Training in Biointegrative Somatic Psychotherapy
International Course in Somatic Psychotherapy with European certification
Study at one of the best Somatic Psychotherapy training centers
THE Somatic Psychotherapy It is a biointegrative approach that promotes self-knowledge and balance between body, mind and emotions.
It is a therapeutic practice that integrates neuroscience, epigenetics and humanistic psychosomatics, offering a complete and transformative experience.
Our training team will respond to your contact.
Objectives
This course promotes skills and knowledge necessary for professional practice in Somatic Psychotherapy.
It is an approach holistic that integrates body, mind and emotion focusing on the inclusion of somatic-emotional, psychosocial and bodily dimensions.
THE Somatic Psychotherapy It is a biointegrative therapeutic model that adopts an integrated vision of the human being, exploring body and mind as a single unit.
It is based on recognized scientific foundations including Trauma, Neuroscience and Epigenetics.
This approach promotes personal, emotional and relational development, ensuring an integrated educational and clinical process.
Led by a specialized teaching team, the training adapts to current needs in the field of psychotherapy.
Certification and accreditation
In Portugal, Mentara is certified at a national level by DGERT – Directorate General for Employment and Labor Relations and accredited at European level by EAP – European Association for Psychotherapy as a EAPTI European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institute following its demanding training criteria.
With the Advanced Specialization Diploma in Biointegrative Somatic Psychotherapy and membership in the EAP, final year students may request the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) from the European Association for Psychotherapy(EAP).
Mentara is also a founding member of FEPPSI – Portuguese Federation of Psychotherapy and of the APPC – Portuguese Association of Body Psychotherapy.
Modality, duration and schedules
In person or online
October 2025
40 months of training
After work and weekends
Mentara facilities
Portuguese, Spanish and English
Coordination
Maria del Mar is a renowned specialist in Somatic Psychotherapy, with extensive clinical and academic experience.
She is the founder and director of Mentara (formerly CPSB), Pedagogical Coordinator and is part of the Board of the International Course of Somatic Psychotherapy. She is a Clinical Psychologist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Marital Psychotherapist, Naturopath, Homeopath. A pioneer and visionary in the area of integral health of the human being.
His vision and leadership have impacted the lifestyle and happiness of thousands of people, with transformative repercussions for future generations.
Recipients and requirements
Intended for psychologists, doctors, nurses and psychotherapists recognized by the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP).
For other professionals in the areas of education, health, humanities and sciences, application will be permitted provided that they are selected in the assessment interview with the pedagogical coordination and successfully complete (before the end of the second year) the four core Psychology subjects*, as required by the EAP.
The 4 subjects are intended for non-clinical psychologists or professionals who have not had, in its curricular structure, these specific subjects, nor obtained the respective equivalence.
According to the EAP program, it is essential to attend and take advantage of the 4 basic disciplines of psychology in a way that is adjusted to the current program of the Universities of Psychology.
The total number of training hours for each psychology discipline is 60h, divided into 30.
The selection of trainees will be based on the order of registration, followed by an assessment of their CV and cover letter. After the CV has been analyzed and approved, an interview may be scheduled with the person in charge of the Training Department.
This inaugural theme will highlight the philosophical and historical bases of body psychotherapy, including its lines of development and current perspectives.
Referring to the bases of somatic psychotherapy, a conceptualization and definition of body psychotherapy will be carried out, as well as the identification of its objectives and relevance:
This is a theme dedicated to Grounding and its relationship with the roots of our existence:
The objective of this theme will be the definition and typification of rooting, its general principles, background and systemic influences. Ancestry and genealogy.
Theme given preferably in retreat. This theme will be emphasized on:
This theme will explore the first relationships that are established in a baby's life:
Theme dedicated to the definition of spaces and limits, including their healthy and unhealthy consequences. (Psychopathology and exploration of character tendencies in the present day).
Theme dedicated to sexuality and vitality. In addition to the importance of historical and intercultural contexts, the themes of polarity, eroticism vs sexuality, contextualization, dysfunctions, trauma and sexual abuse will be highlighted.
This part of the program will highlight themes that encompass our heart, from the challenges in loving contact to the heart's pulses and its qualities.
