In-Person Training

October 24, 2026, 10:00AM-4:30PM EST
Montreal, CANADA
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Annette Schwalbe, MA, MSc

Experiential Introduction to Somatic Body Mapping

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COURSE OVERVIEW
This one day in person workshop introduces the therapeutic practice of Somatic Body Mapping and offers an experiential immersion into its creative, somatic, and ritual elements.  
As you create your own map, you will be focusing on your own embodied identity as a creative arts therapist and tap into the deeper currents of your work:  what inspires you, what sustains you, and what currently you might be longing for. 
You will also gain somatic tools and creative prompts for life-size and body mapping practices adaptable to a wide range of client groups.  

Somatic Body Mapping (SBM) integrates approaches from dance movement psychotherapy, art therapy and perinatal embodiment. 
This introductory workshop blends art making with gentle movement, guided body meditation and improvised ritual.  The approach is trauma-informed, respectful of sensory preferences, and affirming of all body sizes, shapes and abilities.  Diverse cultural and ancestral lineages are welcomed and encouraged to find expression. 

You will learn to meet the body as an inner landscape – one with places to visit and attend to, textures to sense and energies to witness.   At the heart of the workshop is the process of coming onto the map, finding shape and being traced.  You will be guided through a series of creative and somatic considerations, collaborative choices and ritual forms that make this process safe, sacred and transformative. 

Reflections and further creative mapping and will centre on the emergent body: the body that responds to the question “Who am I becoming right now?” This organic orientation towards the future supports your own professional growth and offers a powerful framework for working with clients in times of transition.

Workshop Objectives:

•    Deepen embodied self-awareness as creative arts therapist. 
Through the process of making your own body map, explore what inspires, sustains and calls you forward in your professional life

•    Experience key processes of Somatic Body Mapping, including mark making, gentle movement, guided body meditation, and ritual. Understand how they integrate into trauma informed, inclusive practice.

•    Learn Somatic Body Mapping tools for therapeutic contexts.  Gain practical prompts and approaches for life-size and body-mapping work with diverse client groups, including support for life transi

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  • Study time: 6 hours
  • In-person, in Montreal
  • Certification included
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Location
Concordia University, Conference Center, Sir George Williams Campus
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8
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Course program
9:30-10:00 AM EST   Registration
10:00 AM-12:45 PM   First Part.
12:45-1:30 PM             Lunch Break
1:30 PM-4:45 PM        Second Part.
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Certification included
Participants who complete this training receive a Certificate of Completion
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Questions about the training, location, Payment, ETC.
Please contact us at contact@artstherapies.org if you have any questions that are not responded here.
PRESENTER'S BIO
Annette Schwalbe, MA, MSc, RDMP, ADMP UK & UKCP accredited 
Dance Movement Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Somatic Body Mapping practitioner and trainer based in the UK. 
Over two decades of experience including 10 years in Mali, Pakistan, Uganda and Kenya. Annette co-founded Art2Be, a Nairobi-based collective of artists, therapists and activists who work world-wide with people experiencing illness and social marginalisation. 

In recent years, Annette has worked as clinical lead at UK based charities supporting survivors of sexual abuse and violence as well as parents experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy and after birth.  Annette is best known for her development of the practice of Somatic Body Mapping (SBM) from an art/activist approach originated in South Africa to a somatic & creative therapeutic approach that helps individuals and groups navigate major life transitions.  
Annette trains and mentors SBM practitioners internationally.  
The discount will be available until October 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

Students benefit of a reduced price of 198$ upon sending us a proof of full time enrollment in an academic program.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars.
A word from
the organizer

Carmen Oprea,
MA, MFA, ATR-BC, RCAT, ATPQ
art therapist

Since I first heard about Cathy's work, during my master's degree, I wanted to participate in her trainings. Today, my dream came true, and Cathy accepted to offer a training here, in Montreal. Cathy's work is a true inspiration, and I am honored to have her join us for this transformative experience. She has dedicated her life's work to exploring the use of expressive arts therapy in trauma work, and has helped countless professionals to be well-equipped when working with their clients, through her teachings and techniques.

I know how deeply committed you are to providing the best therapy for your clients, and how important it is for you to have access to the best training and resources available. That's why I am so excited that we could have this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most renowned experts in the field of expressive arts therapy.

This training is not just about learning the latest research and techniques, it is also about creating a space where you can connect with others who share your passion and commitment. You will have the opportunity to participate in experiential exercises designed to deepen your understanding and skills, and leave with a renewed sense of inspiration and purpose.
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