“Ayahuasca can evoke direct but long-suppressed memories of trauma.
It can also trigger emotional states and visions of horror and pain that are not direct recollections, but emotional imprints of trauma.”
– Dr Gabor Mate.
Are you interested in learning how to skilfully navigate trauma imprints in plant medicine and psychedelic facilitation?
Feeling the desire to step up in your facilitation skills by being more trauma aware and leading with sensitivity, safety, and care?
Or maybe you’re a trauma survivor who is wanting to heal trauma through sacred plant medicines and seeking empowerment and freedom.
Perhaps you’re seeking to walk your path of heart to become a trauma-informed plant medicine facilitator, being in service with the highest impeccability and integrity in your community.
If so, AYA Healing Retreat’s 3 months Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Facilitation Program may be the right training program for you to build a solid foundation in understanding how to navigate through trauma imprints with skill, compassion and attunement, create safety protocols and guidelines for your community and deepen your understanding in providing trauma-sensitive integration.
This unique and specialized annual online program will provide you with vital and essential trauma-informed facilitation tools, tips, resources and a strong foundation in somatic-based trauma recovery approaches to support others in their plant medicine and psychedelic journeys towards wholeness, healing, and integration.
Working with sacred plant medicines (PM) and psychedelics can present 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 and psychedelics have an enormous power to activate the body, psyche, and spirit, releasing that which has been trapped in the unconscious into the light of awareness. However, this often happens in 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, 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.
Why Attend?
As Plant Medicine and psychedelic facilitators, we have an ethical duty of both responsibility and care to the participant’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 learn the best practices to respond effectively to the signs and symptoms of trauma when it arises.
The 3-month 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.
We have a global 300 student alumni, and a vibrant and passionate trauma-informed international and inspiring community network and support. Students will be immediately part of our trauma-informed plant medicine facilitation network on Mighty Networks.
The 3-month Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Program is 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 of completion by AYA Healing Retreats.
This workshop is for individuals who are interested in or are currently facilitating healing spaces with sacred indigenous and plant medicines. This may include Ayahuasca, Bufo, Kambo, Ibogaine, Huachuma, and Psilocybin. Individuals who are currently working, or interested in plant medicine integration work, as well as facilitation assistants, helpers, and plant medicine integration practitioners, will also benefit greatly from this workshop.
“Atira’s extensive knowledge on the subject of trauma and working within the PM context has been immensely beneficial.
I’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
“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, Isreal.
OUR CURRICULUM
Our Program Description:
This three-month course is a deep dive into the world of somatic psychology, embodiment, trauma-informed foundations, neuroscience, 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 private Mighty Networks community platform where students will receive ongoing support to integrate the application of the learnings of the training.
Mod 1: 4 days (5 hr per day with one hour break in between) 31st March – 3rd April 2023
Mod 2: 2 days (5 hr per day with one hour break in between) 22nd – 23rd April 2023
Mod 3: 2 days (5 hr per day with one hour break in between) 20th – 21st May 2023
Our Schedule:
- Each day will consist of:
- 2 x 1 hr video lecture
- 2 x 2.5-hour Live Zoom Workshops
- 1 – 2 hrs of homework, practice sessions, and study (non-compulsory)
- 1st Workshop: 4 – 6 pm CEST (Times subject to change).
- 2nd Workshop: 7 – 9 pm CEST (Times subject to change).
- Students are invited to carve out space and time for the Live Zoom Workshops, and to set aside an hour in the week leading up to the live zoom workshops to watch and learn from the video recordings.
Module 1: The Foundations of Trauma-Informed Facilitation.
4 Days Live online Zoom workshops + video lectures. (26 Hours)
31st March – 3rd April 2023
Cost: $595
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.
- 18 hours of big group conferencing from 31st March to 3rd April 2023. The Live Zoom workshops will be recorded and all students have 1 year access to the online recorded program.
- Our trauma-informed facilitation PDF manual, slides, and worksheets.
Module 2:Pre-Ceremony Screening, Assessments and Preparation
2 Days of online live zoom workshops & video lectures (15.5 Hours)
April 22nd & 23rd, 2023
Cost: $395
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 and download
- 10 hours of big group conferencing on April 22nd & 23rd 2023. The Live Zoom workshops will be recorded and all students have 1-year access to the online recorded program.
- Your trauma-informed PDF manual, slides, and worksheets for download.
- Integration resources and worksheets for download.