This topic is dedicated to the communication system, including the throat and ears. Therefore, it will be essential to talk about the anatomy and physiology involved.
Neural circuits and respiration.
Healthy communication vs unhealthy communication.
Language (acquisition, development, disorders and challenges).
This topic will cover the topics of communication and cognition associated with vision and contact (skin).
Intuition and sense of direction.
Concepts related to trauma (1st part).
Qualities and pathologies associated with the gaze.
Focus and images.
Dreams and the creative neurological process.
Face-heart connection of the Polyvagal Theory.
Contact modes.
Types of mirror and further exploration of the topic of resonance, already covered in topic 8. Mirror neurons.
Introception, exteroception and proprioception.
Module related to spirituality from the perspective of body psychotherapy.
The meaning of life and death will be addressed, as well as the transpersonal and the qualities of the Essence, the true contact with our interior.
Transition process, types of birth and death.
Point of individuality.
Integrative process.
In this theme, students will include the topics covered so far, beginning a new stage in their training. The focus is on their birth and development as therapists, delving into more clinical topics:
The therapeutic relationship.
The ethics and deontology of the body psychotherapist.
The beginning of therapy (anamnesis, creation of the bond, establishment of the therapeutic contract).
Qualities and challenges of the therapist, among others.
Qualities of the contract with oneself.
From here, students can submit their first monograph and, with the agreement and evaluation of the pedagogical council, begin their internship.
Ethical Foundations in Psychotherapy:
Knowledge of the organic functions of our brain and agility in the Mind-Body association beyond the Cartesian division.
In this topic, a distinction will be made between trauma and shock.
Trauma is a very broad area and very present in body psychotherapy. Therefore, and given that its relevance is indisputable, this topic arises with the aim of delving deeper into trauma in the issues of transference and countertransference, finding space for the traumas of the client, but also of the psychotherapist.
In this theme, bridges will be made between Psychodynamics and Body Psychotherapy, including fundamental concepts such as object relations, construction of the Self and individuation processes.
Through this theme, the student will delve deeper into the challenges of being a therapist. They will become aware of their resources, develop new tools and identify and work with their challenges (the shadow).
This topic will delve deeper into the theme of spirituality in psychotherapy, a fundamental topic where concepts such as bridges, Essence, compassion, detachment and impermanence will be referred to.
Through this theme we will identify the neurophysiological bases of psychopharmacology and how it affects contact channels and bodily, psychoaffective and energetic responses.
This topic will address sexual disorders and potential clinical interventions by the body psychotherapist. In addition to the client, emphasis will be placed on the therapist's own sexual maturation process.
How to take care of yourself to take care of others?
From eroticism to healthy sexuality.
Archetypes of sexuality.
Beliefs, culture and consciousness link.
Libido and sexual drive.
Gender relationship.
Sexual pathologies, perversions and disorders.
The construction of our fantasies, images whether in a waking state or in an altered state of consciousness, is undoubtedly the sum of self-regulation strategies between our external and internal world, and vice versa.
Deepen understanding and work with these dimensions in the clinic to open up the possibility of transformation and creativity as a development process.
Creative process.
The power of the subconscious.
Working with beliefs and archetypes
Inclusion of the Jungian approach and perspective.
In the advanced supervision theme, several monitorings will be carried out on the therapist and their cases.
Theoretical and practical framework of the cases.
Clinical discussion of intervention possibilities.
The styles of therapists or styles in body psychotherapy will also be explored in depth.
Definition and structuring of psychotherapeutic processes.
In the subject of reviewing the training process, the 40 months of training will be concluded.
Some fundamental themes and concepts will be reviewed and the awareness of Being a Body Psychotherapist will be deepened.
Integration of all knowledge and learning through practical and theoretical experiences. The last two modules (24th and 25th) will be given jointly and in retreat.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
To register, fill out the form and send your CV and cover letter.
Health professionals with a degree who work for another public are required to have at least a degree (even in other professional areas) and a curriculum analysis.
No. Retreats (once a year) must be held in person.
The training assessment is continuous. 2 assignments, 2 tests and 2 monographs will be required.
Mentara is a training center certified by DGERT and duly accredited by EAP (International organization).
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