Advanced Training
Working with pain, chronic conditions & trauma
Thai Yoga Massage advanced training (40h)
This training is for practitioners with a reasonable amount of experience and who are starting to attract clients suffering from more complex issues, such as pain, chronic conditions or trauma, and who are looking for support in their personal healing process. These people are in need of more than just a relaxing treatment or a good stretch. And what they do need, can’t actually be categorically defined, as it’s entirely different for every individual.
- Understand the landscape of pain & trauma
- Deep-dive into the nervous system
- Increase your capacity to hold space
- Community and mentorship
UPLEVEL YOUR BODYWORK SKILLS
LEARN TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH PAIN, CHRONIC CONDITIONS, AND TRAUMA THROUGH THAI YOGA MASSAGE. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN RURAL PORTUGAL FOR A UNIQUE BLEND OF TRAINING AND RETREAT, DEEPENING YOUR PRACTICE AND CONNECTION TO SELF AND NATURE.
Upcoming courses in Portugal
Residential ADVANCED training (40H)
Next Cohort:
27th April - 4th May 2026
at Casa do Limoeiro, Portugal
Working in a vulnerable space
Our Focus
Here is what we, as practitioners, need to focus on when working with these people and how we might be able to be of help:
- Understand the nervous system and how the body responds to challenging experiences
- Understand the neurological process of chronic pain and conditions and how they might be routed in trauma
- Create a safe space (absolute key)
- Hone our ability to truly listen
- Offer consistency and sustainability in care
- Have resourcing tools available
- Hold space with zero assumptions or judgement
- Show up with compassion
- Make our clients feel met, heard and seen
OUR BODY, OUR ALLY
Our bodies are
designed to heal
The body has an incredible innate intelligence. It already holds all the information to being healthy. It’s like there is a blueprint to the body’s health. The process of healing is therefore always about self-healing. We can’t fix anyone. As therapists we can however facilitate an environment of less conflict, in which people can feel safe enough to come home to their true Nature.
People’s healing process might require a bit of work and might take a little time, but we can create a real shift when:
- we un-do all those habitual holding patterns of a lifetime
- re-educate the body in its perception of our own stories
- release tension and revitalise our body systems
- remove stagnation and re-mobilise the body
- re-wire our nervous system
RESTORING WHOLENESS
Why is Thai Yoga Massage in its nature so suitable for working with trauma
Thai Massage in its very nature has many aspects that make it a great modality for working with people suffering from trauma and pain.
Here are some of the reasons why:
- We use a lot of movement which can often feel more comfortable for the traumatised person, compared to having to be in stillness.
- A lot of the subtle and dynamic moves have no real contra-indications and can be more accessible compared to deep pressure massage techniques for example.
- We work on the whole body and the whole Being, which offers a lot of sensory input and therefore fosters interoception and proprioception and might help with overcoming the dissociation the person may be experiencing.
- Fundamentally we focus on regulating the nervous system with our treatments.
- We can improve general communication and circulation in the body, remove stagnation, and help the body regenerate.
- Thai Yoga Massage happens fully clothed and can be very structured (e.g. symmetrical), which offers a sense of safety.
PRACTICE & STUDY
Course overview
In this course you will learn:
- What is trauma, how does it manifest in the body's and mental health
- The 101 on the Polyvagal Theory
- What is Chronic Pain
- The nature and route causes of chronic conditions
- How to create and hold a safe space
- Clarity in communication and trauma-informed language
- How to structure treatments for people living with trauma and pain
- Resourcing tools
- How to hone your listening skills
- The subtleties of healing touch
- Techniques to promote Vagal tone and how to help regulate the nervous system
- Techniques to help release holding patterns in the fascia
- Techniques to restore vitality in the spine and craniosacral system
- The fundamentals of self-care
- How to develop your own Hara
- How to tune into the resonance of Nature's rhythms
Overview
Schedule
First day – everyone arriving in the afternoon between 16h and 18h.
