Somatic Yoga Therapy Trainings, West Cork, Ireland
Options: 50 Hour 7 Night or 60 Hour 8 Night Immersion
Courses can be done individually, or combine in person and online options for a total of 110 hours of IAYT and Yoga Alliance Pre-approved training.
Scroll down to view the 2027 date options and details for Megan's Immersive retreats @Embody Studio and B&B, Ballydehob, West Cork
Who are the Somatic Yoga Therapy courses for?
The in-person immersion trainings support deep learning, personal transformation, and professional development. They are designed for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, mental health professionals and body workers who want to use movement and breath therapeutically. Additionally, you will benefit from these trainings if you are a yoga or somatic practitioner and want life long personal wellness tools.
Learn to fully embody the blended traditions of yoga therapy, somatics and energy therapy in yourself; and to authentically and confidently share with others.
Training space is intentionally limited to 6 students to maintain a highly supportive environment for each participant. Megan prefers to do an introductory Zoom call before securing your space to answer any questions and see if her immersion is a mutually good fit. Please contact Megan to schedule a zoom meet and greet.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule for the 50 Hour Level 1 and 60 Hour Level 2 will include 6-8 hours of training and practice, with a break to allow for self reflection, sound healing, star gazing from the hot tub, guided local outings, walks or hikes and an optional off premise meal. We start each day with a morning practice from 8-10 am followed by breakfast.
Trainings begin at 1 pm on the start date with greetings, practice and dinner. The Level 1 training is 7 nights and concludes at noon on the last day. The Level 2 training is 8 nights and concludes at noon on the last day. Please plan your travels accordingly and consider giving yourself and extra day at each end to ground, assimilate and enjoy West Cork!
Cost & Room Options
Additional Nights: To suite your travel schedule, there is an option to stay an extra night(s) before or after the training for €60 with breakfast.
Payment Options & Inclusions
Pricing Includes: Extensive manuals of 140-170 pages, Somatic Yoga Teacher 50 Hour Certification for Level 1 or 60 Hour Certification upon completion of Level 2, outings and hikes, 2 locally sourced fulfilling and healthy meals per day and snacks: breakfast each morning and “linner” (lunch/dinner).
Not included in pricing: transportation to Bantry or Skibbereen (where we will pick you up) and any off premise meals.
Where You Are
Please visit our general Retreat Page for Retreat Info & Policies, travel information, or click the link below “Embody Studio and B&B” to read about how to get here, what to bring and more information on the Embody Studio and Ballydehob.
Our private, peaceful 7 acre property offers a custom built timber yoga studio, 3 bedrooms & 3 baths, settings for friendly conversation and solitary spaces in the countryside. We are nestled in the mountains, but 10 minutes from the sea where the rocky coasts and sand beaches of the Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head Peninsulas await.
Ballydehob is a colorful West Cork village on the Roaringwater Bay along the “Wild Atlantic Way”. Embody Studio is uniquely situated to explore the vibrant coastal towns of Bantry, Skibbereen, Baltimore and Schull.
What To Bring
- warm, layered clothing for yoga & hiking or sauntering. Even if you don't intend to hike, we highly recommend waterproof shoes, rain jacket and hat
- a notebook and pens for self reflection, and intellectual content. Your one sided manual is also deisgned to allow note taking
- toiletries and sunscreen (yes! the sun is intense here because of our latitude!), shampoo/conditioner and body soap provided
- slippers/socks for inside, swimsuit for outside (sea swim and/or hot tub night)
- water bottle and backpack or waist bag
- there are room darkening shades, but consider bringing an eye mask if you like to sleep in a dark room - the days are long in the summer - or follow the circadian cycle!
- ear plugs for sleeping if you have a roomate...or if you don't want to hear the sheep, cows, donkeys and birds in the early hours
- any small items/photos to energize the altar; you can bring them back home with you, or find something here in nature
- please do your best packing, but we do have extra warm and dry clothes and shoes, and laundry available if required (hanging clothes on the line in breezy sunshine is a mini-meditation!)
