Somatic LEADERSHIP
Newport Beach, CA
September 7-8th, 2024
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This training is designed for Therapists, Coaches, Parents and folks who want to confidently access simple and effective tools for relaxation and engagement.
Your gift in being human is remarkable- we will explore your unique advantages over Artificial Intelligence, as well as brain and body science compared to other species. By tapping into information through human sensation and emotions you will learn how to understand these messages and apply appropriate energetic tools. Learning how to calm the nervous system unlocks our ultimate power source. When we are relaxed we make better decisions, build confidence and increase our capacity to show up for each other. We develop keen intuition and self-regulation skills, increasing our capacity to navigate the world around us, leading to improved well-being and enjoyment doing what we do best.
My goal as a facilitator is to inspire each individual to continue amending their own Somatic toolkit to share feeling peaceful and thus incredibly powerful. I am grateful to co-create this experience with you. Happy to chat if you have questions.
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Integrate your wisdom through embodiment practices to sharpen Energetic Intelligence and inspire others to feel grounded and safe. As you continue to weave these Somatic tools in practical daily life- for yourself, in a group, with a client, a loved one -you will access your ability to shift the vibe in a room by taking responsibility for your own energy- allowing you to do more of what you do best!
We will explore a systematic approach to intuitive group guidance with the following tools
Ground:
Practices to establish firm foundation for effective guidance
Calm the Nervous System:
Validate safety
Science of rest and digest for healing
Personal choice and empowered Stress management
Breath:
Practices to induce clarity, relaxation and focus
Address how the breath manifests in moods, symptoms of anxiety, depression
Practices to alleviate frustration, grief and trauma
Meditation:
Practices to anchor in self worth, safety and gratitude
Validate many emotions akin to sensations
Set the tone- compassionate self-inquiry
Reading the room:
Intuitively pivot triggers and minimize distractions with confidence
Align topics that hold safe spaces
Lighten a heavy room before closing
Gratitude:
Invite self-reflection to validate experience
Clearing:
When you leave the room- leave
Rituals to complete and shift your role
We will not only breakdown this toolkit- we will put them into practice in experiential group guidance
This is not a ‘sit in folding chairs for 12 hours’ kind of training. We will go outside for a catered lunch by the sea, sensory walks along the Marina and vibrant Lido Village. Weaved throughout this training is emphasis on healing power of Nature. You will receive the benefits of being a student- grounded and supported. I will guide you through styles of therapeutic classes that I’ve led for the past decade in Somatic Integration and Creative Expression/ Transformational Writing
Somatic Integration
Trauma-informed chair yoga
Target common culprits to release tension
Headache relief, facial
Shoulders, upper back and chest
Hips, low back and legsCreative Expression/Transformational Writing
Practices with sensory guidance and music prompts
Encouraging freedom in judgement free creation of art
Respecting inclusivity, neurodiversity, trauma, SI, ED and modifications for adolescence
Receive ebook of guided prompts
If you are reading this -thank you- I am so happy you are here and hope to share more with you soon.
Space is limited- if you are interested please register and if you refer a friend you both get $50
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Lido Wellness Center Newport Beach. Located in the heart of Newport Beach at the end of the 55 in Lido Marina. Details received upon registration.
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$377- Weekend Intensive
Sept/7-8 Sat/Sunday 9-3
Curriculum ebook toolkit, experiential practices, q&a, catered lunch
$277- Certification and 10 week Online Mentorship begins Sept 17
Integration into your own life- discern what works in your practice
Zoom practices and integration chat
All access to online classes- Writing and Somatic Integration
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Alysa is a thought leader in the fields of recovery, holistic healing, Certified Yoga Therapist and Gateless Writing Coach with over a decade of professional experience working in a wide variety of therapeutic settings.
“Somatic Integration helps us remember how are bodies are designed to move, and reconnect with our innate ability to self regulate. Once upon a time we all breathed from the belly, moved in ways that felt good and explored how to self soothe. As we grow, our survival skills click into overdrive to keep up with the pressures of modern life and overwhelm spins into maladaptive coping strategies. Yet when we pause the over processing, rest into the support below, trust gravity and give yourself permission to breathe- just a few deep belly breaths and welcome yourself back to simply being- grounded, supported and safe.
If we practice what it feels like to be calm, we can access that ability when we really need it. Becoming more comfortable shifting the nervous system into cruise, relax a bit deeper on each exhale and be inspired by each breath in.”
