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BE HERE NOW - A GESTALT IMMERSIVE RETREAT
TIME & LOCATION
14 November 2024, 4pm (AEDT) - 17 November 2024, 3pm (AEDT)
St Josephs Spirituality & Education Centre
8 Humphreys Rd, Kincumber South NSW 2251, Australia
About our Gestalt Retreat
During the three-day gestalt retreat, participants will engage in comprehensive learning experiences, including the exploration of voice dialogue techniques, experimenting with various therapeutic approaches, and utilizing metaphors to deepen client understanding.
The retreat will also include an integrated field theory approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal experiences and environmental factors, fostering a holistic approach to therapy, enhancing participants' skills in facilitating transformative and impactful client sessions.
As part of the retreat it is our intention for the participants to gain new skills and experience a number of Gestalt techniques that they can incorporate into their own life as well as their client work. There will also be opportunities for group process and fishbowl work where the participants can explore their own dynamics, behaviours and patterns.
The clinical teaching component of the Gestalt retreat will include therapeutic techniques and methods of working with clients in therapy sessions will be as follows:
The use of experiments in the counselling session:
This session will offer retreat participants insights into how they can allow their client to have an embodied experience rather than talking about what has happened to them. Experiments in Gestalt are designed so the client can develop self awareness of body language, voice tone, behavioral patterns and movement. This will be facilitated with the use of:
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Role play
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Enactment
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Experiential exercises/activity that promotes awareness and change.
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Ways to introduce Empty Chair work with your client, including facilitating role play and dialogue with the client’s parts of self or directing dialogue to another person.
Throughout this teaching component, there will be a demonstration and then working in pairs with one person as the therapist and the other as the client, where each person has an opportunity to introduce an experiment with their client.
The use of metaphor and imagery when working with clients:
In this session, the participants will learn about paying attention to themes and metaphors in the session, which can help the client gain access to a deeper and more embodied level of their experience. We will explore how metaphors are very common in everyday language and once you become attuned to listening out for them, then there is an opportunity for further connection and exploration.
Hence, in this teaching component, the participants will not only learn about the benefits, but they will gain practical skills on ways to introduce metaphors in the counselling session.
The teaching component will offer:
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Examples of different metaphors
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How to introduce them
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How to pick up on themes with the client
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Ways to reflect back to the client
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Bringing in curiosity with the client session
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Introducing guided imagery and projection techniques in the session.
Participants will have opportunities to practice with a partner using metaphors and imagery.
Working with the shadow - an introduction to parts theory:
In this teaching and experiential component of the retreat, participants will have an opportunity to explore the concept of working with parts of the psyche that clients may keep hidden away, such as anger, fear, resentment etc. These hidden or unacknowledged parts are often known as ‘shadow parts’ or the ‘shadow self’, which describes things that people repress or do not acknowledge.
This session will support the participant to gain a better understanding of themselves and their own shadow parts, hence having the capacity to integrate and own any projections. This self awareness will then allow the therapist to hold space and introduce this healing modality with their clients.
This teaching component will offer:
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Experiential exercises on ways to assimilate the shadow and the persona so that a participant can learn how to manage impulses they usually ignore, such as anger and/or more positive disowned parts such as assertiveness or confidence
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Ways to work with projections with your clients. Participants will work reflectively completing ‘Byron Katie’ worksheets on owning projections and addressing prejudices and judgments
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Gain integration and acceptance of themselves
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Understanding the challenges their clients many face with their shadow selves
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When to introduce shadow work, pace and going slowly
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Trauma informed - being mindful that shadow work can be difficult and upsetting
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Practicing self-care and compassion when unexpected thoughts or feelings come up
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Approaching the shadow self with a spirit of curiosity and acceptance
Participants will have opportunities to self reflect, share in small groups and practice with a partner using parts, projections and shadow work.
Field theory and the use of figure and ground in therapy session,
plus group dynamics
Weaved throughout the retreat will be the concept of working with the energetic field and the patterns between the individual participants and the group dynamics as a whole.