What is Somatic Yoga?
Somatic Yoga integrates the science of neuromuscular retraining with body consciousness through the breath. It is mainly done lying down or seated, making it extremely adaptable. When you slow down and experience yourself through conscious movement and breath, you learn to self-regulate the nervous system and keep your internal state steady and balanced. It is beneficial to all the systems of the body and can reduce pain, heal trauma, improve sleep, increase vitality, promote healthy aging and balance the energy in the subtle body.
Visit Megan’s YouTube channel or our web page on Somatic Yoga for more information.
Somatic Yoga 7 Night 50 Hour Options:
OR
SYT 50 Hour 7 Night Immersive Training Details
Movement As Medicine
The 50 hour Level 1 Somatic Yoga Training is designed to give yoga therapists, yoga teachers, mental health professionals and body workers the confidence to use Somatic Yoga in private therapy sessions, to offer Somatic Yoga classes, and make your current yoga classes more interesting, embodied and accessible by weaving in somatic movement. The training will also inspire your personal practice by giving you lifelong self-care tools.
The training provides a deep but practical introduction to the principles of Somatic Yoga for common muscle imbalance patterns, chronic pain, trauma, disease, and mental well being. Learn the application of Somatic Yoga through neuromuscular communication, interoception, proprioception and the subtle body (biofield) as it pertains to the Kosha Model in yoga therapy.
The training includes 40+ Somatic Yoga practices, and a 130+ page course manual.
Certification, Continued Support & Goodies!
Certification: On completion of the course, you will be issued a certification of completion for the Somatic Yoga Level 1, 50 Hour Training. This course is listed on both International Association of Yoga Therapists and Yoga Alliance for approved continuing education credits.
Teacher Directory: If you are a professional sharing Somatic Yoga in one-on-one appointments or group classes, please submit your contact information and recent photo to be listed on the Embody with MM Website Certified Global Teacher Directory.
Options For Continued Learning:
Buy The Embody Membership At The SYT Student Discount! Students can sign up for the Embody SYT Student Membership Special – Click HERE for the €15 monthly student membership or Click HERE for the €150 Annual Student Membership. Membership includes Megan’s Friday Somatic Yoga Zoom Classes, the “Simple Somatic Yoga 31 Days Of Sweetness Series” and the exclusive on demand video library (with new releases each month). If you cannot make the Friday Classes live, each class video recording also goes into the private library for your viewing. The monthly membership will auto-renew each month, but can be canceled any time.
Somatic Yoga Training Kula Zoom Meetings: After completion of the training, you are invited to join the other teacher trainees from around the world for monthly zoom meetings. The zoom meetings are used for information sharing, mentoring and more personal community connection, as well as to directly chat with Megan.
SYT Global Student Connections: As a Somatic Yoga student, you are invited to join our WhatsApp group. This is a private community that is only for Megan’s Somatic Yoga training students.
Embody SYT Student Chat: Upon sign up for the 50 or 60 hour trainings, you will be automatically enrolled into the private Embody SYT Student Community Chat. This is our global community for SYT teachers and students alike moderated by Megan. You can post questions & responses, network worldwide, and stay inspired.
Additional Course Learning: Graduates can purchase the 28 hours of complete pre-recorded online content for a year for €108. Please contact Megan to request to purchase the 50 Hour Training online module. .