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Release and Restore
Tulum, Mexico
Oct 2025
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Immersed in a stunning beachfront tropical paradise and healing arts of writing, breathwork and movement.
Sample Schedule:
Meditation/ Movement/ Journal
Freshly prepared Breakfast
Writing/ Creative Expression
Lunch Buffet
Afternoon adventure
Breathwork/ Writing
Mexican Fiesta
Somatic Integration/ Journal
Through grounded practices you will embody a deeper understanding of how to move energy. Words are energy, they cast spells, that's why we call it spelling. Access energy in motion- emotions induced through practices to release and restore. Receive guidance to unlock your ultimate power source, in calming your nervous system. Without even trying- you will leave lighter, because you illuminated your own path of healing.
When we relax into the creative, right side of the brain, we shift the nervous system way down and open up the pathways of healing. Listen to that voice from a part of you that filters through talking, yet may unleash wisdom in your creative genius. Play with the power of the written word, building confidence on and off the page. Deeply nurture your innate sense of self, increasing your capacity to hold space for all the feels....
Post retreat you're invited to embark on 12-week Online Certification Therapeutic Art of Writing to integrate in your own practice
Receive template of practices from retreat highlighted in 12-week curriculum
Practice teaching and Group Facilitation
Online classes Gateless Writing and Somatic Integration
1 on 1 with Alysa to sharpen specific skill set
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Beach front luxury villa, tucked between a private beach and the jungle, in the mystic Tulum.
Access to calm and shallow lagoon, with no or very little seaweeds!
Own private sandy beach with turtles, pelicans, and other extraordinary animals. Turquoise sea is protected by the coral reef, which will allow you to swim and snorkel safely inside the coral lagoon. 2 double and 2 single kayaks, 2 paddle boards at your disposal. Cinema room, a fully equipped fitness room, roof terrace, with a jacuzzi and panoramic views. -
RETREAT- All meals, accommodation and practices from Thurs evening until Tuesday morning included
(additional spa services and alcoholic beverages available for purchase)
$4400 Single
$2800 Shared
Receive 30% off Online Certification Therapeutic Art of Writing to integrate in your own practice. Begins post-retreat
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Alysa is a thought leader in the fields of recovery, holistic healing, offering her wisdom as an invitation to co-create. Certified Yoga Therapist and Gateless Writing Teacher with over a decade of professional experience working in a wide variety of therapeutic settings.
I went on a 'yoga retreat' In 2018 and basked in the post-coital bliss after my first Gateless writing salon. Welcomed, accepted, free to say, think feel for myself- open to create whatever my heart scribbled on the page- feeling that cathartic 'release' like after a yoga class. I was hooked, continued studying with the genius Suzanne Kingsbury, founder of Gateless Methodology through her Academy (twice) Gateless Certification and too many transformational retreats to minimize their impact in a number. I experienced this prism from the inside, witnessing the power of words to truly change lives.
Since I had developed relationships teaching yoga in therapeutic settings, the 'powers that be' were gracious enough to try this 'Writing' group out, as a form of Creative Expression, or Mindfulness, Recovery Skills, even Anger Management was a label from one facility. Since 2019 I have adapted to a wide variety of trauma, detox, SI, ED, neurodivergent and my favorite- adolescents. Through wild experiences I have learned tricks and tools for engagement and a solid template for what works. After learning to trust my process, intuition and co-create with the energy of the group. In each and every writing salon we marvel at the once blank page that became meaningful art- with insights and ahha's, new neuropathways are formed, nervous systems regulate, dopamine releases through tears, googebumps, giggles, validation, encouragement and comradery- we build confidence and a relationship within- on and off the page. Without a hint of judgement or shame who simply have no place in healing, art or creativity. We reflect the best parts of the work and in doing so we shine a light on the best parts of our soul- in such a natural way. Storytelling is innate, tribal, human, STORIES ARE MEDICINE and we each hold the key- simply pick up a pen and Write.....
I can't even imagine how my script would have played out since 2018 if i never went on that 'yoga retreat'.
April 2025
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Yoga Training Retreat
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You found your way here for a reason -and I am thrilled to welcome you to a personal portal of peace and power through the ancient wisdom and modern science of yoga. This one of a kind 200 hour training is for emerging and experienced yogis who want to transcend the 3D physical benefits of yoga to harness the energetic power of mind, body and soul connection. By receiving deeper knowledge of yoga, you will access keys to alchemizing tools to change lives- including your own. As you continue to embody these practices and share your wisdom as an intuitive arts facilitator and spiritual leader.
