Therapists Retreat 2024
3rd Expressive Arts Therapists' Self Care Retreat - Closer to Nature
This retreat welcomes registered expressive arts therapists and students, creating an inclusive space for the creative, experiential, and expressive arts therapy community. Our goals include fostering connections within the community, engaging in creative therapeutic activities, and deepening our relationships with ourselves. The retreat provides an opportunity to alleviate the therapeutic burden associated with working with clients from trauma backgrounds, allowing participants to relax, rejuvenate, and reclaim their creativity in the natural surroundings of the beautiful Yarun or Bribie Island. Attendees can earn 16 hours of CPD for their annual registration in a enjoyable and relaxing manner, or simply use the time to explore personal rejuvenation through downtime.
In today's world, the term "self-care" is ubiquitous, but its importance cannot be overstated. Often, the organizations where we work do not adequately support our psychosocial health on a daily basis, necessitating dedicated time for self-care. This weekend is dedicated to reconnecting with creativity to build resilience and discover new ways to care for oneself. The activities shared during the retreat are designed to be easily incorporated into one's professional life, benefitting both clients and colleagues.
Self-care encompasses not only individual practices but also being part of a supportive team and fostering a sense of belonging and connection. This retreat provides an opportunity for expressive/creative arts therapists to come together, share experiences, and support each other. While working in multi-disciplinary teams has its advantages, this retreat aims to create a space where therapists can truly feel like they are with 'their people.' Previous retreats have resulted in therapists forming lasting friendships, supervision groups, and ongoing supportive relationships.
This year, we are taking a more relaxed approach with longer workshops and fewer of them, allowing all participants (up to 25) to spend meaningful time together. The retreat utilizes the natural environment, and weather permitting, activities may extend outdoors and onto the beach.
Recognizing the increasing importance of somatic awareness in our work, the retreat focuses on incorporating movement and a connection to our bodies. As professionals, the longer we work in the field, the more the emotional weight of our work accumulates. The retreat provides an opportunity for deep dives to release this emotional burden and emphasizes the vital role of somatic sensitivity in maintaining our health and well-being.
Past retreats have resulted in lasting benefits, including the formation of friendships, supervision groups, and additional events where therapists can reconnect. Therapists from the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and surrounding areas have found the retreat to be a valuable platform for connecting and building relationships.
Inclusivity is the cornerstone of this retreat experience, acknowledging and celebrating the diverse tapestry of expressive arts therapists and students. We are committed to creating a welcoming space that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can authentically participate and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. Our dedication to inclusivity permeates every aspect of the retreat, from the design of activities accommodating different preferences to fostering open dialogue that recognizes the validity of each participant's journey. We aim to cultivate an environment where diverse voices are not only heard but actively embraced, fostering a sense of belonging and collective creativity that thrives on the richness of our differences.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy the retreat, and please remember that participation is voluntary at any point during the weekend. We acknowledge and embrace the diverse preferences and energies of our participants, whether introverted or extroverted, energetic or reserved. Your comfort and participation are highly valued.
Facilitators:
Amanada Hall, Tanya Burkhardt, Manaali Manoharan, Lalita Lakshmi, Taraka Hart - All are accredited Expressive/Creative Arts Therapists registered with ANZACATA, with experience in Mental Health, CALD and community services, supervision and training.
To register and for more info click here