Healing
from Trauma
An Embodied Awareness Program
with Dr. Beth Hedva
As people go through life, they have ups and downs, good times and bad times. Sometimes a challenge is extreme, to the point it is experienced as trauma or recalled later as a traumatic event. What happens next spans an expansive continuum.
We need to deal with ourselves and others in the world when we face challenges, or remnants of what we have faced in the past.
Whether we react or respond determines our future experiences. How we as individuals, and as communities, perceive our situation – understand the trauma and process its challenges – can freeze us for long periods, stall us temporarily, or enable us to grow.
Embodied Awareness (EA) is a contemporary spiritually-directed protocol steeped in ancient healing traditions and indigenous wisdom that provides a perspective, an appreciation, and tools to enable individuals, groups, and communities to convert a past or current traumatic event into a rite of passage that leads to growth rather than tragedy.
Embodied Awareness - an introduction
Embodied Awareness - an introduction
"The Embodied Awareness protocol intertwines two concepts–
embodied–referring to our physical body, and awareness–as in those subtle, nonphysical inner states that synthesize the energy in our sensations, thoughts, emotions, intuitions, and psychic perceptions–to allow natural spiritual experiences to emerge.
Some call this awakening or realization. In this program, it is called Embodied Awareness."
Elder Barb Brant (Mohawk, Turtle Clan), Ceremonialist
Elder Barb Brant (Mohawk, Turtle Clan), Ceremonialist
Dr. Beth Hedva
Dr. Beth Hedva
Dr. Beth Hedva
Dr. Beth Hedva
Dr. Beth Hedva
Dr. Beth Hedva speaking on post-Fukushima tsunami-nuclear disaster, Japan, 2012
Dr. Beth Hedva speaking on post-Fukushima tsunami-nuclear disaster, Japan, 2012
Dr. Beth Hedva speaking on post-Fukushima tsunami-nuclear disaster, Japan, 2012
Dr. Beth Hedva speaking on post-Fukushima tsunami-nuclear disaster, Japan, 2012
Dr. Beth Hedva, Sierra Leone, 2008
Dr. Beth Hedva, Sierra Leone, 2008
Dr. Beth Hedva, Sierra Leone, 2008
Dr. Beth Hedva, Sierra Leone, 2008
Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness, A Guide to Emotional Healing and Self-Renewal by Dr. Beth Hedva
Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness, A Guide to Emotional Healing and Self-Renewal by Dr. Beth Hedva
Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness, A Guide to Emotional healing and Self-Renewal by Dr. Beth Hedva
etrayal, Trust and Forgiveness, A Guide to Emotional healing and Self-Renewal by Dr. Beth Hedva
Clinical Qualifications
"The process of Embodied Awareness activates five dimensions of Self-awareness (body, mind, heart, spirit and energy) within oneself and influences how we relate to others."
Dr. Beth Hedva’s clinical qualifications are grounded in her deep understanding of psychological theories, clinical practices, and her dedication to integrating transpersonal and holistic approaches into therapeutic work. In the context of EA, her clinical qualifications draw on a synthesis of traditional therapeutic methods, transpersonal psychology, and a commitment to addressing trauma through an embodied, communal, and culturally sensitive lens.
Dr. Hedva holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, with specialized training that merges clinical expertise with an appreciation for the interplay between body, mind, and spirit. This academic background is complemented by her licensure as a Psychologist and her status as a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. Additionally, her approach is informed by extensive experience in addressing the nuanced complexities of trauma recovery, including work in disaster-stricken areas, which showcases her ability to apply her skills on both individual and large-scale levels.
Dr. Hedva is also recognized for her contributions to evidence-based Spiritually Directed Therapy™, a protocol for recovery that has been validated in extreme conditions and is a cornerstone of the EA training.
When it comes to Dr. Hedva's work with First Nations, indigenous cultures, and American Indian tribes, it's evident that she emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and the integration of indigenous wisdom. Her work often involves collaborating with elders and other cultural representatives, suggesting a respectful and inclusive approach to healing that values the principles and knowledge of indigenous peoples.
In Dr. Beth Hedva's Embodied Awareness (EA) program, she blends a deep understanding of the psychological principles with holistic and integrative approaches to facilitate healing and growth. In higher level courses, she focuses on the training of facilitators who can extend her methodologies within diverse fields, Dr. Hedva ensures that her integrative healing approach reaches a broad audience, from healthcare professionals to educators and community leaders.
