Trauma-Integrating Somatic Spiritual Direction

How can spiritual caregivers respond to trauma with greater awareness, compassion and care?


In this three-hour webinar on Thursday, November 12, from 5–8 p.m., you’ll explore foundational concepts in trauma-integrating somatic spiritual direction. Together, we’ll consider trauma as a rupture in our connections with self, others, Spirit and the world, and explore how contemplative practice and contemporary trauma theory can support relational repair.

The session will examine the important distinction between “being with” and “working with” trauma, with attention to ethical boundaries and scope of practice. Participants will also explore insights from theology, neuroscience, Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems and consider how they can inform a compassionate practice of bearing witness to trauma.

Whether you are new to trauma-informed spiritual care, strengthening an established practice or discerning a call to this work, this webinar offers foundational understanding and resources for continued learning.

REGISTER NOW

*For spiritual directors, spiritual care practitioners, clergy, chaplains, retreat leaders, pastoral caregivers and others engaged in contemplative or companioning ministries.

 

Webinar Instructor

  • The Rev. Dr. Shannon Michael Pater

    Pater has been researching, writing, and maintaining a private practice of spiritual direction, supervision, and apprenticeship at the intersections of modern traumatology, theology, and spiritual direction for over 20 years.  

    He has lived on three continents, taught in-person on four, and traveled to five (and hopes to make a run at all seven).  His academic work focuses on the intersections of neurobiology (especially Polyvagal Theory), neuroplasticity, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and the Wisdom Traditions into somatic and communal integration.  While academically rigorous and curious, the hallmark of his contributions are “applied theory” (what can we do with what we learn).  

    In 2019, he sold, donated, or gave away most of what owned him and departed the US for India on a one-way ticket.  The 2020 global pandemic made him an international COVID refugee and left him stranded in a small Himalayan village for 21 months (he was neighbors with H.H. the Dalai Lama).  He currently lives in a parsonage with Marley (his canine companion and daily spiritual director) on the southeast coast of Massachusetts, the former stomping grounds of Mary Oliver.  For more information on his research and private practice, please visit:  NoticeTheJourney.com.