Somatics & Movement Therapy

Somatics and movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a tool, designed to improve emotional and physical integration.

Moving your body in creative and expressive ways, in a non-threatening environment, generates therapeutic healing and empowerment.

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Our Pilates and Somatics Training Courses are recognised by:

How Somatics & Movement Therapy Helps The Body

Somatics uses the mind-body connection to help identify areas of pain or imbalance. Movement therapy combines movement and dance, somatic exercises, tactile and verbal therapies.

This training program and our series of short courses have been developed to provide practitioners with a therapeutic tool capable of enhancing clients’ true potential and well-being. The movement work helps give language to the non-verbal elements that are communicated through movement but not yet consciously understood.

Discover the tensegrity difference

Our industry-leading nationally accredited courses are comprehensive and thorough, including:

The Nervous System & Dance Movement Therapy Online

NAT11068006 Work with the nervous system to regulate emotional, psychological and physiological states: This unit enables graduates to work with the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems Students will develop skills to assist clients address the psychological, emotional and physiological relationships in their nervous systems; and view applications through a Poly Vagal lens Understanding the Nervous …

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Working With Trauma in Somatics & Dance Movement Therapy Online

NAT11068009 Apply DMT to work with trauma clients: Trauma can contribute to individuals having an impaired capacity for connection to self and others, and the result in a diminished aliveness which may well underlie development of psychological and physiological problems. Using DMT as an intervention with clients living with trauma aims to assist clients to …

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Working With Trauma in Somatics & Dance Movement Therapy

NAT11068009 Apply SDMT to work with trauma clients: PREQUISITES – A qualification in Counselling/Psychotherapy or completion of NAT11068001 Trauma can contribute to individuals having an impaired capacity for connection to self and others, and the result in a diminished aliveness which may well underlie development of psychological and physiological problems. Using DMT as an intervention …

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The Nervous System & Dance Movement Therapy

NAT11068006 Work with the nervous system to regulate emotional, psychological and physiological states: This unit enables graduates to work with the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems Students will develop skills to assist clients address the psychological, emotional and physiological relationships in their nervous systems; and view applications through a Poly Vagal lens Understanding the Nervous …

Discover more
Somatic Anatomy of Breathing Online

Course overview This course will provide awareness of the fundamentals of thoracic mobility, the role of breathing in core stability and the practical application of cellular breathing in movement therapy and exercise prescription in rehabilitation. We will cover various experientials in the somatic movement environment to improve breath control and anxiety states, thoracic and lumbar …

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Introduction to Developmental Movement Online

Content will cover the ability to identify these organised movements of development and identify how initial movement development impacts on adult life. We will explore the theory and embody the experience of Developmental Movement. How do these fundamental patterns influence our behaviour, emotions and physical health? We will explore the patterns of Developmental Movement through …

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Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis Online

The concepts of body, shape, space, effort and kinesphere will be explored. The course will cover kinetic (movement) and kinaesthetic (of sensing) aspects of movement as diagnostic tools as well as frameworks for therapeutic intervention. Students will study the processes of movement as opposed to discussions of static body language and study Laban Movement Analysis …

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Somatic Movement Education Online

In this course, you will learn a series of Somatic Movement sequences. You will learn how to prescribe the most appropriate Somatic exercises with a distinct somatic approach to teaching exercise. There will be focus on exercises for specific injuries where the use of Somatic Movement and an understanding of Neurophysiological concepts can target the …

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Graduate Diploma of Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy (11068NAT)

The therapeutic use of movement assists us to change within and in relationship to others. As we change our mode of action, our image of ourselves also changes. Who am I? How do I move? Which parts of me work to express myself? Where does my movement initiate? Does my mind lead or follow? Do …

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Introduction to Developmental Movement

Content will cover the ability to identify these organised movements of development and identify how initial movement development impacts on adult life. We will explore the theory and embody the experience of Developmental Movement. How do these fundamental patterns influence our behaviour, emotions and physical health? We will explore the patterns of Developmental Movement through …

Discover more
Somatic Anatomy of Breathing

Course overview This course will provide awareness of the fundamentals of thoracic mobility, the role of breathing in core stability and the practical application of cellular breathing in movement therapy and exercise prescription in rehabilitation. We will cover various experientials in the somatic movement environment to improve breath control and anxiety states, thoracic and lumbar …

Discover more
Introduction to Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy

Students will acquire skills to work with clients through movement interactions.  Subject content follows a formerly designed framework teaching students how to work deeply using skills that integrate movement experiences and learned response into daily life. The workshop part of the course involves participating in expressive movement experientials and in order to complete all requirements …

