Workshops

Read on for general information about my workshops or click on a link above to find out details on a particular one.

My workshops are about building awareness (ie bringing more of our unconscious self into our consciousness).  Fundamental to building awareness is building connection with our whole being, meaning our mind as well as our body.  If one of these is left out of the equation then the road to happiness is more arduous and much longer.

At the core of my work is Zapchen Somatics.  This is a specialised stream within the field of Somatic Psychotherapy and while it has a long lineage is mostly attributed to the work of Dr Julie Henderson, a practicing somatic psychotherapist and Buddhist.

All of my workshops use the gentle exercises from zapchen somatics to assist in softening and increase relaxation in the body.  This is turn promotes energy redistribution (it’s like your mind focuses differently and on different places within your body) so that you get a better sense of connection and a feeling of being more settled.  All of the work is done in a private and safe place – in fact I encourage participants to show compassion for themselves and follow their ‘gut’ – if an exercise doesn’t feel right – then don’t do it!  The exercises themselves are all easy and things we probably did as kids e.g., blowing raspberries, humming, rocking – so everyone has the necessary experience 🙂  These exercises help us to tone the diaphragms of the body, which supports the flow of emotion and energy.

The All About You workshops are monthly drop in classes, so these are not as in depth as the 8 week groups. They are a great way to “top up” if you have done an 8 week group but are also good for people who want a taste of the work before committing to 8 weeks.  These workshops increase relaxation, de-stress and are a lot of fun.

As well as exercises there is an opportunity to do some free flow dance, in your own space and to your own rhythm at All About You.  Again I encourage people to respect where they are at and move and flow to the music in ways that feel good.  I often guide the group into their bodily experience whilst we move but ultimately this is your dance and an invitation for your own self expression.

The Movement, Breath and Sound Healing and Balancing Circle workshop is a very different experience to my other workshops.  It is a opportunity to connect in with different energies.  It is about clearing the chakras and supporting strengthening and integrating energetic change during intense times.  Helen Louca co-leads this workshop.

The Social Retreat is a very special weekend in the Blue Mountains.  It is a step back to retreats of old with solemn practices (including yoga, silence and meditation) combined with opportunities for deepening relationship and connection.  Both the Social and Retreat aspects of the weekend are equal priority so that together we build our capcity for awareness and fun.  Craig Bennett co-leads this weekend workshop.