Embodied Awareness - a safe space
Embodied Awareness a - safe space
Kim Haxton, (Potawatomi Wasauksing), Co-Founder IndiginEYEZ
Kim Haxton, (Potawatomi Wasauksing), Co-Founder IndiginEYEZ
Mass Trauma
Dr. Beth Hedva's approach to mass trauma work involves treating trauma at the group or community level, recognizing the collective and widespread impact of traumatic events on large groups of people.
Treating trauma at such a scale involves understanding and addressing the shared experiences and emotional responses of a community or population that has been exposed to a significant traumatic event, such as natural disasters, war, terrorism, or societal upheaval.
Treating trauma at the group level differs from individual trauma therapy in several key ways:
• Scope and Scale: Mass trauma involves working with larger groups or communities rather than focusing on the individual experiences of trauma. The interventions are designed to address the collective experiences and needs of the group as a whole.
Dr. Beth Hedva working with impacted communities, Indonesia, 2005
Dr. Beth Hedva working with impacted communities, Indonesia, 2005
• Community Engagement: Treating mass trauma requires active engagement with the community, understanding its unique cultural, social, and historical context. It often involves working with community leaders, organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement healing and recovery programs.
• Resource Allocation: Large-scale trauma interventions require coordination of resources, including mental health professionals, community workers, and volunteers, to provide support and services to a larger number of affected individuals simultaneously.
• Preventive and Educational Measures: Part of addressing mass trauma involves preventive measures and community education to build resilience and prepare for future traumatic events. This includes training community members in psychological first aid, resilience-building strategies, and other supportive measures.
• Holistic and Integrative Approaches: Similar to her work with individuals, Dr. Hedva's approach to mass trauma is holistic and integrative, combining psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual elements. This may involve integrating traditional healing practices of the affected community with modern psychological methods to provide culturally sensitive and effective care.
• Focus on Collective Healing: The goal of treating mass trauma is not only to help individuals heal but also to foster collective healing, community resilience, and social renewal. This involves addressing shared grief, loss, and trauma, and working towards rebuilding trust, cohesion, and a sense of community.
Dr. Hedva working with international aide workers, Haiti, 2010
Dr. Hedva working with international aide workers, Haiti, 2010
In essence, treating mass trauma involves a shift from individual-centered therapy to a more communal and systemic approach, considering the broader impact of trauma on societies and cultures. Addressing mass trauma, or group-level trauma, involves understanding and treating the collective impact of traumatic events on communities or populations.
Dr. Hedva's approach includes creating communal spaces for sharing and healing, using culturally relevant practices, and training local individuals to continue the work of healing within their communities, thereby facilitating empowerment and resilience at a larger scale.
Dr. Hedva working with local citizens, Haiti, 2010
Dr. Hedva working with local citizens, Haiti, 2010
Jeff Keith, Frontline Counsellor
Jeff Keith, Frontline Counsellor
The EA Process
Fundamentally, in the EA program we practice:
• Connecting energetically within and with others,
• Observing and evaluating needs,
• Practicing whole-body listening,
• Engaging intuition and creativity for inner guidance,
• Empowering ourselves to take care of oneself, others, our communities, and environment.
As such, Embodied Awareness is a process that can be applied to any circumstance by engaging these five components.
"Embodied Awareness Training guides individuals and groups to access inner resources for growth and self-healing, cultivating a community of support and natural healing.
Embodied Awareness - a definition
Embodied Awareness - a definition
Dr. Beth Hedva teaching, post-genocide, Phnom Pennh, Cambodia, 2023
Dr. Beth Hedva teaching, post-genocide, Phnom Pennh, Cambodia, 2023
Will EA tools enhance my work?
It is a journey that transcends the conventional, where the transformation of the self beckons and the collective consciousness expands.
In the hallowed space of Embodied Awareness, we unearth the layers of our being, inviting a synthesis of mind, body, spirit, and community. As we explore the profound experiences of those who have embraced this path, allow yourself to be inspired by the living testimonies of change.
Here, personal growth intertwines with a communal spirit, and curiosity breathes life into every discovery. Prepare to embark on a story of evolution, learning, and connection—a narrative that could very well be your own.
Embodied Awareness - how it helps in your work
Embodied Awareness - how it helps in your work
Key Components of the EA Program
• Holistic Approach: Dr. Hedva's EA program is deeply rooted in a holistic approach that treats individuals within the context of their broader social and ecological environments, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Integration of Traditional Knowledge and Modern Psychology: Her work stands out for integrating traditional healing practices with contemporary psychological methods. This combination honors the wisdom of indigenous and ancient practices while ensuring relevance and efficacy in today's diverse and globalized world.
