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Advanced Somatic Certificate: The Body in Grief - Why Traumatic Loss Requires More Than Talk Therapy

Neuroscience of Grief & Vagus Nerve Foundations

Kathleen (Katie) Mattei, Psy.D.
Joann Lutz, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP
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Description

This two-part workshop integrates neuroscience and body-based clinical practice to deepen participants' understanding of grief, trauma, and nervous system regulation. In Part I: Brain Science, Dr. Kathleen Mattei examines the neurological foundations of grief, contrasting grief distress with trauma, mapping key brain regions, and exploring how memory, stress responses, and neuroplasticity shape the healing process. In Part II: Vagus Nerve Regulation, Joann Lutz grounds these concepts in somatic application through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. Drawing on foundational anatomical research and clinical frameworks, this segment explores vagus nerve and cranial nerve anatomy, polyvagal-informed regulation, and practical self- and co-regulation tools—including breath, sound, orientation, and movement—to support nervous system integration.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain the neuroscience of grief, memory, and stress response.

  • Analyze how traumatic loss influences autonomic nervous system functioning and stress physiology.

  • Apply advanced vagal regulation techniques within a clinical framework.

  • Evaluate the ethical limitations and critiques of polyvagal theory and somatic interventions, applying a culturally responsive framework to determine their appropriate clinical use within a professional scope.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying grief, trauma, and stress responses. Through the integration of Polyvagal Theory and somatic interventions, learners will acquire practical tools—such as breath, sound, and movement—to facilitate nervous system regulation and support healing.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Kathleen (Katie) Mattei, Psy.D.
Katie Mattei , Psy.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of expertise in treating children and families affected by trauma, burn injuries, child loss, and developmental challenges, as well as adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression. She completed specialized training in Infant Attachment at Columbia University and earned her Doctorate from the University of Denver. Dr. Mattei serves as a medical staff provider at Children's Hospital Colorado and maintains a thriving private practice in Denver. She also consults for several Denver Metro schools and is a nationally recognized speaker on grief, child development, and burn injury prevention. Her book, An Ocean of Grief, provides guidance for parents navigating the profound loss of a child. For the past decade, Dr. Mattei has focused on somatic healing, burnout prevention, and trauma recovery, particularly among healthcare providers, first responders, and other high-stress professionals. She integrates evidence-based approaches to enhance well-being, resilience, and the mind-body connection. Committed to supporting professionals in high-pressure fields, she provides practical strategies to mitigate stress, prevent burnout, and promote both personal and professional sustainability.
Joann Lutz, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP
Joann Lutz, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP, trainer, author, psychotherapist, and yoga therapist/teacher, is the creator of Autonomic Yoga, a nervous-system informed, trauma-sensitive yoga approach to mental health care. Her book, Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, is being praised by international leaders in yoga therapy and trauma studies. In it, she describes and applies the Nervous System-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga model of care (NITYA). She is also the author of a NASW CE course, "Bringing Yoga into Social Work Practice," and the paper, "Classical Yoga Postures as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Autonomic Nervous System Regulation." published in "Proceedings of the Yoga and Psyche Conference, 2014," published by Cambridge Scholars Joann has been practicing yoga since 1970, and teaching it since 1980. She has been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 1991 and Certified as a Yoga Therapist since 2016. Joann, trainer, author, psychotherapist, and yoga therapist/teacher, is the creator of Autonomic Yoga, a nervous-system informed, trauma-sensitive yoga approach to mental health care. Her book, Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, is being praised by international leaders in yoga therapy and trauma studies. In it, she describes and applies the Nervous System-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga model of care (NITYA). She is also the author of a NASW CE course, "Bringing Yoga into Social Work Practice," and the paper, "Classical Yoga Postures as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Autonomic Nervous System Regulation." published in "Proceedings of the Yoga and Psyche Conference, 2014," published by Cambridge Scholars . Joann has been practicing yoga since 1970, and teaching it since 1980. She has been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 1991 and Certified as a Yoga Therapist since 2016.

Financially Sponsored By

  • LIGHT Movement