Residential Program

To be, or not to belong; that is the hope and dread

Last year we focused on the therapeutic implications of some of our philosophical progenitors, such as Buber, Gadamer and Merleau-Ponty. The insights and inspirations that they offered us wove throughout the experiential elements of the program. Their influences supported a growing interest in what it means to be a member of a community. Themes of inclusion and exclusion, dread of isolation, and also dread of stultifying attachments, were among the many dimensions of relationality that began to find expression. We will explore the many dimensions of belonging/non-belonging in this year’s program.

So join us for our usual week of living and learning in a community in which relational theory is explicated, and new theory and practice is explored. In this continually evolving program we focus on the relational context that shapes therapist/patient contact and on developmental themes as they evolve over the course of therapy. Our program includes daily theory lecture/discussions as well as direct, supervised experiential practice.

We are delighted with the extent to which this program has developed a "life of its own". Innovations from last year were well-received, and will be continued. Each year the program has been adapted to the needs and wishes of the participants, and each year the participants have expanded the program, building on the energy of a strong sense of community with participants from throughout the world.

Program Highlights

The strong sense of community, coupled with an inclusiveness towards all participants, has allowed the faculty and community to experiment with program design. For instance, we have an optional evening program run by participants who wish to contribute ideas and experiences. Some examples have been:

Improvisational theater
Group process
Free-writing
Experiments with art therapy

From beginning therapists to faculty members of gestalt therapy training programs, we have an extremely high rate of returning participants. Defining qualities of the program have become: the support for taking risks, mutual respect, and honest (even when difficult) dialogue.

Location: Our setting is the lovely foothills of Santa Barbara, at the La Casade Maria retreat center.

Dates:
Thursday evening, March 17 through Friday
noon, March 25, 2011. Monday is "rest day,"
during which one can hike, play tennis,
roam Santa Barbara and the beaches.

Tuition:
The fee, which includes the training, housing (double room) and meals,
is (US) $2200.* Any cancellation notice must be received one week in advance of the program starting date and a non-refundable charge of
$75 will apply.

* Some partial scholarships are available. For more information contact
Jan Ruckert by phone: 310-478-3300, fax: 310-471-2092, or email.

For more information about this program please contact Jan Ruckert by phone: 310-478-3300, or email.

Continuing Education: 42 hours