Mod 3: Post Ceremony and Integration
2 Days of live zoom online workshops + video lectures (12 Hours)
May 20th & 21st 2023
Cost: $395
You’ll learn….
- An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Integration
- The Hero’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 and download.
- 10 hours of big group conferencing on the 20th & 21st of May 2023. The Live Zoom workshops will be recorded and all students have one year access to the online recorded program.
- Your trauma-informed facilitation PDF manual, slides, and worksheets for download.
- Integration resources and worksheets for download.
“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, Work That Reconnects Facilitator, South Africa
“This program’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 life’s work is a testimony to her wisdom. This body of work is a must for all.”
– MELE MAI, Art Therapist & Facilitator, Australia.
DETAILS & INVESTMENT
Where: Online and Virtual
Mod 1 Dates: March 31st – 3rd April 2023
Mod 2 Dates: April 22nd & 23rd, 2023
Mod 3 Dates: May 20th & 21st, 2023
Times: 7 am PST/ 10 am EST/ 4 pm CEST/ 3 pm BST/ 9 pm ICT
*This program will start on April 1st for Australian and New Zealand students.
** Times may be subject to change.
The 3-month Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Program will be conducted in three modules which can be purchased as a package or separately.
You’ll save $235 USD with the Late Bird purchase of the full program, and you’re welcome to join us on our Live Zoom Workshops or watch the recordings at your own pace and self-study rhythm.
Participants who finish the entire program will be presented with a certificate from AYA Healing Retreats, and an opportunity to be part of our team at AYA Healing Retreats.
FULL 3 MONTHS PROGRAM
Late Bird Price: $1150
*Save up to $235 for the full program before the 1st of Feb 2023.
Full Price: $1250
*Save up to $135 for the full program before the 15th of March 2023.
* 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.
** Registrations for this program will close on the 15th of March 2023 as students will need time to prepare before the live zoom workshops commence. Please register earlier rather than later.
*** Please note that 50% of the cost is non-refundable and tickets are non-transferable. You can pay 50% upon registration, and 50% on the 1st of March to reserve your space in the training. Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking. Your booking is confirmation that you have read and agree to our terms and conditions.
**** Payment plans are available for eligible concession and unemployed students. Please email info@ayahealingretreats.com for more information.
“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 & Breathwork Facilitator, 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 to 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 & Photographer, USA
PAYING IT FORWARD
We believe that every girl and woman deserves to determine her future.
As part of our social change model, this training “pays it forward” to assist women and girls from Nepal & India who have experienced sex slavery and exploitation with trauma recovery and psychosocial programs.
One student will sponsor ONE woman in shelter care to receive trauma support with our charity partner Art to Healing.
YOUR TEACHER
Passionate about creating safer spaces for everybody, and bringing healing and awareness in the “shadowy” areas of life, Atira has worked as a trauma-informed integration specialist in retreat centers such as the Temple of the Way of Light and is currently the head of integration at AYA Healing Retreats.
Atira has mapped the trauma recovery of hundreds of PM participants in her private practice as an integration trauma specialist and co-facilitates Trauma-informed and Somatic Experiencing Plant Medicine retreats and dietas in Peru with AYA Healing Retreats. She is also the pioneer and founder of the Trauma-Informed Plant Medicine Program, of which has over 150 graduates in 2 years.
She possesses an MA in Art Therapy, has a background in Transpersonal Art Therapy and Holistic Counselling, and is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, amongst decades of training in various other trauma-informed approaches.
Atira has also worked for over a decade internationally in community organizations and international development as a consultant, clinician, and supervisor, as well as an educator in non-for-profit settings. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the European Graduate School in Switzerland, researching the effectiveness of somatic and creative trauma recovery interventions for sex-trafficked survivors in Asia. Atira also has presented at numerous conferences alongside Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Stephen Porges, Dr. Pat Ogden, and Dr. Gabor Mate, just to name a few.
The CEO and Founder of Art to Healing, an Australian charity which supports the recovery of child sex slaves, Atira has also initiated international women’s health, art therapy, and trauma-informed programs for women and girls who have experienced sex slavery and exploitation internationally for the past 15 years.
Pre-COVID, Atira taught workshops, retreats & teacher trainings in 4 continents around the globe including Australia, Europe, Asia, and South America. She specializes in supporting women, men, and children, particularly those who have experienced sexual abuse to recover from trauma, in groups & individually in her private practice and international development settings as a trauma specialist through the embodied somatic psychologies and other holistic approaches.