Learning path outline for 50 Hour Training:
Lesson 1 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Scan for Embodiment
Constructive Rest and Fetal Curl
Inhalation as Levity. Exhalation as Gravity
Land and Locate in Your GPS
The Pioneers of Somatics
Clam Shell, Skier and Mermaid Tail
Body Based Therapy
Sensation Scale
Finding Support and Feedback Using the Ground and Wall
Somatic Yoga Definition
Pandiculation
Supine Full Body X
Lesson 2 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Kinesthetic Awareness/Annamaya Kosha
Somatic Bridge Pose
Interoception and The Three Gunas
Embodiment, Interoception and Self-Regulation
Space of Grace
Qualities of the Felt Sense
Body Prayer Practice For Lower Body
Imagery Quiz
Active Imagery Practice
Imagery of Anatomy
Arch and Curl
Planes of The Pelvis
Moving From the Organs
Psoas Release with Inflatable Ball
Increase Interoception
Lesson 3 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Interoception – What It Is and What It Isn’t
Body Prayer for Upper Body
Proprioception: Another Perception of Body Related Stimuli
Proprioception: Open The Feet To Feel The Whole Body
Standing Side Stretch and Cross Body Reach for Proprioception
Body Mapping: Grow Your Hand Experiment
Body Tune Play And Body Mapping
Lesson 4 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Cerebrum
Frontal Lobes
Somatic Backbend – Prone Cross Body Lift
Temporal Lobes
Chanting The Bija Seed Sounds
Parietal Lobes
SA TA NA MA Mudra
Occipital Lobes
Somatic Yoga Eye Movements
Limbic System
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Spinal Chord
Neurons
Nervous System: Central and Peripheral
Enteric Nervous System
Pelvic Rocking Into Full Body Arch & Curl
Lesson 5 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Muscle Memory
Somatic Cat Cow
Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA)
Cactus Arms and Angel Wings
Trauma In The Body
Neuromuscular Reflexes
Hanna’s Somatic Reflexes
Green Light Reflex – Action Using Muscles of Extension
Red Light Reflex – Withdrawl Using Muscles of Flexion
Trauma Reflex
The Role of Somatic Yoga In The Myth of Aging
Psychological And Emotional Benefits Of Somatic Yoga
Emotional Style Questionnaire
Why Stretching Doesn’t Change Muscle Length
Lesson 6 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Position and Breath
Breath Awareness Observation
Gentrify The Breath
Abdominal Breath to Relax
Muscles of Respiration
Diaphragmatic Breath for Activation of Deep Core Muscles
Introduction of Movement with the Breath
Breath Ratios and Mantra
Lesson 7 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
The Four Deep Core Muscles and Structural Pranayama With Mr. Bones
Diaphragmatic Breath for Activation of Deep Core Muscles
Arch and Curl to Explore Diaphragm and TVA
Pelvic Floor Muscles with Mr. Bones
Four Deep Core Rhythm
Arch/Curl Bridge to Explore TVA & Pelvic Floor
March In Place
Somatic TVA and Oblique Strengthening
Bracing to Awaken TVA and Pelvic Floor
Intuitive Core Slo-Mo Ball Play
Find & Feel Multifidus: Somatic Bird Dog
Somatic Boat Pose
Side Lying Multifidus & Core Stability
Psoas – GPS Of The Internal Body
Psoas Slide
Supine Psoas Release
Lesson 8 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Bones and Muscles of the Pelvis with Mr. Bones
Movements to Awaken, Balance and Stabilize The Pelvis
Seated Internal/External Hip Rotation
Walk In Place
Reclining Somatic Hip Internal Rotation
Moving The Girdles With Wiper Arms and Legs
Somatic Hip External Rotation
Prone Somatics for Muscles of Hip Extension
Standing Leg Pendulum To Balance Hip Extensors and Flexors
Z Sit Pelvic Stabilization
Chair Z Sit Pelvic Stabilization
Pelvic Reset
Lesson 9 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Pancha Maya Koshas: The Vital Doorways
Meditation Through The Pancha Maya Koshas
Somatic Yoga Subtle Body Self Care
Activating the Back Chakras
The Subtle Body In Medicine
The Spiral Meditation
The Subtle Body: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid To Ask
5 Prana Vayus in Moving Meditation
Lesson 10 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Halo And Aura Sweep
Nerve Flossing
Sliding Side Rotation Into Full Body Spiral
Myofascial For Embodiment and Play
Find The Parts To Feel The Whole
The Roll of Physical Therapy And Manipulative Methods
Unfold Emotion Into Compassion
Concluding Observations
Somatic Yoga 60 Hour 8 Night Options
OR
SYT 60 Hour 8 night Advanced Immersive Training Details
Journey Onward & Inward
Prerequisite For The 60 Hour Training: Depending on your background in yoga, yoga therapy, somatics or mental health, it is recommended that you complete the Simple Somatic Yoga 31 Days Of Sweetness, or the 28 hour Somatic Yoga Self Paced Course, or Megan’s Somatic Yoga 50 Hour training online or in person before taking the 60 hour training.
