Rooted in Thai tradition. Guided by attention.
Your body is the home of your life. It holds your experiences, responds to your surroundings, and works continually to support and protect you. Yet most of us are taught to override its signals - to push through discomfort, dismiss our needs, and keep going.
Learning to pay attention can change that relationship. Sensation, movement, breath, and touch offer ways to understand ourselves more intimately, recognize what we need, and discover new possibilities for how we move through the world.
THURSDAY - Sunday:
FEBRAURY 18th - 21ST, 2027
10am - 6pm
Somathai™ begins here.
Rooted in traditional Thai bodywork and informed by somatic practice, Somathai brings together the practical skills of working with another person’s body and the perceptual skills of listening and responding with care.
This four-day immersion is both a practitioner training and an opportunity to deepen your relationship with yourself. As you learn to offer bodywork, you will also receive it, explore your own patterns, and practice noticing what allows you to feel more supported, present, and available for connection.
Module 1 introduces a complete foundational Thai bodywork sequence. Clear guidance and repeated practice help you understand how a session is built, how to use your body weight effectively, and how to move comfortably around the mat.
Alongside technique, we explore the body as a living, sensing system. You’ll learn to notice changes in breath, muscle tension, movement, and comfort and begin understanding how those observations can guide your touch, pressure, and pacing.
You’ll leave with a foundational sequence you can offer with confidence, a clearer sense of how to adapt to each person, and greater trust in your healing powers of touch.
Knowledge is power. The more we learn about ourselves and how our bodies and brains work, the more empowered we become in developing the autonomy necessary for reshaping our lives.
You will learn:
How to effectively and confidently perform a 90 minute Thai Yoga sequence.
The history, lineage, and philosophy of traditional Thai bodywork.
The basic principles of Thai Yoga Massage including supported stretching, rhythmic compression, mobilization, and the use of body weight and leverage.
Foundational somatic principles, including sensation, body awareness, and nervous system regulation.
How to adjust pressure, pacing, positioning, and support in response to the person receiving.
Communication and consent practices that support choice and agency throughout a session.
Practical anatomy and body mechanics for giving and receiving Thai bodywork.
Self-care and movement practices to support your own body as a practitioner.
Foundational client intake skills and considerations for beginning a practice.
You will receive:
Extensive hands-on practice giving and receiving bodywork in a small group.
Individual instructor guidance on technique, body mechanics, and responsiveness.
Daily movement and somatic exploration.
A printed and digital course manual.
Guidance on bringing a trauma-informed approach to your sessions.
Resources to support continued practice and professional development.
30 CEUs and certificate
WHO THIS TRAINING IS FOr:
Module 1 welcomes those beginning their path in bodywork as well as experienced massage therapists, yoga teachers, movement educators, and other practitioners who want to deepen their relationship to touch.
No previous Thai massage training is required. Curiosity, willingness to practice, and openness to both giving and receiving are welcome starting points.
Class size is limited to 12 students to allow for individual guidance, connection, and plenty of practice.
Enrollment ENDS FEBRUARY 11th, 2027
Exchange: $1,250
What students are saying about the
SOMATHAI™ PraCtiTIoner Training
FAQ
What is Thai Bodywork?
Thai Bodywork, also called Thai Yoga Massage or Thai Massage, is an ancient and sacred system of healing with roots in Yoga, Ayurvedic Medicine and Buddhist spiritual practice. It is a unique and powerfully effective system of therapeutic bodywork combining rhythmic massage, acupressure, Asana (yogic stretching), gentle twisting, energy work, and meditation. This 3,000 year old tradition of bodywork stimulates and balances the flow of energy within the body, opening the areas that are blocked, bringing the receiver deeper into balance. This system creates a powerful release of stress and tension, an increase in vitality and well-being, and deepens the connection between mind, body and spirit in both the giver and receiver. Sessions are performed fully clothed on a mat on the floor.
How is Somathai different from learning a Thai massage sequence?
You will learn a sequence, along with the skills to understand how and when to adapt it. We pay attention to your experience as the practitioner and to the responses of the person receiving, building your ability to make thoughtful choices about touch, movement, pressure, and timing.
Do I need previous experience?
No previous bodywork training is required. A movement practice can be helpful, but it is not a prerequisite.
Thai bodywork is a physical practice that includes working on the floor, kneeling, changing positions, and supporting another person’s limbs. We’ll explore body mechanics and adaptations throughout the training. If you have concerns about participating comfortably, please contact Sarah before registering so you can discuss your needs.
What should I bring and wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, preferably without bulky buttons or zippers. Layers are helpful as your temperature may change between giving and receiving.
Bring a notebook, pen, water, and any personal supports you use for sitting or kneeling comfortably.
There will be a 1 hour lunch break each day. While there are many food options nearby in the neighborhood, students may also wish to bring their lunch or snacks.
Are payment plans or scholarships available?
Yes. Payment plans are available, along with a limited number of partial scholarships for practitioners impacted by systemic barriers or significant financial constraint.
Please email info@thaibkny.com to inquire.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
All tuition payments are nonrefundable. Because enrollment is limited, your registration reserves a space specifically for you. We cannot offer refunds for cancellations, missed days, or early departure.
In exceptional circumstances, a credit toward a future training may be considered at the instructor’s discretion. Credits are not guaranteed. If an emergency affects your ability to attend, please contact info@thaibkny.com as soon as possible.
Are CEUs available for this training?
Yes. 30 CEUs are offered through NCBTMB - National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and YA - Yoga Alliance.
Have questions or want to talk through whether this training is right for you?
Schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Sarah Seely.