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VHS talks in autumn 2026: understanding the nervous system, trauma and pain

Tino Both · · 6 min read

VHS talks in autumn 2026: understanding the nervous system, trauma and pain
Briefly explained: Three topics, two locations: in autumn 2026, Lena Schmalzl and I are offering talks at VHS adult education centres on the nervous system and stress, trauma, and pain. Each talk takes place once in Vilshofen and once in Passau. You can attend the evenings individually; no previous knowledge is required.
Which evening fits your question?Stress and inner tension: ‘Understanding the nervous system’ – with Lena and me.
Physical protective responses after distressing experiences: ‘Understanding trauma’ – with Lena.
Recurring pain and suitable movement: ‘Understanding pain’ – with me.

Nervous system · Vilshofen, 5 October →
Trauma · Vilshofen, 12 October →
Nervous system · Passau, 26 October →
Pain · Vilshofen, 29 October →
Trauma · Passau, 9 November →
Pain · Passau, 12 November →
When a response is harder to understand than the event
The demanding day has ended, but the tension remains. A memory triggers a physical response before you can make sense of it. Or a movement hurts repeatedly, even though you have already tried many things. Our series of talks starts with questions like these: it aims to make the connections easier to understand and provide an initial practical approach.
Lena brings her body-oriented, trauma-sensitive perspective as a German Heilpraktiker specialising in psychotherapy. I add my perspective from Angewandte Neurofunktion. We present one evening together and each explore our own topic in more depth on two further evenings.
1. Understanding the nervous system – stress, the body and self-regulation
Would you like to understand better why tension does not disappear simply because you decide to relax? In our joint talk, we consider how stress can show itself in the body and the role of perception, orientation and bodily sensation.
We combine clear explanations with simple exercises. These include noticing your breathing, trying out orientation in the room and becoming more aware of physical changes. Not every exercise feels the same for everyone. These differences can be observed rather than overridden by trying harder.
This evening is suitable for you if …… you would like to understand stress, inner restlessness or overwhelm better.
… you want to discover everyday approaches to body awareness and self-regulation.
… you are interested in how our two perspectives work together.

With: Lena Schmalzl and Tino Both
Dates: 5 October in Vilshofen or 26 October in Passau
Fee: 24 euros per evening
2. Understanding trauma – body-based approaches to safety and self-regulation
Lena explains how distressing and overwhelming experiences can show themselves in physical responses. Terms such as triggers, flashbacks, dissociation and the window of tolerance are explained in relation to everyday life. The central question is how orientation, personal resources and body awareness can provide a route towards stabilisation.
The evening includes gentle practical exercises for awareness and stabilisation. It provides information and orientation; trauma processing does not take place in the group. This matters when deciding whether the format currently fits your concern.
This evening is suitable for you if …… you would like to understand physical protective responses after distressing experiences better.
… you are looking for more guidance as a relative or a professional supporting others.
… you would like to discover gentle approaches involving the body.

With: Lena Schmalzl
Dates: 12 October in Vilshofen or 9 November in Passau
Fee: 18 euros per evening
3. Understanding pain – what the nervous system has to do with it
My talk explores why pain cannot be understood solely by looking at a muscle or joint. We consider possible influences of perception, movement and demands, and explore how an individual's response to an exercise can be checked.
How can I recognise an exercise that suits me?A movement provides the starting point. After a selected stimulus, the same task is performed again. Was it easier, unchanged or more unpleasant? This comparison makes the choice understandable. It is the beginning of a decision, rather than a claim to solve every pain problem in one evening.
Simple self-tests and neurocentric exercises make this idea accessible in practice. You do not need exceptional sporting ability or previous anatomical knowledge. The aim is a clearer understanding of your responses and a more considered approach to movement.
This evening is suitable for you if …… you would like to understand recurring symptoms better.
… you want to judge exercises by your individual response as well as by their name.
… you are interested in neuroathletic training and a functional perspective on movement.

With: Tino Both
Dates: 29 October in Vilshofen or 12 November in Passau
Fee: 18 euros per evening
All six dates with direct registration
All evenings run from 18:00 to 20:00. Registration is directly with the VHS. You can also see the current booking status there.
05.10.2026 · Vilshofen · Understanding the nervous systemVenue: Obere Vorstadt 17, seminar room 1
With: Lena Schmalzl and Tino Both
Fee: 24 euros
Course number: 262342703

Details and registration with the VHS →
12.10.2026 · Vilshofen · Understanding traumaVenue: Obere Vorstadt 17, seminar room 1
With: Lena Schmalzl
Fee: 18 euros
Course number: 262342704

Details and registration with the VHS →
26.10.2026 · Passau · Understanding the nervous systemVenue: Neuburger Straße 60
With: Lena Schmalzl and Tino Both
Fee: 24 euros
Course number: 262342013

Details and registration with the VHS →
29.10.2026 · Vilshofen · Understanding painVenue: Obere Vorstadt 17, seminar room 1
With: Tino Both
Fee: 18 euros
Course number: 262342705

Details and registration with the VHS →
09.11.2026 · Passau · Understanding traumaVenue: Neuburger Straße 60
With: Lena Schmalzl
Fee: 18 euros
Course number: 262342015

Details and registration with the VHS →
12.11.2026 · Passau · Understanding painVenue: Neuburger Straße 60
With: Tino Both
Fee: 18 euros
Course number: 262342014

Details and registration with the VHS →
Practical questions before registering
Do I have to attend all three talks?No. Each evening is understandable on its own and can be booked individually. The same talk on each topic is offered at both locations; you choose the date that suits you.
What should I bring?The VHS lists writing materials and thick socks or slippers. The advertised group sizes are a minimum of five and a maximum of ten participants.
Can I have a personal problem assessed during the talk?A talk provides guidance and allows people to try things together. A personal appointment is more suitable for an individual concern. Acute or unexplained symptoms should be medically assessed beforehand.
An introduction that aims to make questions easier to understand
You do not need to have studied the nervous system in depth already. If you would like to understand more precisely what your body does under stress, demands or movement, these evenings offer a manageable introduction. We look forward to your questions and to exchanging ideas in Vilshofen and Passau.

Sources and further links

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