Learn how energetic shifts are induced through physical movement, breathwork and creative expression. We will identify the chakras, nadis, meridian lines and energy channels that we cannot see to develop a relationship with all that we can see. Emotions are energy in motion and Yoga offers us information to anchor in self-worth and align with source.
During our 8-day immersion on the Costa Rican coast, we systematically move up the chakras through yoga. Practicing how to access emotions and move energy through asana, breathwork and creative expression Transformational experiences will not only frame our attention on retreat, you will also receive guidance to apply these tools in your own practice and embody methodologies in your life. Held and nurtured by the Sunrise Mountain Retreat Center nestled in the jungle, waking up with howler monkeys, in Balinese style poolside villas, lush gardens and private yoga shala built on the principles of sacred geometry. Each aspect of your experience is designed to safely dive beneath constructs that block your power- inviting you to discover how to create shifts and changes that last a lifetime.
I am honored to share my wisdom from 15 years of integrated experience as a yoga therapist and a leader in the intuitive and healing arts. You will be trained in classic modalities of Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative, Yin, Yoga Nidra Kundalini, Breathwork, and the Gatless Methodology.
You will experience the art of leading channeled classes as you anchor in your own embodied presence. Receiving keys to unlock trauma- release issues in the tissues, access the creative wellspring in the joints, muscle and fascia, carve new neural pathways and receive tools for energetic clearing and effective group facilitation.
When we meet again online we will hone in on your specific area of focus- addressing your passion for sharing this wisdom. You will be supported in creating a clear map to service opportunities, income streams and career paths in the healing arts. Learning how to pitch and cultivate relationships with employers and students as you continue to master your own practice and take pride in your unique teaching style.
I am so looking forward to being with you- this training that is truly a co-creation! Each individual contributes their own secret sauce for us to teach and learn together- I can’t wait! Please let me know if you have questions. We can chat about how Energetics of Yoga may fit in with your personal landscape. Thank you for showing up- not only for yoga, for life- from my heart to your heart- Namaste! -
Yoga is personal and Gateless methodology invites you discover your own connection with whole-ism and balance.
Encouraging positive nuero/physio feedback and self reflection weaved throughout each practice to relax into your power, owning subtle shifts and profound transformation of a yogic lifestyle. Each sequence is skillfully aligned with physical movement, scientific validation, emotional and energy awareness. Each practice will calm the nervous system, anchor into sense of safety to feel peaceful and thus incredibly powerful. Yoga blows off the dust of our inner light so that we can shine brighter and in this training you will learn how to make your own fire!
Gateless methodology is rooted in radical nurturing of you as a yogi, teacher, spiritual leader and community participant. Based on the belief that you are special and singular in your being. You (and all beings) thrive when you are allowed to let hypervigilance and fight-or-flight fall away and bask in an environment of support, encouragement and a shared belief in your personal power. Ultimately, yoga is “to yoke”, to become one, with one another and with our inner light. The same little light lives inside us all. We will form a strong cohesive group of encouragement and unconditional regard as we traverse this path together, hand in hand.
Yoga was originally discovered as a way to become one with the Divine. Vulnerability is seen as a strength and each person brings an individual and abiding gift: your essential self. Our group consists of those brought together by the common bond of knowing that we are all connected in spirit. And in this spiritual haven, we believe in one another as leaders in a global community badly in need of a reframe. We are cohorts and cheerleaders, never competitors.
During this journey, you will learn powerful neuroscientific modalities to shift your own and your students' neurotransmitters and drop into your keenest intuitive powers. As this training progresses, you will learn to leverage the skills of proprioception and self-regulation and will
become a genius at sharing your wisdom and growing your capacity to show up for yourself and others.
While standard Yoga Teacher Trainings provide a framework for instructing movement within particular guidelines. Gateless methodoly explores safe constructs to curate a solid framework to connect yoga with the essential self. The guidelines exist not as a self-limiting constraint but as a way to edify, support and glorify your practice without judgement you will build confidence in what works and reinforce those strengths as you grow. As a resourced adult with skills to connect on energetic levels capable of deep dives into philosophy of Yogic lineages. You will gather the wisdom to create appropriate adaptations for yourself and your future students, learning how poses work, from physical anatomy to energetic technology. While gaining the building blocks to induce mental and emotional effects, you will adopt your own routines, song lists, ways of teaching and share the benefits of your own personal practice. And as you become progressively clear and grounded, you will gain the confidence to handle chaos and to calm your nervous system, no matter the external circumstances.
