Clarifying the Scope and Objectives of the Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner Training

Our Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner Training equips trainees with the knowledge and skills to support participants in achieving their session goals within the training's scope. A common question we receive is: 'Does this training programme support trainees in addressing their own personal unresolved complex trauma, and does it equip them to assist with the healing of participant trauma once they are a practitioner?' This statement clarifies the training's specific scope and underscores the specialised approach necessary for comprehensive trauma healing.

 

Definition of Trauma-Informed Care for Tantric Body De-armouring Facilitators, Assistants & Practitioners: 

A holistic approach that includes understanding and being sensitive to the widespread impact of trauma. It involves recognising signs and symptoms of trauma in trainees, integrating this knowledge into practices, and adapting modalities and services and using informed consent. The objective is to prevent overwhelming or re-traumatising trainees and to promote environments conducive to personal, sexual, and spiritual growth, while imparting the knowledge and skills needed to become a Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner.

 

The Nuances of Trauma

Worldwide, the term "trauma" has gained increasing awareness over the past decades. Its definition has expanded, occasionally leading to misunderstandings among both the general public and healthcare professionals. The trauma discussed here refers to neurological adaptations, such as those causing increased feelings of fear and anxiety. These adaptations stem from overwhelming events that can alter a person’s views on self-esteem, relationships, and sexuality, among other aspects.

 

The healing required for resolving complex trauma is extensive and lies outside the scope, purpose, and timeframe of the Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner Training. Qualified trauma therapists possess the specialised education and skills needed to support those seeking to heal complex trauma. Moreover, healing should be pursued in an environment specifically designed for this purpose.

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To address the question of trainees assisting in healing trauma as practitioners after completing the training: they will not possess the requisite qualifications for such specialised interventions. This training programme primarily focuses on delivering Tantric Body De-armouring sessions within a trauma-informed care environment.

 

Principles Underpinning Our Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner Training:

 

1. Commitment to informed consent: Ensuring that trainees are well-informed about activities, practices, and any other elements of the training allows them to make decisions based on a full understanding. This upholds the training's dedication to transparency, respect, and ethical considerations in all interactions and activities.

 

2. Trainee-centred: The retreats prioritise the individual experiences, needs, and capacities of the trainee. This approach acknowledges that every trainee comes with their own distinct history, personal encounters, challenges, and milestones that have shaped their beliefs, emotions, and behaviours. Therefore, the structure and offerings of the retreat are designed to respect and address the diverse backgrounds and specific needs of each individual, ensuring a more personalised and effective experience for all.

 

3. Agency and Autonomy: Trainees are given the freedom and autonomy to make choices for themselves during the programme.

 

4. Clear communication and feedback: The facilitators and assistants actively communicate with trainees and consider their feedback to adapt and improve the programme's experience. They listen and respond to the trainees' needs.

 

5. Safe and empowering environment: The combined effect of the above points aims to create a setting where trainees feel safe to express themselves, have control over their experience (autonomy), and leave feeling strengthened or empowered.

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Support and Boundaries in the Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner Training

The training programme can be supportive for trainees with varied experiences, some of which might be labelled as trauma. The role of trauma-informed facilitators and assistants isn't to treat trainees’ complex traumas directly, but to aptly offer and adapt their modalities and services, doing their utmost to not inadvertently cause harm.

 

The training programme is somatically oriented, focusing on experiential elements like bodywork, tantric practices, dance, movement, meditation, and exploration of one’s erotic identity in a secure, respectful setting. Some sections of the retreats involve trainees practising techniques through mutual interaction (participation is optional). Such an environment is not conducive for resolving personal trauma.

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Trauma-Informed Training for Facilitators and Assistants

All facilitators and assistants at the retreats are trained in trauma-informed care and consent, enabling them to do their utmost to:

 

• Understand trauma and its effects on our minds and bodies.

• Understand how trauma can influence decision-making, boundary formulation, and consent.

• Identify signs and symptoms of trauma.

• Detect and provide appropriate support for trainees showing trauma reactions.

• Assist trainees in establishing safety and encourage proper self-care.

• Empower trainees to expand their sense of agency and autonomy.

• Guide trainees on how to seek necessary support.

• Actively avoid overwhelm or re-traumatisation by respecting trainee autonomy.

• Understand the importance of personal identity and respect for everyone’s unique capacities.

• Ensure trainees are aware of their rights to set the pace, decline activities, or take necessary pauses.

 

Important Message for Prospective Trainees

Individuals with deep trauma that are wanting to attend the Tantric Body De-armouring Practitioner Training should first seek support for any complex trauma they might have experienced. It's advised to register for retreats only when they can confidently manage their emotional responses, even in potentially triggering situations.

 

However, the facilitators and assistants will always do their utmost to assist trainees undergoing emotional distress, and the retreats prioritise embodiment, self-care, safety, and fostering autonomy and agency. Rest assured; trainees will be supported in a nurturing and aware environment should any unexpected issues arise.