Somatic (or Body) Psychotherapy "as a theoretically and clinically unified field does not actually exist" (Marlock & Weiss, 2015, pg 8). Yet there is a growing interest in Somatic Psychotherapy — members of the public are seeking out Somatic Psychotherapists, and clinicians want to be training in "it". So: what is Somatic Psychotherapy, and how might it enhance our clinical practice?
The presenter will briefly outline the history of Somatic Psychotherapy. He will address lingering misconceptions and misunderstandings, address the confusing multitude of approaches and schools within Somatic Psychotherapy, give a brief overview of clinical applications, and provide examples of the work of a Somatic Psychotherapist.
Learning Outcomes:
Participants can expect to gain clarity with the following:
- An understanding of the historical roots and developments of the field.
- An understanding of what is and is not considered Somatic Psychotherapy.
- An understanding of how Somatic Psychotherapy fits into the current map of mental health professions.
- Possible pathways to becoming a Somatic Psychotherapist.
Who is this event for?
This event is relevant for practitioners of all persuasions and experience levels.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026
Time: 2pm – 4pm (AEST)
Location: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park, 88 Broadway, Sydney,
Presenter: Ernst Meyer
Ernst Meyer is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Institute of Somatic Psychotherapy. He is a member of PACFA's board of directors, the Convenor of PACFA's College of Psychotherapy, a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist (RCP). He is also a full member of the European Association for Body Psychotherapy (EABP) and a member of the International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology (IAPSP). He holds a Master Degree in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy, and is an experienced trauma-informed Somatic Psychotherapist in private practice.
Being a former police officer, Ernst is comfortable supporting first responders — a significant portion of whom have attempted suicide. In his role as an educator, he is helping practitioners incorporate an awareness of embodiment into their clinical practices. Going beyond the constraints of the practice and training room, he is advocating for human-science therapy to be acknowledged as a viable clinical alternative to clinical psychology and psychiatry.
* Please note that presenter bios are prepared by the presenters and are shared as provided without modification.
They reflect each presenter's own professional journey and perspective.
CPD
Attending this workshop counts as 2 hours of Category A CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
You must attend 75% of a workshop to receive a CPD certificate for Category A CPD.
Ticket Prices
Early Bird Pricing — available until Thursday, 4 June 2026
PACFA Members: $58.00 + GST ($63.80)
Student Members: $40.00 + GST ($44.00)
Non-Members: $80.00 + GST ($88.00)
Standard Pricing — from Friday, 5 June 2026
PACFA Members: $70.00 + GST ($77.00)
Student Members: $52.00 + GST ($57.20)
Non-Members: $95.00 + GST ($104.50)
What to Expect After You Register
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email from PACFA ([email protected]) with further details about the event, including venue access information. Please keep an eye on your inbox and add this address to your safe sender list to avoid missed communications.
Alternatively, you can view your registration details if you log in to your account under the "My events" tab.
Event Cancellations
Customers seeking to cancel their registration more than 5 working days prior to the event date may request a credit to be applied to their account. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Cancellations made with less notice than this are non-refundable or exchangeable. Credits are valid for up to a year from the purchase date. This policy is at PACFA's discretion and may change.