By unraveling extraneous blocks in your body, you will discover the still bliss at the center of your incredible mind and the power to breathe into the superpower that is your soul.
Modalities include:
Gateless Methodology
Yoga Philosophy
Meditation as an Art and a Science
Trauma-Informed Practices
Therapeutic Care
Pranayama- Breathwork
Asana- Hatha, Vinyasa Yin, Resortative Kundalini
Spiritual Activism, Service and Leadership -
Travel
Fly into SJO at least one day before we start, hop on a quick flight to Cabano or Tambor
Book accommodation in Santa Teresa one night before to acclimate, ground into your nervous system and explore the cute little beach town.Sunrise Mountain Retreat Center
As you step onto the grounds of your 5 Star Balinese Oasis your heart rate slows and you feel your body relax. The sweet smell of hibiscus and the breathtaking beauty of this hidden treasure welcomes you back to nature.
Nestled amongst traveler palms, bananas plants and papaya trees, Sunrise Mountain Retreat and Wellness’ elegance is the perfect backdrop for this intimate, secluded retreat.
Perched in the mountains, just minutes above the sparkling pacific, you will find the deep comfort and tranquility you long for.
You’ll experience the magic of nature in an elegant, minimalist atmosphere with all the luxuries and benefits to feel safe and supported- rooted and radiant. -
*Only Retreat- includes all the practices, accommodation, meals -personal time for reflection, writing, hiking, spas, surfing- whatever you choose! Happy offer suggestions. Ideal for companions to trainees. Please apply and we can decide on your details and price between $3-4500.
TEACHER TRAINING
Staying in luxurious poolside villas at Sunrise Mountain Retreat Center - all meals, practices, ceremonies and adventures
$4777 Single
$3277 Shared room
8 months of online immersion begins in Jan with the root chakra- each month we unlock centers of energy along the spine until we reach the crown in Aug. Followed by personal integration of learning into teaching.
-Monthly sharing, support and accountability with reading, writing, embodiment practices and rituals
-Monthly practice teaching with Gateless feedback
-Monthly 1 on 1 with Alysa
$2777 Online Training
Upon course completion you will receive an Invitation to collaborate on Certification Ceremony -showcasing your teaching style!
Without a doubt my first Yoga Teacher Training proved to be a priceless lifeline. I am confident this Yoga training will be a wise return on investment- receiving power tools that become more valuable as you continue to breathe, move and share your wisdom simply by being.
Please note financial constraints are manageable- like quarterly payments- or partial scholarships for service- plmk and we can work it out together
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Yoga reconnected me to a life worth living and continues to remind me HOW to be Honest, Open and Willing.
In 2011, I no longer had the luxury to numb out, my previous coping strategies stopped working, after dependence on drugs and alcohol for most of my adult life. While in residential treatment I felt hopeless in each arduous group, sitting in a circle, talking about feelings, which I failed to grasp. Between therapy, I retreated to the two-foot path between my bed and the wall, practicing yoga until I heard the chime for the next session. It was my way of processing, I had no idea how to sit, listen, let alone feel. Instinctively my spirit knew what I needed, to move it through. The only way through is through.
In 2013 I studied at Ananda Seva to earn a 650 hour Yoga Therapist Certification. My thesis explored how yoga works to aid in recovery. Since I have over a decade of professional experience working in Mental and Behavioral Healthcare with Depression, Anxiety, ED, SI, OCD, ASD with adults and adolescents.
My relationship with Yoga has moved beyond the two-feet between the bed and the wall, into the most beautiful studios around the world. As the resident teacher at Bali Silent retreat center, led retreats in Costa Rica, Mexico, lectured at Functional Medical conferences and hosted trainings across the US and at home in Southern California. I continued my education earning certifications in Transformational Breathwork, HeartMath, Trauma resolution and apprenticed with an energy worker for over 7 years. I created training programs for trauma informed therapeutic care, yin and restorative. I developed a teaching style to strengthen and stretch while calming the nervous system.
I attribute my continuous sobriety and creating a life beyond my wildest dreams to the power of yoga. I am a student, first. Almost every morning, no matter where I am I meet myself between breaths and reconnect with feeling safe inside.
Yoga reminds me HOW to be Honest with myself, Open to receive the wisdom and Willing to breathe through it all. Yoga is an invitation to be yourself, aware of the subtle shifts that create sustainable changes in your soul.
