UNIT 1: Experiential Anatomy: theory, practicum and application
Experiential anatomy and physiology
Somatic movement practices
Creative enquiry (writing, journaling, drawing)
UNIT 2A: Developmental Movement: embryology and early prevertebrate patterns
Early organisations of the body
Pre-natal reflexes and movement patterns
Guided movement practices & partner work
UNIT 2B: Developmental Movement: later pre-vertebrate patterns
Post-natal organisation of the body
Post-natal reflexes and movement patterns
Guided movement practices & partner work
UNIT 2C: Developmental Movement: vertebrate patterns & locomotion
Infant organisation of the body
Later reflexes, movement patterns and locomotion
Guided movement practices & partner work
UNIT 3: Somatic Movement Sequencing
Sequencing principles for integration
Creating safe, adaptive and accessible movement sessions
Applying sequences across a range of populations and intentions
UNIT 4: Movement Observation & Analysis
Understanding “the whole is more than the parts”
Determining body “attitude” and movement motifs
Applying the principles of leading, facilitating, and following
UNIT 5: The Principles of Authentic Movement
Establishing the role of the inner and external witness
Identifying the role of precise, non-judgemental communications
Familiarisation with the discipline of holding space
UNIT 6: Body-Mind Integration & The Sense of Self
Distinguishing the fields of embodied psychology and embodied philosophy
Exploring body-based perception and the sense of self
Understanding the scope of application in somatic movement education
UNIT 7: Professional Practice
Understanding scope of practice and professional boundaries.
Understanding the practical application of ISMETA’s four Pillars of the Profession
Ethical business and marketing
course requirements
Open to experienced movement teachers and practitioners across modalities, including yoga, and dance.
On submitting an application, you will have an informal Zoom chat with Beverley Nolan, the Course Director, so that you are both happy that our training is a good match for your professional aspirations.
The Associate Somatic Movement Educator certificate is a 250+ hour training designed for movement professionals, including yoga teachers and practitioners, who want to bring a wide range of somatic skills into professional practice. Rooted in developmental movement, embodied anatomy, authentic movement and applied somatics, the programme offers a balance of experiential learning, theory, and applied practice.
It’s an immersive and integrative programme designed to train movement professionals in the theory and professional application of Somatic Movement Education in private practice and group settings. It offers a whole-person approach to learning and integrating
a wide curriculum of somatic content.
The course comprises the following units of study, which are blended in delivery where
relevant and appropriate, and is aligned with ISMETA's Four Pillars of Professional Practice.
Trainees will be assessed in a variety of ways including through in-person practicum, self-reflective journals, session planning documents, and a final presentation.