Christian Embodiment Training

What does it mean to live a fully embodied, whole hearted life and to minister to others in creative, embodied ways!

Join Jody Thomae, author/teacher on creativity, spirituality & embodiment, for personalized teaching, soul companioning, mentoring and guidance through the Rooted & Reaching Embodied Care (RREC) Christian Embodiment Training. Whether you are…

  • A spiritual director, mentor or other pastoral or caregiving ministry
  • A counselor, social worker, therapist, trauma specialist or other mental health professional
  • A life, health or business coach
  • An educator focused on special populations and developmental needs
  • An integrative/alternative health practitioner, yoga/somatic teacher or therapist
  • Caregiver, nurse, medical professional, EMS/First Responder
  • A ‘caregiver’ of any kind
  • Or simply here for your own embodied spiritual journey…

Take your life, work and ministry to others to a deeper level…
a fully-embodied, whole-hearted level!

The Rooted & Reaching Embodied Care (RREC) Christian Embodiment Training allows you to dive deeper into the philosophy and methodology of Rooted & Reaching Embodied Care: Integrated Spiritual Guidance and Caregiving for Mind, Body, Spirit & Soul. Receive Biblically-based instruction, practical tools, and guidance in the Rooted & Reaching Embodied Care way. Includes specialized training in:

  • embodying your spiritual life;
  • exploring scriptural postures of prayer and praise;
  • bringing embodied practices to your spiritual journey;
  • physiological response to wounding events;
  • how PolyVagal Theory, Attachment Theory and the MIrror Neuron System relate to body-based caregiving;
  • trauma-informed somatic tools for regulation and integration;
  • mindfulness practices including breathwork, grounding and centering exercises;
  • telling your story through spiritual “autoBODYography”;
  • creating and holding safe, sacred and brave space.

THREE LEVELS OF TRAINING AVAILABLE

ONLINE CHRISTIAN EMBODIMENT COURSE OPTION: An affordable online only option is available for those looking for Christ-centered embodiment tools for their own self-care or for their care giving ministries. This option makes this training accessible to those unable to travel to attend the in-person training. Self-directed study with online modules divided into short, digestible sections. Learn at-your-own-pace. Includes links to many other resources. Read more about this option here AND/OR APPLY FOR ONLINE HERE! Worth 50 continuing education credits. $275*

ROOTED & REACHING EMBODIED CARE FULL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM OPTION: Participants: 1) participate in a 4-day, retreat-like training exploring and experiencing Christian embodied care; 2) attend one 3-day REtreat (retreat fee covered in tuition); 3) online learning modules with full teaching curriculum; 4) receive special teaching, coaching and connection via quarterly Zoom calls (ongoing access as an alumni); 5) engage in reflective, self-study of related materials, books and resources; 6) explore a variety of embodied practices; and 7) have an opportunity to begin practicing your new skills with guidance and supervision from Jody. Program can be tailored to your unique ministry or work setting. Rolling enrollment and self-paced program allows you to determine your timeframe for completion (one to three years is recommended). Complete all syllabus requirements to be certified as a Rooted & Reaching Embodied Care specialist. Includes marketing rights to the RREC name and logo, as well as feedback from Jody on application of the RREC tools to your ministry setting. 100 continuing education hours awarded upon completion. APPLY HERE $1,775*

ROOTED & REACHING EMBODIED CARE IN-PERSON TRAINING ONLY OPTION: Simply attend the RREC in-person training; an RREC REtreat of choice (included in tuition); complete online learning modules; and attend zoom calls as desired; and receive 75 continuing education credits. There is no discount for this option, but it does “take the pressure off” if the RREC certification and marketing rights are not necessary for your professional setting. APPLY HERE $1,775*

The 4-day RREC In-Person Training runs Thursday 5:30pm thru Sunday 2pm. The 3-day RREC REtreats take place two to three times a year and run Friday 6pm thru Sunday 2pm. (Click here for 2025 retreat dates.) The 4-day RREC Training space is limited to no more than six participants in order to build close community and connection, as well as to provide you with the attention you deserve in this in-depth study into embodiment and spirituality.

$1,775* Full Tuition for the Rooted & Reaching Embodied Care Certificate Program includes:

  • One 4-day RREC Training
  • One 3-day RREC REtreat
  • Online Learning Modules with full teaching curriculum
  • Zoom teaching calls (3-4/year) – this is for current participants & all alumni of the program
  • 2 Books: God’s Creative Gift and Voices of Wisdom in the Body
  • RREC Journal & tote bag
  • Lunch, snacks, coffee & tea provided while at the Rooted & Reaching Lakeside studio + CommUNITY dinner Thursday evening of RREC Training
  • 100 Continuing educational (CE) hours through Christian Yoga Association (also good for YA/IAYT as a manual entry with digital certificate for upload)

* Payment plans are available for a slight fee.
*Credit cards fees apply and are indicated at purchase.

Cost does NOT include lodging, breakfast or Friday/Saturday dinners. You can arrange lodging to suit your own needs at one of several options:

  • “Miriam’s House” is a private guest home less than 10 minutes from the studio with three private rooms and two shared baths and common spaces. At $75/night per person (Miriam rents by the room), it is the most affordable option. Wonderful sunrise AND sunset views across rolling farmland, this Western Reserve style home is renovated and filled with country charm. You can see it on Google maps. Bring a friend, share the King size room and share the cost. Please contact Jody for Miriam’s contact information. Breakfast not included.
  • For more privacy and a wonderful breakfast you can book a room at Blackfork Marken Inn Bed & Breakfast in the quaint and quirky village of Loudonville, Ohio. Cost of two nights lodging will vary based on the room you select. Bring a friend, share a room/bath and share the cost. Note: includes the advantage of breakfast provided.
  • Check VRBO or AirBnB for local listings. Check out these options: Vintage 2BR Bungalow in Perrysville, Raylin Farmhouse, The Bunkhouse, The Roundhouse, Large 3BR with Hot Tub, Enchanting Mohican Getaway, Tiny Cabin or Corky’s Cottage for nearby options (all within 10-12 minutes). This A-Frame Lake House is a quaint old cabin with original charm, great sunset views and is the only rental in walking-distance to the studio! I also highly recommend a VRBO in Loudonville (15-min from the studio) with its quirky vibe, quaint shops and apartments overlooking the main drag. Check here for options. Let Jody know if you’d like to connect with others interested in sharing a VRBO. Note that you will need to have breakfast items on hand if you are staying at a private home as breakfast is not provided. Breakfast is also an option at Wedgewing in Perrysville near the lake.
  • Camping at Pleasant Hill Lake Park is less than 1 mile from the studio and (if you don’t mind walking the equestrian trail) within walking distance. There are deluxe log cabins with laundry and hot tubs you can rent there too!
  • NOTE: Add an extra night to your visit to enjoy some nearby hiking and recreational activities.

Apply today for IN-PERSON training or apply for the online only training option or contact Jody so we can schedule a time to talk and see if this program is a good fit for you and your ministry!