EARTH MODULE - Foundations
Earth Module
Foundation in 1:1 Somatic Breathwork Facilitation
This module introduces the foundational principles of somatic breathwork and 1:1 facilitation.
It is designed for those who want to learn how to safely guide individual sessions and develop the capacity to work with people through the body and nervous system.
Rather than focusing only on breathwork techniques, this training teaches you how to hold a structured 1:1 process, from preparation, to facilitation, to integration.
You learn to recognise and work with nervous system responses, emotional activation, and somatic patterns as they arise in real time. The focus is on developing clarity, presence, and appropriate response within a relational setting.
This module is relevant for practitioners working in therapy, body-based modalities, yoga, coaching, or other forms of human support work who want to deepen into somatic facilitation.
It provides the foundation for guiding others into regulation, awareness, and embodied connection, while maintaining a grounded and trauma informed approach.
INCLUDED IN THE EARTH MODULE:
Foundation in 1:1 Somatic Facilitation
This module establishes the core principles of working with breath, the nervous system, and 1:1 somatic processes.
It focuses on developing the ability to safely guide individual sessions from preparation through to integration, with attention to both structure and real-time responsiveness.
FOUNDATIONS OF SOMATIC BREATHWORK
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History and foundations of breathwork as a somatic practice
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Conscious connected breathing as a gateway into the nervous system
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Functional understanding of breath and breathing patterns
1:1 FACILITATION SKILLS
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Structure and guidance of individual breathwork sessions
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Holding a safe and regulated space for emotional and somatic processes
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Working with presence, pacing, and relational awareness
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Recognising when to refer or involve additional support
NERVOUS SYSTEM & TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE
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Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and nervous system states
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Trauma informed principles in facilitation
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Contraindications and safety considerations
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Working with emotional activation and catharsis in a regulated way
SOMATIC AWARENESS & BODY BASED WORK
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Reading breath as an expression of the system
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Working with emotions and sensations in the body
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Anatomy of breath and foundational awareness of touch in facilitation
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Developing intuition within a structured framework
INTEGRATION & PRACTICAL APPLICATION
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Integration practices and post-session support
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Connecting insight to embodied change
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Introduction to building 1:1 client work in practice
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS
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Selected breathing techniques and pranayama practices
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Introduction to working with the elements (earth, water, fire, air) as experiential frameworks
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Exploration of lifestyle factors such as nutrition and fasting in relation to breath and regulation
The training days combine movement, somatic practice, breathwork sessions, periods of integration, and reflective sharing. The structure may adapt depending on the group process and learning needs.
This is an applied training. You are expected to engage in your own process throughout in order to develop the capacity to hold others with responsibility and clarity.
Participation requires emotional and physical stability at the time of enrolment. A short application and interview process is part of registration.
Full participation is required. This work engages both body and psyche, and personal process is an integral part of becoming a competent practitioner.
DETAILS:
Pre-requisites:
Participation in either 1:1 work, Group sessions, Retreats or Workshops, hosted by Mela.
Nervous System Essential Online Course. (If you register for the training this course is included)
Earth Module, Foundation, Course Fee:
1666.- €, not incl. food and accommodation. 10 days. Max. 16 participants.
Includes, course on site, 1 integration call 1 week after the course, and 2 additional classes online (mandatory).
Payment plans are available, as well as scholarship programs for Portuguese citizen living in Portugal (by application only).
Accommodation at the venue is mandatory, prices depend on venue. Please check the venue sites for updated prices for food and accommodation.
Please note, Ericeira has no camping/van options.
UPCOMING COURSES:
4th- 14th of June 2026 (Monte Mariposa, Algarve)
NEW Hybrid Version October/November 2026
19- 25th of October at Casa Colab, (1hr south of Lisbon)
ONLINE Dates: 2nd of Oct, 18- 21h (Opening Ceremony),
3rd & 4th of Oct, 8h- 19h,
7th & 8th of November 8h-19h.