Unlocking Healing:

experiential APPROACHES FOR THERAPEUTIC GROUPS

An introductory daylong training for therapists and coaches interested in incorporating interactive and reflective experiential approaches with therapeutic and growth-oriented groups.

October 11th, 2024

9am-3:30 pm

TaborSpace (SE Portland)

There are limits to using verbal communication and cognitive approaches when working with groups in a healing or personal growth context. In this workshop, we will explore strategies for directly engaging clients’ whole selves in the therapeutic process through the use of experiential and kinesthetic activities and approaches.

During our time together we will:

  • Explore engaging activities to build trust and connection more quickly among participants

  • Discuss the role of play in encouraging and creating space for vulnerability

  • Tap into the power of the experiential learning cycle and group initiatives to create active, firsthand experiences to explore and address emotional and relational issues

  • Learn kinesthetic (hands-on) approaches for inviting reflection and insight

  • The experiential learning cycle involves an intentional process of inviting participants into a shared experience through simple games, activities, or challenges as a way to create the conditions to explore the dynamics that arise as a mirror to “real life.” We then guide folks through a reflective process that starts with looking at the activity itself and then expands to daily life. Because this process often requires a higher level of trust among participants, experiential facilitators often include activities to build deeper connections between folks on the front end. As a part of our own journey as experiential group facilitators, we have discovered and created a number of other “hands-on” (kinesthetic) approaches to engaging participants.

  • This will be an engaging, interactive, and conversational workshop. Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in, and be prepared to play and participate! Chairs will be available, and a variety of options for ways to participate will be offered. All bodies and ability levels are welcome! Our maximum number of participants for each training will be 20 people.

    Please arrive a few minutes before 9:00 to settle in and land before we begin our day! We will take frequent breaks throughout the day and will have 45 minutes for lunch around noon.

  • 6 CEUs from NASW are available to those in relevant professions (therapists, counselors, social workers). For more information, feel free to reach out with questions.

more info

  • You are a therapist or coach who works with (or wants to work with) groups of teens or adults

  • Your focus with groups is on therapeutic outcomes, skills development, or personal growth

  • You have little to no experience in using experiential approaches in therapy or coaching (this is an introductory workshop)

  • You understand the value of and desire to bring more interaction, engagement, movement, play, or hands-on approaches to your work with groups

  • You are willing and able to participate in interactive activities and group discussions

  • You are able to commit to being fully present (in body and mind) for the full day of training

This training is for you if…

  • Your work as a therapist or coach is exclusively focused on working with individuals or couples

  • You have extensive experience in facilitating experiential approaches with the groups you work with

  • You’re not “bought in” to the value of working with clients in this way

  • You are unable to be present for the full day of training

This training is not for you if…

Registering individually: $185

Registering with 2 or more colleagues: $150

Questions? Contact Us!

Training cost

Workshop Facilitators

Deanna roberts pickett, lpc

DeAnna has been a child and family therapist for 15+ years and has been facilitating experiential activities and adventure learning for over 25 years. She held the Association for Challenge Course Technology Trainer’s Certification for 5 years before returning to a clinical practice. In additional to experiential practices, she also uses EMDR, neurofeedback, sandtray, DBT, brain spotting and ‘tapping’ (EFT) in her current practice. DeAnna lives with her husband and two daughters in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Josephine Linden, MS

Jo is an educator and facilitator who has been designing social-emotional learning and personal growth experiences for teens and adults for over a decade. She has a Masters of Science in Teaching, is a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, and has studied impacts and responses to developmental trauma with Dr. Bruce Perry and Interpersonal Neurobiology with Dr. Dan Siegel. Jo is a seeker of delight, curiosity, and depth, and finds joy in connecting with the natural world, reading young adult fantasy fiction, and playing with her mini aussie, Rosie.