Course Overview: The 60 hour Level 2 Somatic Yoga takes you deeper into your own body, giving you more opportunity to explore some of the principles of Somatic Yoga, and apply them in yoga, therapeutic practices, mental health and personal wellness.
This training reviews some of the richness of Somatic Yoga Therapy tools from the 50 hour training in specific contexts, along with new opportunities to befriend the body. The course is presented as an in depth workshop style with a focus on a particular areas and issues. It includes over 50 Somatic Yoga movements and a generous course manual so that you can focus on the embodiment of the movements instead of taking copious notes!
Additionally, as a valued and skilled player in our Somatic Yoga Therapy, you will be encouraged and supported should you have the aspiration to offer Somatic Yoga classes or workshops with specific focuses such as back care, psoas, sacroiliac dysfunction, pelvic floor health, grief and spiritual growth etc.
SYT Level 2 Learning Path Outline
The second level of the Somatic Yoga Teacher Training includes practicum, theory, philosophy, anatomy, and the gift of grace…for yourself and to share with others.
- Beliefs Of A Soma
- Chakra Connection
- Somatic Yoga for Toes, Feet and Legs: Brains and Jewels Of The Spine
- Embodied Writing As Therapy
- Somatic Yoga for the Sacroiliac Joint
- A Date with Iliopsoas, The Primal Tissue
- Somatic Yoga for Pelvic Floor Health
- Somatic Yoga for TMJ Disorders
- Practice For The 5 Diaphragms and 5 Vayus
- Supporting Pregnant & Post-Natal Goddesses
- Incorporating Pain Science and Healing Trauma With Somatic Yoga
- Mental Wellness Through Vedic Psychology
- The Soul Soma - Spirituality For Nervous System Regulation
- Application of Gunas & Kleshas in Somatic Yoga
- The Koshas In Somatic Yoga
- Meditation Through Ayurveda's Marma Points
- Somatic Yoga for Grief
- We are Spanda & Adbhuta! Intuitive Core Play
- The Energetic Heart
- Body Budgeting, Prana, Ojas and Tejas
- How To Market And Teach Somatic Yoga Classes & Workshops, And Private Therapy
SYT Level 2 Certification & Continued Support
Certification: On completion of the Level 2 course, you will be issued a certification of completion for the Somatic Yoga Level 2, showing your successful completion of 60 course hours in IAYT and Yoga Alliance Approved continuing education. The Level 2 course is listed on both International Association of Yoga Therapists and Yoga Alliance as pre-approved continuing education credits.
Teacher Directory: Your listing on the Embody with MM Website Certified Teacher Directory will be updated to show that you have completed 110 hours of Somatic Yoga training.
Additional Course Learning – Online Content: In person students can purchase the pre-recorded online course content for one year for $108. The 60 Hour online course covers the entire training manual and is 42 hours of video. Please contact Megan for purchase.
Buy The Embody Membership At The SYT Student Discount! Students can sign up for the Embody SYT Student Membership Special – Click HERE for the €15 monthly student membership or Click HERE for the €150 Annual Student Membership. Membership includes Megan’s Friday Somatic Yoga Zoom Classes, the “Simple Somatic Yoga 31 Days Of Sweetness Series” and the exclusive on demand video library (with new releases each month). If you cannot make the Friday Classes live, each class video recording also goes into the private library for your viewing. The monthly membership will auto-renew each month, but can be canceled any time.
Somatic Yoga Training Kula Zoom Meetings: You are invited to continue to be a valued voice in our monthly zoom meetings where we discuss practical implementation of material, professional experiences and mentoring. And keep in touch in both practical and playful ways on our WhatsApp page!