Somatic Strategies for Asymmetrical Bodies: Restore Intelligence and Freedom to Spine, Ribs, Neck, Face & Jaw : Oct 17-20, 2025 : Vancouver Island, BC
Somatic Strategies for Asymmetrical Bodies: Restore Intelligence and Freedom to Spine, Ribs, Neck, Face & Jaw : Oct 17-20, 2025 : Vancouver Island, BC
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - OHM Retreat Center
Somatic Strategies for Asymmetrical Bodies: Restore Intelligence and Freedom to Spine, Ribs, Neck, Face & Jaw - with Laura M Gates, CHSE, CCSE, trainer at Essential Somatics. Oct 17-20, 2025
This immersive retreat at the beautiful OHM Centre on Vancouver Island includes 4 days and 3 nights in nearby cabin accommodations, wonderful meals, walking paths, and beautiful nature at the shore.
The retreat will include an intro evening lecture Friday, somatic movement classes Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning, and discussions. It is a 'learning laboratory' for improving scoliosis, asymmetrical posture, and the issues that come with it.
This year's retreat will address the whole torso, deep to the spine, and out to the extremities, and will highlight the upper torso, rib cage, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, facial muscles and jaw. If you have chronic pain or issues in these areas, they will be well addressed with these effective self care techniques. This retreat is perfect for people wanting an immersion experience in this delicious work, and also teachers and practitioners interested in learning more. Audio recordings of movement class material, divided into sections, will be included so that you can continue your learning process at home.
Click here for more info and to reserve your spot on this Workshop!
ABOUT THE DESTINATION
Vancouver Island is renowned for wild, untamed beaches that are an idyllic summer sanctuary, and a hub for storm-watching and surfing in the winter. In addition to its endless list of hiking, camping, and paddling adventures, the Island offers ample other opportunities to unwind on its scenic golf courses and lush vineyards. This workshop will be held at the wonderful new Open Heart Mind (OHM) Centre located in Merville in the Comox Valley. It’s a quick plane trip from Vancouver, or you can arrive via a stunning ferry ride.
ABOUT LAURA M GATES
Laura M Gates, CHSE, CCSE, is a certified (Hanna) clinical somatic educator ('07), a practitioner of hands-on work, and a member of the training team at Essential Somatics LLC, USA. Somatics in the tradition of the late neuromuscular pioneer, Thomas Hanna Ph.D., is her passion. She has developed strategies particularly helpful for scoliosis, fusion, and other postural issues including movement patterns and rich imagery. She brings her years and experience as a former professional dancer, dance educator, and visual artist to her teaching.
PRE-REQUISITES FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
Students must already know Somatics Basics through past classes with a qualified teacher. Laura will be organizing an online intro session ahead of the retreat for those who have not experienced Somatics before - please email Laura if you don’t have any prior experience with Somatics.
There will be an afternoon mentoring class on Sunday for somatic movement teachers and practitioners.
Registration link via the TOPS website:
https://www.twistedoutreachproject.com/somatics-for-asymmetrical-bodies-2025
Hands on 1 on 1 sessions with Laura: Also use the above link to book sessions, prior to and following the retreat. Limited time slots, book early. If you live local to the venue, please book sessions on Tues, or Wed, to save the Fri, Mon sessions for folks traveling from afar. thanks!