- 18:00 - Opening Circle
- 19:30 - dinner
The other days will typically unfold like this:
- 07:15 - 08:15 - Yoga or movement practice (optional)
- 08:15 - breakfast
- 09:30 - 13:00 - class
- 13:00 - lunch
- 16:00 - 19:00(ish) - class
- 19:30 - dinner
Casa do Limoeiro
About the venue
Casa do Limoeiro is a traditional house located in the peaceful village of Alenquer, just 45 minutes north of Lisbon. The venue features a large garden with fresh fruit and vegetables, creating a serene environment for relaxation. Rooms are comfortable and designed for sharing, most with en-suite bathrooms. The yoga dome offers a light-filled space with beautiful views of the organic garden, complemented by roaming peacocks and chickens. Meals are made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients, providing nourishing and balanced food for body and soul.
A Flexible Pricing Structure for Accessibility
Pricing for Complete Training
660€
/ Tier 1
Rebalancing
For those with financial means who want to support the participation of others and help rebalance systemic inequity.
*Accommodation & food costs are separate from the course fee
610€
/ Tier 2
Fair
For those with medium incomes and who have sufficient financial resources and can pay the fair value for the training.
*Accommodation & food costs are separate from the course fee
560€
/ Tier 3
Supported
For those who currently have limited financial resources and can benefit from a place supplemented by the community.
*Accommodation & food costs are separate from the course fee
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE
- The full training
- Comprehensive course manual
- Review of 1 documented case study
- Mentorship by email and WhatsApp during the case study period
- 1 Integration call on Zoom
- Certificate upon completion
PAYMENT PLANS
Payment in instalments is available. You can specify this on the registration form.
Accommodation and food
The cost of accommodation and food is separate. The available accommodation options (6 nights) are:
- €425 – shared ensuite – 4 beds
- €480 – shared room with shared bathroom – twin or double
- €510 – shared ensuite – 2 beds
Single accommodation is available at an additional 190€, subject to availability.
Prices include three delicious meals per day, and tea, fruit and biscuits during the day. They do not include travel to and from Casa do Limoeiro, insurance or any extra activities.
Depending on requirements, we will organise transfers from and to Lisbon at a small additional cost (40€ per person incl. both ways).
Testimonial
"This week was packed with so much knowledge and practice."
I was guided to do this training / retreat very intuitively and it was the best decision to be part of it, I would do it again. It’s the most beautiful location with the best food. So the basic needs are definitely met so that you can focus deeply on the learning and integrating. I learnt SO much in just a week! Katrin has such a grounded way of teaching, her way of offering a safe space to explore and learn just makes it such a pleasurable experience. I felt safe and supported at all times. I loved the focus on working very slowly, listening very deeply to the body’s intelligence and the energetic approach. I loved how we focused on practicing instead of just listening to theory for too long as it makes me feel now more confident in the learnt techniques. It was a soul-nourishing week. Thank you so much Katrin.
~ Yara Leana Burkhart
Examples
Case Studies
Things people often ask
Common Questions Answered
I understand that you might have some concerns before joining the training. Here are answers to the most common questions I get asked. If you have other doubts, please use the contact form to get in touch.
This training is designed for experienced Thai Massage practitioners and all floor-based bodyworkers who want to deepen their understanding of how to support people living with pain, chronic conditions, or the effects of trauma. You should already feel confident in offering full-body treatments.
No prior trauma-specific training is required, but you should have some experience working with clients in a therapeutic context. We’ll explore trauma awareness throughout the course, with an emphasis on safety, presence, and nervous system attunement – both for your clients and yourself.
Yes, there will be sequences, however this training isn’t focused on set routines. Instead, you’ll learn adaptable approaches, key techniques, and ways of working that can be integrated into your existing practice – based on what each body needs.
Yes, but not in a purely structural way. We’ll explore functional, relational anatomy and the role of fascia, interoception, and the nervous system in how pain and trauma are experienced and processed.
Many practitioners come to this work because of their own experiences. You are welcome here. Please know that the training includes regulation practices, rest, and choice – you’re encouraged to honour your own pacing throughout. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch.
