Introducing the EmotionAid® Protocol

Workshop Introduction

EmotionAid® is a 5-step training method, for self-regulation or emotional first aid to others. EmotionAid® Protocol is rooted in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented approach that helps individuals understand how stress and trauma held within the body.

The Introducing the EmotionAid® Protocol online workshop explores the EmotionAid® toolkit which was developed by Dr. Cathy Lawi, PhD, PCC. 

EmotionAid® is an evidence-based 5-step protocol founded on a somatic, cutting-edge set of tools from Somatic Experiencing® and the latest developments in brain research. Somatic Experiencing® is an approach to therapeutic care that is grounded in the body. It works by helping the individual create an awareness of their body, specifically their inner physical sensations, as this is where stress and trauma are held. The goal is to create this awareness and work towards releasing this stress from the body.  

This CPD workshop introduces participants to the EmotionAid® Protocol so they can understand the neurophysiology of stress and trauma and how it is held in the body.  

The workshop explores trauma and healing from a Somatic Experiencing® sensations point of view and teaches participants how to manage and release anxiety, burnout, stress, and trauma. 

Participants can use the EmotionAid® 5 Step protocol for themselves in their personal capacity or in therapeutic practice with clients. 

Overview

• Introducing the Somatic Experiencing® theory which EmotionAid® is grounded in.  
• Elucidating the Trauma and Healing Vortex. 
• Participants assess their stress level on a scale. 
• Describing the brain hand model and how the body experiences stress 
• Neurophysiology and trauma theories grounding EmotionAid® (e.g. Dr Cathy Lawi, Peter Levine Daniel Siegel and Bessel van der Kolk) 
• The language of sensations. 
• Demonstration of the first 3 steps of the EmotionAid® protocol (speaker will take the whole group through these steps) 
• Describing Step 4, Discharge 
• Describing Step 5, Resources, and the different types of resources available to us. 
• Demonstration of all 5 Steps with the audience. 
• Reflections and discussion. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will:

• Understand the neurophysiology of stress and trauma and how it is held in the body.  
• Look at trauma and healing from a Somatic Experiencing® sensations point of view. 
• Be able to use the basic EmotionAid® 5 Step protocol for themselves. 

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for mental health professionals who want to gain specific knowledge in the EmotionAid® Protocol. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion.

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment. 

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2026: on demand

Participants can register at any time and move through the workshop content. Watch the live workshop recording and complete the online journal articles and multiple-choice questionnaire.

NOTE: HPCSA-registered professionals who want to claim 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units] need to complete the online assessment within 5 days of registering.

Workshop Presenters

Karen Ray Cohen is a lifelong learner who holds an Honours Degree in Psychology. She is an EmotionAid® Practitioner and Facilitator, who is highly driven and passionate about mental health and wellbeing.  

Karen has ten years of experience as a Life and Leadership Coach, trains and facilitates in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Learning and Development (L&D) arena and volunteers as a mental health and well-being counsellor. 

She has a special interest in the mind and body, emotional intelligence, soft skills, neuropsychology, mindfulness and emotional regulation, to support stress, anxiety and trauma. 

Romi Kaplan is a UK-trained psychotherapist (Middlesex and Oxford University) with a background in humanitarian aid. She has specialised in trauma theory (NATAL, TAU) and PTSD (Harvard University), working with counsellors and non-profit workers in the humanitarian field.  

In 2019 Romi co-founded the Counselling Hub in Woodstock as a site that offers equal access to mental health services.  

Romi believes innovation in the mental health sector is essential and getting to know about our emotional wellbeing. She currently gives workshops on Self Care and Vicarious Trauma for NGO workers. 

FAQs

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.