The theory component of the teachings will focus on:
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The constant dynamic and changing field and how your individual energy can impact upon the client session.
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How to use a phenomenological method of enquiry with your clients by remaining as close to the client’s experience as possible.
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Exploring the concepts of ‘bracketing’ (holding and putting aside judgments), description (simply describing what you are witnessing in the now) and Horizontialism (all aspects of the behavior, expression, appearance are equally important).
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Working with curiosity, whilst keeping the client in the here and now.
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Working with the co constructed field and the relationship between the client and therapist.
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Attending to what is figural for the client at the present moment but also attend to what is in the ground (background) of the client’s experience
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Zones of awareness – inner, middle and outer zones
Participants will have opportunities to debrief group process dynamics and to practice with a partner using phenomenological enquiry and a field theory approach.
MEET THE TEAM
Tamika Dwight-Scott
Tamika is a Gestalt Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher, Yoga Instructor, Facilitator and Trainer who is passionate about supporting couples and individuals to become the best version of themself.
Tamika has many years experience in organiSing retreats, both overseas and in Australia. She uses an integrative and holistic approach to her work utilising her skills as a Gestalt Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Clinical Resource Therapist. Tamika is also a resident senior facilitator at the Petrea King, Quest for Life Foundation and feels much gratitude for the opportunity to pass on her knowledge, life skills and wisdom to participants.
Tamika’s profound experience allows her to guide both individuals and groups through transformational experiences, allowing deeper connection and insights into their relationship with themself.
Her empathic, non judgmental approach supports individuals to let go of defensive patterns and explore vulnerability, hence being able to connect with authenticity, leading to meaningful breakthroughs.
Tamika is passionate about her work and life and feels grateful that she is able to pass on her knowledge, skills, life experience and wisdom to others through therapy, training, facilitation and retreats.
QUALIFICATIONS
Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy (GTS)
Adv Dip Gestalt Therapy (TGI)
Adv Dip Applied Social Science and Counselling (ACAP)
Advanced Clinical Resource Therapist and Trainer (RTI)
Adv Dip Clinical Hypnotherapy (HTA)
Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher (MMTCP with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach)
Yoga Instructor (Yogic Wisdom)
Cert 1V Training and Assessment
Clinical member PACFA & GANZ GTS)
PACFA accredited supervisor
Phil Oldfield
Phil grew up in Sydney and went to Normanhurst Boys High. His first job fresh out of school was doing global economic and political research work whilst he did his Commerce Degree at UNSW.
Phil has been running groups and seeing individuals and couples for therapy for over 30 years. His practice sees a range of individuals from many different backgrounds and ages and works with individuals and couples including gay men, lesbians and heterosexual couples.
The two maxims that guide Phil are “The healing is in the meeting” and “The wisdom is in the individual”.
One of Phil’s principals has been that a therapist must be in touch with their own wounded self and be committed to their own healing. At the same time to develop a skill set to be able to walk with a client through their own journey of healing. Phil feels this is still a primary requirement of good therapy and is deeply grateful for those years where his students taught him through their honesty, struggle and wisdom, at least as much as he taught them.
Phil is a Gestalt Psychotherapist who was not only a co director and trainer at the Sydney Gestalt Institute, but has organised and facilitated many Gestalt residentials and retreats throughout his many years as an experienced Psychotherapist, trainer and facilitator.
QUALIFICATIONS
B.A. Sociology
Gestalt Psychotherapist
GANZ Clinical Member
Kelly Corlett
Kelly is a qualified Gestalt Psychotherapist and Group Facilitator, who is passionate about the power, intelligence and healing in group work.
Kelly is a three time survivor of cancer with all the treatment. As a result of that, it has provided Kelly with many strengths, tools and a renewed perspective that enhances her abilities.
Kelly is enlivened by using her training and experience to support and awaken people, particularly those going through challenging circumstance, elevating their spirits and reframing their present circumstance as a unique opportunity for personal development and a reigniting of their life’s path.
