats and keep you safe

Please remember that the purpose of this screening questionnaire is to determine whether plant medicine healing is suitable for youā€¦not whether you are suitable for plant medicine healing. Plant medicines are tools, like any other healing modality and like other tools for healing experiencing them entails certain risks. We need to make sure that our plant medicines will not compromise your wellbeing or harm you in any way before we allow you to begin your healing journey with us. In short, we care about your safety and we need to do what we can to ensure that during your time with us you are not at risk of harm. Plant medicines can be dangerous if the plants are not the right fit for the individual. Your answers to this questionnaire will help us to determine whether the plants we intend to use are going to help, rather than harm you

Improvements, Pricing Changes, and Whatā€™s On The Horizon For AYA Healing Retreats

While living mindfully in the present, we are always excited for the future and we have much in store for the coming year. Among other upgrades to better serve our guests, we will be:

  • adding new staff at the center that offer even better cleaning and laundry services
  • increasing the breadth and depth of training undertaken by our facilitators
  • offering more in-depth one-on-one preparation sessions to all of our guests, in addition to integration sessions
  • implementing a new water filtration for healthy, alkaline, antioxidant drinking water rich in minerals and purged of impurities.
  • purchasing additional medical equipment and continued medical training of staff for the safety of all, both here and in our community

Part of our improvement plans include raising our prices starting in 2024 to support our continuing efforts in improving everything that we do. With that said, we will always do our best to keep our prices attainable and within reach for as many people as possible, and we will also offer the possibility of discounts in a few different ways:

  • Earlybird discounts when you book your retreat in advance
  • Deep discounts for return attendees
  • Deep discounts for residents of Central and South America

We will continue to provide payment plans for all of our retreats, please contact us at info@ayahealingretreats.com to discuss options.

We are committed to prioritizing the quality of our retreats, giving you the most personalized and authentic experience possible, and caring for the health, safety, comfort and well-being of everyone who comes to AYA Healing Retreats.

WAITING LIST

OUR fREE GIFT TO YOU

Critical Considerations When Choosing An Ayahuasca Retreat

No matter where you end up for your ayahuasca retreat, we want only the best for you. So here’s a little something to help you decide: Check these four necessary boxes before you make your final decision to ensure the best journey possible.

Absolutely free, no strings attached, and not published anywhere else.

Don Miguel

Shipibo Curandero

AKA Senen Yoi - 'Speaking the Truth'

Don Miguel was born into a Shipibo community called Roaboya on the River Ucayali. When Don Miguel was a child, Angel Sanchez Vargas, his grandfather was the communityā€™s curandero. Vargas was an expert in sacred plant medicines and was frequently called upon to heal and share his spiritual wisdom with members of Roaboya. The school built some years later was named after Vargas and Roaboya went on to be recognised as the first indigenous community 114 years ago. Don Miguel grew up surrounded by the Shipibo wisdom and possess intimate knowledge of the sacred plant medicines. At a very young age he began his apprenticeship as a curandero through plant dietas under the supportive guidance of his grandfather. Miguel is also a trained literature professor and thoroughly enjoys teaching the Shipibo language and culture. Since 2012, Don Miguel has spent the bulk of his time leading lectures, workshops, initiation courses and retreats. Don Miguel will lead ourĀ Ayahuasca ceremonies, circle discussions and be available for personal consultations whilst on retreat.

Application

Our comprehensive screening questionnaire has been developed in partnership with the International Centre for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS). Please take your time to answer it as honestly and with as much detail as possible. This information will remain strictly confidential and will only be used to assess your suitability for a place on retreat with AYA Healing Retreats and keep you safe

Please remember that the purpose of this screening questionnaire is to determine whether plant medicine healing is suitable for youā€¦not whether you are suitable for plant medicine healing. Plant medicines are tools, like any other healing modality and like other tools for healing experiencing them entails certain risks. We need to make sure that our plant medicines will not compromise your wellbeing or harm you in any way before we allow you to begin your healing journey with us. In short, we care about your safety and we need to do what we can to ensure that during your time with us you are not at risk of harm. Plant medicines can be dangerous if the plants are not the right fit for the individual. Your answers to this questionnaire will help us to determine whether the plants we intend to use are going to help, rather than harm you