A Technique for Everyone
The body’s reactions to stress are similar in most people. And a natural stress regulation works similarly too. So, these exercises are great for everyone, whether autistic or not, stressed, or just occasionally agitated.
Better Quality of Life – Join In!
I can genuinely recommend these somatically oriented exercises from the bottom of my heart! They allow me to pause when I’m overwhelmed. They center me and provide orientation when I’m overwhelmed by intense emotions. They help me every day to let go of stress and tension, or at least significantly reduce them.
Navigating the Stressful Everyday
Stress and intense emotions were daily companions for me, especially before the diagnosis and assistance. So, I developed my compensation strategies to cope. But dealing with stressful situations remained challenging.
Exercises Based on Science
In 2021, I then discovered the Butterfly Journey by Kati Bohnet. Her somatically oriented exercises are based on the work of Stephen Porges, Peter Levine, and Gina Ross. I will provide more information about this later.
Joy and Safety as a Result
Since that discovery and the training to become an S-O-S Trainer in 2022, I regularly use the exercises. They are simple, practical, and above all, effective. In a coordinated, playful, and relaxed manner, I can quickly regulate my nervous system, so that I feel safe and happy again, can orient myself, and be socially open.
Learn Exercises in Workshops
In my workshops, I often integrate a selection of exercises because they are well-suited for stress regulation. I also provide background information on the autonomic nervous system. Understanding this helps tailor the exercises specifically to stressful situations.
Workshops for Children and their Caregivers
The Family Center, the Cité Bibliothéik (tuffi), and I offer the Butterfly Workshop for Children and Caregivers several times a year. Children (and adults) discover the story of Jonah through the exercises and a range of other activities for stress regulation. The workshop is possible in Luxembourgish, German, French, and English. It is not specific to autistic individuals.
We will confirm the dates for the year 2024 later. If you are interested, to get information and participate, you can send an email to contact(at)joannetheisen.com, info(at)familljen-center.lu, or tuffi(at)vdl.lu. You can also call the Family Center at 47 45 44 or Tuffi at 47 96 27 32.
Here, you can also see a fantastic video of a workshop for an impression of the activities and atmosphere. The workshop took place outside the autistic context.