Presently Kelly is working at Quest for Life as a Senior Supervisor, where as part of a team she facilitates connection and healing for people experiencing significant trauma. Kelly oversees the overall running of day to day details, and connects with participants to ensure their wellbeing and comfort, listening for overall themes that may be useful to address throughout the program.
Kelly also co-facilitates workshops and retreats for those diagnosed with Cancer on the Central Coast of NSW. Creating a space for participants to share their experience, hopes and fears and support and educate them with tools to aid their overall well-being and encourage them to live expansively.
Kelly is a whole-hearted, observant, and authentic communicator. When not working in groups, Kelly love to write, which helps her make sense of herself and the world.
QUALIFICATIONS
Professional Training Group Facilitation | 2019 | The Relational Institute with Margarete Koenning.
Clinical Resource Therapy | 2018 | Resource Therapy International – Tamika Dwight Scott
Diploma Family Constellation | 2017 | Hypnotherapy Training Australia – Maria Dolenc
Gestalt Counselling | 2015 | Terrigal Gestalt Institute - Advanced Clinical training in Gestalt Therapy, Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Gestalt Therapy
Certificate The Daring Way for Wholehearted Practitioners | 2015 | Brave Therapy
Margarete Keonning
BA Social Work | Senior Gestalt Therapist | PACFA Supervisor | Family Constellations Trainer & Facilitator | Director at the Systemic Constellation Academy
As a trainer and facilitator of Gestalt Therapy and Family & Systemic Constellations, Margarete is known and loved for her healing heart, her deep authentic contact, attention to phenomenology and inclusion of healing rituals. Informed by her training as a PACFA Supervisor, senior Gestalt Therapist and BA in Social Work, she draws on her 40+ years of experience, knowledge, and wisdom to inform her work and training.
When Margarete immigrated to Australia 30 years ago from Germany, she brought her knowledge of Gestalt Therapy and Family Constellations with her and has been offering it to clients and students ever since. She is greatly respected in the Gestalt Community and is passionate about teaching the next generation of therapists.
When she is not working, she enjoys living in the Sunshine Coast hinterland with her husband Keith, where she is deeply engaged with the community and likes staying active and connected.
Dinah Eades Buchanan
Dinah is an experienced Gestalt therapist, Spiritual Director, Clinical Supervisor, Educator and Retreat Facilitator. Dinah is passionate about Gestalt and its inherent focus on growth, both psychological and spiritual. Dinah was a faculty member of the Sydney Gestalt Institute for six years and a trainer and then Director of Terrigal Gestalt Institute for another five years.
As well as running workshops and intensives, Dinah is also a Conference speaker and Retreat facilitator. Dinah’s therapeutic focus includes personal / spiritual development, life transitions, working with depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement, and working with dreams and metaphor.
One of Dinah’s main interests is the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy, and understanding psychological crisis through a transpersonal lens. Her main passion is working with, and walking alongside, those who want to bring passion and creativity to their vocation and practice.
Declan Brady
Declan Brady is a qualified Gestalt therapist. He also works in the corporate sector in the area of Leadership Development and Organisational transformation with over 25 years experience working in the corporate world. He splits his working time between private practice in corporate work.
Declan has also worked as a core faculty member and gestalt therapy trainer and is passionate about supporting people to develop and grow more fully into themselves to lead more purpose and values led lives. He has worked in several rehabilitation centres as a Gestalt therapist helping clients in recovery from addictions and trauma.
He has more recently been specialising in working with trauma using a range of skills acquired through specialised training such as Somatic Experiencing, Brain-spotting and Compassionate Focused Therapy.
Declan has been practicing mindfulness meditation for over 25 years. He was previously a qualified senior trainer with the Potential Project who offer Corporate Based Mindfulness Training to organisations looking to enhance performance and well-being in the work setting.
Having two children, Declan also understands the responsibilities, challenges and joys of being a parent.