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Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis

The concepts of body, shape, space, effort and kinesphere will be explored. The course will cover kinetic (movement) and kinaesthetic (of sensing) aspects of movement as diagnostic tools as well as frameworks for therapeutic intervention. Students will study the processes of movement as opposed to discussions of static body language and study Laban Movement Analysis …

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Somatics and Movement Therapy Fundamentals

For more detailed descriptions see individual short course pages. During the weekend workshop you will be participating in expressive movement experientials and in order to complete all requirements of the course students must complete additional Assessment Tasks and attend scheduled Online Learning Tutorials Units included in this course: Plan and facilitate Dance-Movement Therapy Sessions  (NAT11068001) …

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Somatic Movement Education

In this course, you will learn a series of Somatic Movement sequences. You will learn how to prescribe the most appropriate Somatic exercises with a distinct somatic approach to teaching exercise. There will be focus on exercises for specific injuries where the use of Somatic Movement and an understanding of Neurophysiological concepts can target the …

Discover more
Graduate Diploma of Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy

The therapeutic use of movement assists us to change within and in relationship to others. As we change our mode of action, our image of ourselves also changes. Who am I? How do I move? Which parts of me work to express myself? Where does my movement initiate? Does my mind lead or follow? Do …

Discover more
Register your Interest

Connecting Through Movement

  • Discover efficient movement functioning through the wisdom of your moving body.
  • Experience somatic exercises to discover enhanced expression and function in the body.

Laban Movement Analysis in Practice

Through guided movement explorations and somatic visualisations, you will learn:

  • The introductory components of the Laban Movement Analysis system,
  • How and why you move,
  • When and what you move,
  • What your preferences are and if can they be altered; and
  • You will discover the source of your movement expression.

More to Learn

In Developmental Movement Therapy you will:

  • Give language to the non-verbal.
  • Investigate the gaps that words cannot express and revisit the movement patterns of infancy to improve current patterns of movement and behaviour.
  • Stimulate the brain by supporting the establishment and coordination of neural pathways through movement.

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Somatic Movement Therapy - Creating a Stronger Mind/Body Connection

In this course, you will be introduced to the role of the moving body in the healing arts. This introductory course covers historical and theoretical frameworks of Somatic Movement Therapy, which combines Dance-Movement Therapy with an understanding of the systems of the moving body through somatics.

Students will acquire skills to work with clients through movement interactions. Subject content follows a formerly designed framework teaching students how to work deeply using skills that integrate movement experiences and learned responses into daily life.

The workshop part of the course involves participating in expressive movement experientials and in order to complete all requirements of the course, students must complete additional assessment tasks and attend scheduled online learning tutorials.

In these courses, you will be introduced the world of Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy. Upon completion of this course, you may continue into our full Advanced Clinical Training program. Students who have completed all introductory courses – Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis/Introduction to Developmental Movement and Introduction to Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy have completed an equivalent to Module 1 of the Advanced Clinical Training program and may continue into subsequent units of study in the full training program.

The model presented in this workshop is based on a psychotherapeutic process for bringing body-movement data into the foreground and providing a tool for therapists to record their movement observations of clients.

Through dance and movement, students learn ways of observing, organising and intervening with clients, enabling them to work deeply and effectively based on the knowledge that the body and mind are inseparable.

The Somatic Educator
/ Therapist can:

  • Assess basic postural reflect patterns that are habituated.
  • Observe how emotions create muscular contraction patterns.
  • Determine how muscle contraction patterns affect somatic disclosures (somatic communications to others) and somatic perception of experiences.
  • Communicate how to use the daily maintenance exercise series and other somatic exercises to maintain comfort, ease of movement and receive wisdom from their somatic selves.

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Praise From Our Students And Graduates

The course thoroughly covered safe movement for various conditions and rehabilitation exercises for various pathologies. As most people have some sort of physical issue, I thought this was extremely valuable. Every aspect of the course was so valuable and had a positive impact on my Pilates teacher learning journey.

Tamsyn Deloraine, Tasmania

I have recently completed my Integrated Diploma of Contemporary Pilates and Teaching Methodology with Tensgrity Training and in partnership with Queen St Pilates Studio and absolutely loved every minute of it!

Leanne kept us all so engaged throughout the course and was able to challenge us, without pushing us over the edge. Leanne was professional, inspiring, supportive and filled with so much knowledge … it was a privilege to do the course with her.  Leanne is so passionate about Pilates, our bodies and our overall health, it created a positive and enjoyable atmosphere to learn in.

