Drawing from somatic psychology, polyvagal theory, and field-tested disaster mental health strategies, this workshop offers a grounded introduction to somatic tools that can help practitioners stay regulated, connected, and effective in high-stakes environments. 

This training brings together:

• An introduction to the idea of somatic, or the mind-body connection, and why this is important for those of us in professions that put us in touch with climate disasters and emergencies.
• Core somatic principles tailored to the disaster and climate context
• Simple, adaptable self-regulation practices for use in the field
• Reflections on embodiment and ethics in research and community response
• Whether you're conducting research in vulnerable communities, coordinating emergency logistics, or working at the intersection of science and advocacy, Somatic Emergency Response invites you to integrate the body as a site of intelligence, resilience, and ethical clarity in times of crisis.

Meet your Trainer:
Caroline Contillo (MSW, MS-DRL) is a disaster resilience trainer and researcher. Most recently she has worked on research with the Consortium for Equitable Disaster Resilience. Publications include Barriers to Equitable Disaster Recovery: A Scoping Literature Review and upcoming research into equitable disaster recovery funding. Caroline has also worked in training and curriculum development with the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz, where she co-authored the curriculum for the Psychological First And and Disaster Mental Health Fundamentals workshops. She was also a lead trainer for New York’s Disaster Mental Health Response teams. Caroline graduated from Tulane University’s Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy, where she received an MSW and an MS in Disaster Resilience, with a focus on collective trauma. Caroline is also a trained mindfulness teacher and somatic facilitator. She has facilitated workshops for climate activists and ecological justice workers since 2014, when she was also an organizer for the Peoples’ Climate March. Most recently, she co-organized a workshop on embodying climate feelings as researchers for the Environment, Justice, and the Politics of Emotions Symposium by the University of California Riverside in 2023.