ISMETA presents an in-person Special Topic Conference
Dynamic Balance: Somatic Movement for Times of Change
Date: September 16 - 18, 2027
Location: Coast Coal Harbour Hotel | Vancouver, Canada
In a world of constant change, balance is not a destination but a living, responsive process. Dynamic Balance: Somatic Movement for Times of Change invites the global somatic movement community to explore how embodied practices cultivate resilience, presence, and creative adaptation.
Through presentations, experiential workshops, research, and dialogue, participants will engage with diverse somatic traditions and contemporary perspectives on movement, health, education, and social transformation.
Together, we will investigate how cultivating dynamic balance within ourselves and our interdependent relationships can strengthen our capacity to meet the challenges and opportunities of change.
Details about the conference can be found HERE. Discounted accommodations at Coast Coal Harbour Hotel are available for up to three days before and after the conference (September 13–21), subject to availability. Click here to make your hotel reservation.
There are many ways to become an ISMETA Member! Click here for details about joining as a Student Member, a Friend of ISMETA, or a Professional Member. Any of these ISMETA Memberships will provide discounts for this conference registration as well as classes and workshops in our online Professional Development Center!
Register for the Conference Below
Super Early Bird Prices available through March 11, 2027
Members: $420 (full price: $590)
Non-members: $590 (full price: $695)
ISMETA MEMBERS $420
NON MEMBERS $590
CANCELLATION POLICY
Conference registration fees will be refunded or transferred according to the following schedule:
• 75% refund of conference registration fees through July 16, 2027
• 50% refund of conference registration fees between July 17 and August 13, 2027
• After August 13, 2027, no refunds will be available
PLEASE NOTE: ISMETA does not handle cancellations or refunds for accommodation, airline, or train reservations. Please contact those businesses directly for their cancellation policies.
As an ISMETA member you could be saving on courses and receiving many other benefits
Benefits Include:
- A professional profile page featuring you and your work on the ISMETA website
- Access to affordable Professional Liability Insurance (with the Professional Member Plus Membership)
- Voting rights for ISMETA governance
- Ability to post in the monthly E-News, and worldwide somatic movement calendar
- Invitation to ISMETA membership meetings, webinars, and additional opportunities to network
- Receive ISMETA monthly E-News and member updates
- Special member deals on books, workshops, journal subscriptions, professional development and more
- Access to research and resources on Somatic Movement Education and Therapy
Join ISMETA as an Individual
There are three types of memberships for individuals
Click on a membership type below to see more information
Join ISMETA as a Professional Member
We are delighted that you are interested in becoming a Professional Member of ISMETA! Please follow the prompts below to learn about which application process is appropriate for you. You will also find information about Professional Member benefits, membership fees, and optional affordable liability insurance.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBER BENEFITS
• Access to affordable Professional Liability Insurance (Please see Professional Member Plus options below.)
• Special discounts on ISMETA Professional Development Center courses, conference fees, Bookstore, and more!
• A professional profile page in the Practitioner Directory on the ISMETA website
• Invitation to submit a video recording of your work for inclusion in the ISMETA YouTube channel
• Ability to post your events in the worldwide ISMETA Events Calendar
• Participation in professional community-building events such as member-only Somatic Cafes
• Access to the ISMETA Research Database and other member-only resources
• Invitation to the Annual ISMETA Membership Meeting (virtual and in-person options)
• Voting rights in ISMETA governance
Did you graduate from an ISMETA-Approved Training Program?
If yes, please complete these simple steps to join via the Fast Track:
- Email your certificate of completion for your training to info@ismeta.org.
- Complete the Online Payment Form by choosing one of the "APPLICATION PAYMENT OPTIONS" links below.
- To receive $55 off the joining fee, use this discount code on the Online Payment Form: atp
For guidance on choosing registration type (Somatic Movement Educator or Therapist) click here.
Graduates who are also members of an Affiliated Membership Organization (such as the BodyMindCentering® Association, the Feldenkrais Guild of North America, or the Continuum Teachers Association) can contact ISMETA for an additional discount: info@ismeta.org.
Special Instructions
FGNA Members: Email your FGNA certificate instead of the Independent Track form.
Current Student Members: To become a professional member of ISMETA (ASMP, RSME/T), please contact info@ismeta.org to upgrade your membership. (There is no need to reapply.)
If you didn’t graduate from an ISMETA-Approved Training Program:
Please read the Scope of Practice and Core Competencies for Somatic Movement Education and Therapy, and the Professional Member Training Requirements.
Did your somatic movement training prepare you to practice according to these guidelines? If so, read on! If not, you are welcome to become a Friend of ISMETA.