Queen St Pilates studio was also the perfect environment to undertake the course, with so much support provided by all the current instructors and reception staff.

Mandy Neller

I feel the practical assessments is allowed me to feel confident in my understanding of the exercises. I thoroughly enjoyed this part!! Practicing how to explain an exercise and personally knowing how to do them was my challenge, that I’ve now overcome. I will confidently use my learning from this course to teach Pilates classes at the studio I now work in. I’m very excited to be ‘officially’ getting started on my journey as an Instructor!!

Lauren Central Coast NSW

‘….The entire day was super informative and working with Bruce was wonderful! He was very good at explaining everything and the day was great! There were a lot of phrases and explanations that Bruce used that have stuck with me since Sunday!…”

Bella Sammut Smeaton Grange, NSW- Western Sydney

The quality of the training provided by Tensegrity Training was excellent. The modelling was impressive, and they demanded and succeeded in getting the best from each of us. I was challenged and encouraged greatly as a result. The requirement to complete observations sessions was greatly appreciated as I learnt a great deal from viewing qualified instructors. I was impressed by my trainer’s knowledge and mastery of her craft. Inspirational!

Marney NSW

I have recently completed Integrated Diploma of Contemporary Pilates and Teaching Methodology through Queen St Pilates Studio and Tensegrity Training. I found the learning environment that Leanne Mollison has created at her studio to be very supportive no matter what background the student may have. The course prepares you to enter your career as Pilates instructor both from a technical and physical perspective with lots of opportunities to practice and perfect your teaching style along the way. Leanne is a wealth of knowledge and keeps the course interesting and engaging for the students. After completing my face to face hours of the Cours I gained work in the industry and that is a testament to the quality of my knowledge and teaching skills gained from the course. I highly recommend the course offered through Queen St Pilates Studio to anyone who is looking at becoming a Pilates instructor.

Jessica Bajic

Clinical Practice hours were valuable time spent under supervision getting hands on training in a safe and supportive environment.  I had “lightbulb” moments throughout the training with certain phrases, cues or knowledge that the trainer shared with us.  The dots started to slowly join. I really enjoyed the Cadillac training and feel confident to go ahead and instruct in all aspects of Pilates instruction.

I have taken away the knowledge acquired in the Integrated Diploma and put it into practice at the Pilates & Yoga studio where I now teach. I am seeing better results and from clients in my classes and have had great feedback. I have learnt so much about my own body and now have a deeper understanding of both my personal Pilates practice and teaching.

Kelly Brisbane Queensland

‘….Further information around achieving neutral spine through various
exercises. Greater depth of understanding of Cadillac repertoire. I
very much enjoyed learning form Bruce who not only has extensive
knowledge & experience, but has a very inclusive and approachable
teaching style….’

Vanessa Killen Melbourne

‘….I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Queen St Pilates Studio, feeling
very welcomed and included into a great group of people. Leanne is an
incredible teacher, I admire her passion and dedication to her
students and work place. I felt very supported throughout my face to
face learning time with her….’

Kerryn Mundy Adelaide

“All the knowledge and repertoire that I learnt will 100% stay with me and I will pass this knowledge on through my work with clients. I will endeavour to utilise similar explanations when teaching clients how to use any for of Pilates equipment.”

K.M. South Australia

‘…I valued the presenters hands-on experience, working knowledge and passion of the content. The presenters were very collaborative and encouraged EVERYONE to contribute and express their opinion, which made for a very inclusive learning environment.….’

Louise Osborne Melbourne

‘…Bruce’s communication style and his ability to enable me to “feel” what muscles were engaging was outstanding…’

Mike Fitsimon Melbourne

‘…Kaz was simply amazing. She explained and demonstrated to us so well
and we were able to pick everything up so quickly…’

Ashlee Huntly Deniliquin, NSW

I enjoyed the academic and physical components of the course equally. I am very fortunate to have been offered work in a Studio, so everything I learnt in the Course has proved invaluable. Thank you! I also feel well prepared to teach and confident to ask questions and seek guidance from Tensegrity if needed. They are so supportive of current and past students.

Alana Hobart, Tasmania

‘…..From as young as I can remember my mum has always been bringing me along to Pilates. It wasn’t until I was around 15 that I started taking interest and going myself. I always loved that ‘after class feeling’ and the perfect balance of strength and flexibility.

Along with my new found love of Pilates soon followed a passion for an all round healthy lifestyle. This is where my Pilates journey really began.

