The SYSTM Review: Cost, Format and Who It Fits

Our honest The SYSTM review comes down to one question. Do you want five trauma-informed days in San Diego with one teacher, or live training with two teachers near Phoenix or online?

The SYSTM is a trademark of its owner. Liquid Breathwork is not affiliated with or endorsed by The SYSTM or Summer Valentino, and we don't teach or certify their method.

Next training
Online: next cohort March 9, 2027
In person: Scottsdale, Feb 5-7

See Our Training Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Training Fits What You Want

Choose The SYSTM

If San Diego works and safety is your top priority, pick them.

  • A trauma-informed core: screening, consent, titration and scope
  • Five days with Summer, ending in a supervised practicum
  • Both directions of breath, plus 1:1 and group session design

Choose Liquid Breathwork

If you want two teachers, live, we're the better fit.

  • Live teaching, in the room or on group calls
  • Ryan and Shelby Von Oepen, RN, guide multiple sessions every month and share the exact strategies they use to grow community and repeat clients
  • Practice guiding our surrender-based signature session and a Rebirthing session

Liquid Breathwork vs The SYSTM

The SYSTM is a trademark of its owner. Liquid Breathwork is not affiliated with it. Updated October 25, 2026.

Quick answer: The SYSTM trains Breathwork facilitators over five days in San Diego for $3,500, or self-paced online for $2,500. Liquid Breathwork trains you live with two teachers, near Phoenix or online.

ComparedLiquid BreathworkThe SYSTM
Who runs itRyan McBurney and Shelby Von Oepen, RN, teach every cohort togetherSummer ValentinoThrough The SYSTM LLC, a California company.
FormatLive training, in person or on online group calls, built around hands-on practice and real experience so you leave confident guiding.In person, or self-paced online
Trauma-informedYes. Woven throughout the training and built into our whole approach to Breathwork.Yes, stated on their siteThey say: “Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator Certification”
SessionsA taught session structure, script, AND guiding phrasesThen we encourage fluidity and following your intuition.Session structure taughtPlus designing a session from scratch and adapting live.
In person in the USYes. Phoenix area, plus seven more US cities in 2027.Yes. San Diego, January 20 to 24, 2027.Limited to 50 seats. Travel and stay not included.
Duration3 days in person, or 12 weeks online5 days in personOnline hours not published.
Price$1,497Online. Early bird through January 1, 2027, then $1,797.$1,997In person, 2027 early bird, then $2,497.$3,500San Diego, or 4 payments of $875 until December 2, 2026.$2,500Online, self-paced.
FocusConscious connected Breathwork / Rebirthing and surrender, with our signature Liquid Breathwork sessionPlus a wide technique range and business training.Trauma-informed facilitation and nervous system science

The SYSTM figures from the-systm.com, checked October 25, 2026, trauma-informed claim checked October 26, 2026. Their certifications page lists in person at $4,500. Prices change, so confirm on their site.

Ryan McBurney guiding a live Liquid Breathwork class in Phoenix

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What We Liked, and What to Weigh

The safety work is real. The application includes a health screen, and a full day covers contraindications, consent and scope. Price, payment plan and refunds are published up front.

What to weigh: one teacher for up to 50 people, one date, and travel on top of tuition. Refunds drop to zero from December 16.

To learn live with two teachers, see our Breathwork certification, or try a free recording of one of our live Breathwork classes first.

These lessons cover the same safety ground The SYSTM is known for.

  • Trauma-Informed Facilitation
  • The Nervous System & Polyvagal Theory
  • Insurance, Waivers & Contraindications
  • Tetany & Why It's Safe
  • Structuring a Session: The Energetic Arc

See the full curriculum

What we don't teach: The SYSTM's four nervous system types or its nervous system blueprints, and we don't certify their method. If you need those, train with them.

Breathwork Training
Dates and Tuition

Three days in person or twelve weeks online. The same surrender-based method and mentorship from Ryan and Shelby either way.

See all dates and locations (6 more)

Every Training Includes

  • Complete course materials and manual
  • Ongoing mentorship from Ryan and Shelby
  • Private graduate community
  • Monthly graduate call on the first Wednesday of every month

Not sure yet? Share your info and we will reach out or Book a Clarity Call.

The SYSTM Review FAQ

Is The SYSTM legit?

Summer Valentino runs it through The SYSTM LLC, a California company. She lists herself as a Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator, Nervous System Specialist and Touch & Somatic Practitioner. Her site publishes the curriculum, price, health screen and refund policy, but not where she trained or for how long.

How much does The SYSTM cost?

The San Diego training (January 20 to 24, 2027) is $3,500, or 4 payments of $875 until December 2, 2026, plus travel. Their certifications page lists online at $2,500 and in person at $4,500. Checked October 25, 2026.

Is The SYSTM accredited?

Their site does not list a third-party accreditation. It calls the program a professional certification and awards a Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator Certification on completion. No license is required to enroll.

What is the difference between The SYSTM and Liquid Breathwork?

The SYSTM is five days in San Diego with Summer Valentino, or self-paced online. We teach live with Ryan McBurney and Shelby Von Oepen, RN, near Phoenix or on online group calls, and we don't teach their method.

Still comparing? Read our roundup of the best Breathwork certifications, or the Pause Breathwork alternative comparison.

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