INDEPENDENT TRACK APPLICATIONS
Please see the different applications offered for different hours of somatic movement training completed:
250 HOURS OF TRAINING
If you have completed 250 hours of training in Somatic Movement Education and/or Therapy with an independent program or mentor, you are eligible to apply for these credentials:
- Associate Somatic Movement Professional (ASMP) - designed for people who have a primary professional identity in another field (for example, physical therapy, psychotherapy, expressive arts) and want to integrate somatic movement into the work they are already trained in.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ASMP APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION. - Registered Somatic Dance Educator (RSDE) - designed for people who have higher education training as dance educators and want to integrate Somatic Movement into their pedagogy.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REGISTERED DANCE EDUCATOR REQUIREMENTS.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RSDE APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RSDE APPLICATION.
500 HOURS OF TRAINING
If you have completed 500 hours of training in Somatic Movement Education and/or Therapy with an ISMETA-Approved Training Program, an independent program, a mentor, or a combination of these, you are eligible to apply to become:
- Registered Somatic Movement Educator
- Registered Somatic Movement Therapist
These credentials are designed for people who practice professionally as Somatic Movement Educators and Therapists.
For guidance on choosing registration type (Somatic Movement Educator or Therapist) click here.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RSME/RSMT APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.
1,000 HOURS OF TRAINING
If you have completed: 1,000 hours of training in Somatic Movement Education and/or Therapy with an ISMETA-Approved Training Program, an independent program, a mentor, or a combination of these; 500 hours of professional practice with individuals and/or group; and a significant contribution to the profession in the form of publications, research, curricular development, conference presentations, and/or embodied praxes, you are eligible to apply to become:
- Master* Somatic Movement Educator (MSME)
- Master* Somatic Movement Therapist (MSMT)
These credentials are designed for professionals with advanced skill level, and at least 10 years in the field.
* For an explanation of our use of this term, please click HERE and scroll to the bottom of our Equity and Justice Statement.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MSME/T APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MSME/T APPLICATION.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP FEES
Click here to preview Professional Membership Fees.
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Optional)
Professional ISMETA Members in these countries are eligible for affordable professional liability insurance through the “Professional Member Plus” options offered below: United States (US) and Canada; and the United Kingdom (UK), the European Economic Area (EEA), and South Africa. For more detailed information about professional liability insurance, please click here.
APPLICATION PAYMENT OPTIONS
Join ISMETA as a Student Member
This membership category is open to any person who is currently studying at:
- an ISMETA Approved Training Program or
- Mentoring with a Master Somatic Movement Educator and/or Therapist
Benefits include:
- Discounts on ISMETA Professional Development Center courses, conference fees, Bookstore, and more
- Participation in professional community-building events such as member-only Somatic Cafes
- Access to the ISMETA Research Database and other member-only resources
- Invitation to the Annual ISMETA Membership Meeting (virtual and in-person options)
- Free Fast Track application (no fee applies) to become a professional member upon graduation
- Professional advocacy for your future profession
Student Members attending an Approved Training Program automatically become RSME or RSMT upon graduation by sending their certificate. No application fee is required.
Join ISMETA as an Associate (Friend of ISMETA)
Join as a Friend of ISMETA
This membership category is open to all. A friend can be a practitioner, a client, or anyone wishing to become a part of ISMETA and to connect to the worldwide Somatic Movement Community.
Benefits Include:
- Invitation to ISMETA membership meetings, webinars, and other networking events
- Discounts on ISMETA Professional Development Center courses, conference fees, Bookstore, and more
- Participation in professional community-building events such as member-only Somatic Cafes
- Access to the ISMETA Research Database and other member-only resources
Join ISMETA as an Individual
There are three types of memberships for individuals
Click on a membership type below to see more information
Join ISMETA as a Professional Member
We are delighted that you are interested in becoming a Professional Member of ISMETA! Please follow the prompts below to learn about which application process is appropriate for you. You will also find information about Professional Member benefits, membership fees, and optional affordable liability insurance.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBER BENEFITS
• Access to affordable Professional Liability Insurance (Please see Professional Member Plus options below.)
• Special discounts on ISMETA Professional Development Center courses, conference fees, Bookstore, and more!
• A professional profile page in the Practitioner Directory on the ISMETA website
• Invitation to submit a video recording of your work for inclusion in the ISMETA YouTube channel
• Ability to post your events in the worldwide ISMETA Events Calendar
• Participation in professional community-building events such as member-only Somatic Cafes
• Access to the ISMETA Research Database and other member-only resources
• Invitation to the Annual ISMETA Membership Meeting (virtual and in-person options)
• Voting rights in ISMETA governance
Did you graduate from an ISMETA-Approved Training Program?
If yes, please complete these simple steps to join via the Fast Track:
- Email your certificate of completion for your training to info@ismeta.org.