Three days before my 16th birthday I started my Certificate IV in my sunny home town of Port Macquarie.

With my teacher and mentor being my mum, it was such an enjoyable experience I gained a deeper awareness of my body. It was through my certification and passion for healthy living that I began my degree of Naturopathy and relocated to Geelong  Victoria. It was here that I fell in love with Hot Pilates and started teaching at Upstate Studios. With the classes having up to 60 students each, every class has such a high vibe and is always nothing but fun.

I feel so grateful to have a job that I truly enjoy and is flexible around my studies. I hope to continue teaching and one day have my own studio. I couldn’t be more grateful!….’

Lilly Howard Port Macquarie

‘…..I was very fortunate to have Leanne Mollison as my teacher who kept me
motivated and engaged the entire time. Given Leanne is so passionate
and knowledgeable about Pilates, she was able to ignite a spark in me,
allowing me to be so excited about being a Pilates instructor.
Leanne’s method of teaching of ensuring we are all totally immersed in
the world of Pilates and the required anatomy knowledge, had the
greatest impact on me as I was able to learn the material so much
quicker and easier. Leanne was so supportive and she was able to
challenge us without pushing us over the edge….’

Mandy Neller Adelaide

“….Caroline (Caz) broke the days up well with a balance of completing the
practical and theory components. She was very flexible in her delivery
and allowed us to ask questions are we went. She also made it specific
and relevant to our needs and experience level e.g. desire for more
Pelvic floor set up etc. We would have loved even more time with her,
the course was incredibly valuable. All team members at Tensegrity
have been very helpful and approachable to help with our questions and
enquiries. Thank You!…..”

Jenna Kaine Deniliquin, NSW

I recently completed the group reformer course though Tensegrity training at Queen St Pilates Studio in Adelaide. Over the three fantastic days of face-to-face training, I was able to broaden my knowledge and understanding of the body and the benefits and versatility of the reformer. Being only 1 of 5 people in this course meant that we were very interactive with the teacher and were able to ask frequent questions, create relative conversations, and feed off of each others ideas. It also meant that we could all use each other to demonstrate and create scenarios, and the instructor was almost always available to tend to us.

The online theory was thorough and simple to follow, which prepared me well for the hands on learning. Ample time was provided to complete the assessments away from the studio, and I loved having to put my knowledge to the test using real life scenarios and putting together class plans for different injuries, ages and fitness abilities. I think this type of learning prepares you extremely well for taking on clients. It was only a week after the course that I taught my first reformer class and it was incredible. I felt like I knew how to tend to each participant based on their abilities and knew how to modify/progress them. It felt extremely natural. I am still teaching at this pilates studio in Moonta Bay and over the course of these past few months I feel like the information I was provided with through Tensegrity has sunk in and progressed, and has not only been of high value to myself, but to the studio and its clients as well.

I have also now completed the face to face component of the Certificate IV in Contemporary Pilates & Teaching Methodology.

Lucy Prior

‘….I undertook my Diploma of Contemporary Pilates & Teaching Methodology with Tensegrity Training in 2015. For me, it was a total career change having spent the previous 10 years practicing as a litigation attorney. After years of doing Pilates for my own body and experiencing its many benefits, I decided to turn it into a career. The training I did with Tensegrity gave me the skills and the knowledge to work for myself, support my young family, be more present at home and to teach others the joy of Pilates.

The course is well structured, beginning with an understanding of anatomy before diversifying into content that covers both the theoretical as well as practical aspects of the Pilates method, including how to operate a Pilates business. Tracey is a charismatic and passionate teacher whose extensive knowledge is founded in many disciplines, resulting in an educational experience that goes beyond ‘just Pilates.’ In this course you are challenged to think independently, to deduce, differentiate, apply and justify what you are taught. You are required to think critically, logically and thoughtfully in order to successfully and accurately apply what you know to any given scenario. This is how all Pilates courses should be, in order that students enter the profession as self-contained, independent thinkers. The Diploma provides a solid foundation from which to begin your Pilates career.

The learning environment at Tensegrity is relaxed, beautiful and collegiate, and there is opportunity for continuing professional development after you have completed your initial training.

After completing my training with Tensegrity, I worked for a number of studios around the Sunshine Coast before opening my own small, boutique studio. I have a dedicated clientele and delight in what I do every day. For me, witnessing the difference Pilates makes to my clients’ physical and mental health is the greatest reward. I am forever grateful to Tracey at Tensegrity for encouraging me along this path….’

Deborah Commins Sunshine Coast

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