• Trauma-Informed Care: A significant aspect of Dr. Hedva's clinical qualifications in psychology is her specialization in trauma-informed care. Her methods extend beyond the individual to address trauma within group and community contexts, facilitating healing on a larger scale.
• Educational Foundation: With advanced degrees in Clinical and Transpersonal Psychology, Dr. Hedva's educational background provides a strong foundation for her clinical work. Her scholarly approach is balanced with practical application in her therapeutic practices.
Dr. Beth Hedva teaching at TPO Hospital, Phnom Pennh, Cambodia, 2023
Dr. Beth Hedva teaching at TPO Hospital, Phnom Pennh, Cambodia, 2023
• Training and Certification: The Embodied Awareness Training and Certification programs developed by Dr. Hedva are structured to empower individuals to become facilitators of healing in their own communities. The certification process underscores her commitment to spreading these healing modalities widely and responsibly.
• Evidence-Based Protocol: Dr. Hedva's Spiritually Directed Therapy™ Protocol for Recovery is presented as an evidence-based method. It has been validated in challenging environments, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world settings.
• Professional Recognition: As an acknowledged expert in the field, Dr. Hedva is not only a registered psychologist but also holds significant professional designations and has received awards for her contributions to psychology.
“We have participants who are teachers, therapists, counsellors, medical professionals, first responders, body workers, leaders from international locations, indigenous leaders, government, and corporate environments, and many others.
With such a diverse group of people, what do we all have in common?
A commitment to personal growth, engagement with community and abiding curiosity—open minds, hearts, and spirits.”
Rachel Larabee, Professor, Centennial College
Rachel Larabee, Professor, Centennial College
EA Courses
EA Level 1: Professional Training
Level 1 of the Embodied Awareness program provides foundational training in the integrative body-heart-mind-spirit-energy approach to inner-directed healing. This level consists of live-stream courses, focusing on foundational bio-psycho-social theories, global-cultural spiritual practices, and evidence-based clinical methods.
Participants learn Dr. Beth Hedva's 5-Step Spiritually-Directed Therapy™ Protocol for Recovery, gaining skills in embodied awareness practices for personal and professional use. This level is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their self-awareness and healing capabilities, as well as professionals looking for continuing education in a holistic and integrative approach to health.
EA Level 2: Facilitator Certification
After completing Level 1, participants can advance to Level 2, which focuses on becoming a Certified Embodied Awareness Facilitator™.
This level involves live-stream seminars and a 50-hour supervised practicum. It deepens the practice of embodied awareness, emphasizing skill-building through experiential learning with cohorts. Participants are trained to facilitate the Embodied Awareness Method, developing a 5-Step grass roots community program tailored to the needs of their specific populations.
This certification prepares individuals to ethically integrate and apply these techniques in various professional settings, including private practice, agencies, and community organizations.
EA Level 3: Master Class
Level 3 is designed for those who have completed Level 2 and wish to join an online embodied wisdom sharing circle, forming an interdisciplinary community of helping professionals, cultural leaders, and global healers. This master class is an ongoing, slow-open, process-oriented group that offers peer support, supervision, and continued skill enhancement.
Participants in this level commit to a trial period and are expected to integrate and apply the five dimensions of embodied awareness in their professional practice, further developing their skills in facilitating group and individual healing processes.
This level provides a platform for deepening the practice of embodied awareness and fostering professional growth and collaboration within an international community of practitioners.
Keith Murray, Affirming Minister
Keith Murray, Affirming Minister
Join us
This is where the next step of your story begins, an invitation to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and community building. The coming chapter awaits you, rich with the promise of growth and the magic of connection. Step forward, embrace the learning, and become a part of this ever-expanding circle of Embodied Awareness.
Embodied Awareness helps people understand intuition and senses, increasing their resilience, ability to respond rather than react when traumatic events occur. It also equips people to see trauma as a gift for personal and community growth.
"There are ancient legends about a time when all the perennial wisdom teachings from every culture throughout history will be shared around the world in ways so simple that even a child can understand them. Embodied Awareness is one of those teachings, helping us repair and renew ourselves, each other, and our environment."
For more information
or to sign up for courses:
To contact Dr. Beth Hedva:
info@EmbodiedAwareness.com
"Embodied Awareness inspires knowing who you are and what you are here for—
as a spiritual being inhabiting a physical body, fully engaged in our world."
©Dr. Beth Hedva Embodied Awareness
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