- Complete the Online Payment Form by choosing one of the "APPLICATION PAYMENT OPTIONS" links below.
- To receive $55 off the joining fee, use this discount code on the Online Payment Form: atp
For guidance on choosing registration type (Somatic Movement Educator or Therapist) click here.
Graduates who are also members of an Affiliated Membership Organization (such as the BodyMindCentering® Association, the Feldenkrais Guild of North America, or the Continuum Teachers Association) can contact ISMETA for an additional discount: info@ismeta.org.
Special Instructions
FGNA Members: Email your FGNA certificate instead of the Independent Track form.
Current Student Members: To become a professional member of ISMETA (ASMP, RSME/T), please contact info@ismeta.org to upgrade your membership. (There is no need to reapply.)
If you didn’t graduate from an ISMETA-Approved Training Program:
Please read the Scope of Practice and Core Competencies for Somatic Movement Education and Therapy, and the Professional Member Training Requirements.
Did your somatic movement training prepare you to practice according to these guidelines? If so, read on! If not, you are welcome to become a Friend of ISMETA.
INDEPENDENT TRACK APPLICATIONS
Please see the different applications offered for different hours of somatic movement training completed:
250 HOURS OF TRAINING
If you have completed 250 hours of training in Somatic Movement Education and/or Therapy with an independent program or mentor, you are eligible to apply for these credentials:
- Associate Somatic Movement Professional (ASMP) - designed for people who have a primary professional identity in another field (for example, physical therapy, psychotherapy, expressive arts) and want to integrate somatic movement into the work they are already trained in.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ASMP APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION. - Registered Somatic Dance Educator (RSDE) - designed for people who have higher education training as dance educators and want to integrate Somatic Movement into their pedagogy.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REGISTERED DANCE EDUCATOR REQUIREMENTS.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RSDE APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RSDE APPLICATION.
500 HOURS OF TRAINING
If you have completed 500 hours of training in Somatic Movement Education and/or Therapy with an ISMETA-Approved Training Program, an independent program, a mentor, or a combination of these, you are eligible to apply to become:
- Registered Somatic Movement Educator
- Registered Somatic Movement Therapist
These credentials are designed for people who practice professionally as Somatic Movement Educators and Therapists.
For guidance on choosing registration type (Somatic Movement Educator or Therapist) click here.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RSME/RSMT APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.
1,000 HOURS OF TRAINING
If you have completed: 1,000 hours of training in Somatic Movement Education and/or Therapy with an ISMETA-Approved Training Program, an independent program, a mentor, or a combination of these; 500 hours of professional practice with individuals and/or group; and a significant contribution to the profession in the form of publications, research, curricular development, conference presentations, and/or embodied praxes, you are eligible to apply to become:
- Master* Somatic Movement Educator (MSME)
- Master* Somatic Movement Therapist (MSMT)
These credentials are designed for professionals with advanced skill level, and at least 10 years in the field.
* For an explanation of our use of this term, please click HERE and scroll to the bottom of our Equity and Justice Statement.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MSME/T APPLICATION PREVIEW.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MSME/T APPLICATION.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP FEES
Click here to preview Professional Membership Fees.
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Optional)
Professional ISMETA Members in these countries are eligible for affordable professional liability insurance through the “Professional Member Plus” options offered below: United States (US) and Canada; and the United Kingdom (UK), the European Economic Area (EEA), and South Africa. For more detailed information about professional liability insurance, please click here.
APPLICATION PAYMENT OPTIONS
Join ISMETA as a Student Member
This membership category is open to any person who is currently studying at:
- an ISMETA Approved Training Program or
- Mentoring with a Master Somatic Movement Educator and/or Therapist
Benefits include:
- Discounts on ISMETA Professional Development Center courses, conference fees, Bookstore, and more
- Participation in professional community-building events such as member-only Somatic Cafes
- Access to the ISMETA Research Database and other member-only resources
- Invitation to the Annual ISMETA Membership Meeting (virtual and in-person options)
- Free Fast Track application (no fee applies) to become a professional member upon graduation
- Professional advocacy for your future profession
Student Members attending an Approved Training Program automatically become RSME or RSMT upon graduation by sending their certificate. No application fee is required.
Join ISMETA as an Associate (Friend of ISMETA)
Join as a Friend of ISMETA
This membership category is open to all. A friend can be a practitioner, a client, or anyone wishing to become a part of ISMETA and to connect to the worldwide Somatic Movement Community.
Benefits Include:
- Invitation to ISMETA membership meetings, webinars, and other networking events
- Discounts on ISMETA Professional Development Center courses, conference fees, Bookstore, and more
- Participation in professional community-building events such as member-only Somatic Cafes
- Access to the ISMETA Research Database and other member-only resources