1) Professional Development for Teachers:

This workshop focuses on teachers. They will gain the knowledge needed to recognize trauma dynamics in students, strengthen their own self-regulation skills, and create a classroom environment that is
safe and conducive to learning.

The workshop provides an understanding of the neurobiological processes of stress and trauma, particularly those involving the autonomic nervous system, as well as their effects on children’s behavior.

Building on this foundation, participants learn to identify traumatized students more effectively, better understand their feelings and needs, and thus gain greater clarity in challenging situations.

A particular focus is placed on teachers’ own self-regulation skills, because only when they are contextually confident and steadfast can they act as reliable caregivers in everyday school life and provide students with the necessary support and guidance they need.

The workshop is designed to last one to two days and can be adapted accordingly, depending on available time.

Contents:

• Recognizing trauma and its effects:
  How do trauma-related disorders manifest, and what behaviors indicate traumatic stress?
• “Trauma is embedded in the body” – the neurobiology of trauma and stress:
  How traumatic stress alters the brain and body and influences physical reactions and behavior.
• Self-protection and self-regulation for teachers: Exercises for self-regulation and fostering personal resilience and stress management.
• Practical exercises: Case studies for practical application to gain greater confidence in handling challenging situations in the classroom.
• Peer supervision (optional):
  An opportunity to exchange experiences and solutions for difficult situations.

2) Workshop for Students:

In this workshop, students learn, using age-appropriate teaching methods, what "stress" is and how it manifests in the body. They explore how they can recognize that they are agitated, overwhelmed, or tense, and what then happens in their body and mind.

Through simple, playful, and body-oriented regulation exercises, they learn to calm themselves down and improve their ability to concentrate. In the process, they also learn how our “brain stem” works, why learning can sometimes be difficult, and what can help in such situations.

Another focus is on working together: Students practice recognizing emotions in themselves and others, developing understanding for one another, and supporting each other.

Interactive exercises help reinforce what they’ve learned and build confidence in their own abilities.

The workshop is designed to last two days and can be adapted to meet specific needs.

Contents:

• What is stress, and how does it affect me?
  How can I tell when I’m stressed, and how does my body react to it?
• Self-regulation – How can I manage my emotions?
  Practical exercises to calm the nervous system that students can incorporate directly into their lessons.
• My brainstem and learning:
  Teaching simple methods to overcome learning blocks and improve concentration.
• Stronger Together – Learning from Each Other:
  The importance of community and how we can support one another.
• Interactive Exercises:
  Creative and movement-based methods help reinforce what has been learned and build confidence in one’s own abilities.

3) Supervision for Teachers and Students

Depending on your needs, you can request a half-day supervision session for both teachers and students to reinforce what has been learned and adapt it to your own practice.

Speakers:

• Corinna Kärnbach (Trainer for Teachers):
  Social pedagogue, Gestalt and trauma therapist, trauma consultant at universities and educational institutions
• Angela Adhikari (trainer for students):
  Elementary school teacher, trauma therapist and consultant, editor and co-author of the guidebook “Body-Oriented Stress Management. Overcoming Classroom Disruptions, Resolving Learning Blockages, Improving Concentration”

Costs:

Apart from a €300 co-payment, the costs are covered by the foundation. Groups are planned for 12 to a maximum of 15 teachers or students and may also be formed from different schools. Upon request, the program can be individually tailored to the school’s needs.

Contact and Application:

Heinke Sofka
Occupational Therapist, Founder of the “Foundation for Trauma Therapy”
Phone: 030 94413580
Mobile: 0176 26113521
Email: info(at)stiftung-traumatherapie.com

Book recommendations for school

• Angela Maria Adhikari: Körperorientierte Stressbewältigung – Unterrichtsstörungen beheben, Lernblockaden lösen, Konzentration steigern
• Kati Bohnet: Die Reise des Schmetterlings – Stressregulation für Kinder
• Sean M. Inderbitzen: Autism in Polyvagal Terms – New Possibilities
• Teresa Garland: Self-Regulation and Strategies – Keeping the Body, Mind and Emotions on Task in Children with Autism, ADHD or Sensory Disorders
• Kim S. Golding, Sian Phillips & Louise Michelle Bomber: Working with Relational Trauma in Schools – An Educator’s Guide to Using Dyadic Developmental Practice
• Stephen W. Porges: Safe and Sound – A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing
• Peter A. Levine & Maggie Kline: Trauma Through a Child’s Eyes – Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing
• Maggie Kline: Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools – A Heart-Centered Movement for Wiring Well-Being

One-day workshop for upper school students at the Freie Waldorfschule Dahlem on 19.November, 2025

Freie Waldorfschule Dahlem
Auf dem Grat 3, 14195 Berlin

Speaker:
Mathias Thimm
Die Polyvagal-Praxis
Helgolandstr. 1, 14199 Berlin (Schmargendorf)
Email: beratung(at)familie-in-berlin.de

One-day workshop for teachers at the Fashion School in Berlin on the topic of school, resilience, and trauma on 28. November, 2025

Modeschule OSZ Bekleidung und Mode
Kochstr.9 in 10969 Berlin

Speaker:
Corinna Kärnbach Certified social worker/educator Psychotherapist (HP) Mediator, Integrative Gestalt Therapy, SE (Somatic Experiencing) NARM (Neuroaffective Relationship Model for Healing Developmental Trauma)

One-day workshop for school psychologists and social education workers from the Senate Administration and SIBUZ on the topic of school, resilience, and trauma on February 28, 2026

Senate Administration for Education, Youth, and Family Affairs
Schulpsychologisches und Inklusionspädagogisches Beratungs- und Unterstützungszentrum (SIBUZ)

Speaker:

Corinna Kärnbach Certified social worker/educator Psychotherapist (HP) Mediator, integrative Gestalt therapy, SE (Somatic Experiencing) NARM (Neuroaffective Relationship Model for Healing Developmental Trauma)