Soul’s Body: Active Imagination, Authentic Movement, & Embodiment in Psychotherapy

“When an individual has been swept up into the world of symbolic mysteries, nothing comes of it; nothing can come of it, unless it has been associated with the earth, unless it has occurred when that individual was in the body…. Only if you first return to your body, to your earth, can individuation take place; only then does the thing become true.”  – C.G. Jung, (1976, CW 18, para. 473).  

This experiential workshop complements the lecture with practices that foster resilience, creative renewal, and embodied wisdom. Drawing on key images from  the fairytale, The Handless Maiden—the forest, garden, guiding spirit, and the regrown hands—we will explore these motifs as living sources of courage, creativity, and inner guidance.

Rooted in Jung’s Active Imagination, Authentic Movement, and Tina Stromsted’s integrative Soul’s Body approach, we will explore how body, psyche, spirit, and relationships work together in healing and growth. Through gentle, accessible movement, guided imagery, drawing, and reflective writing, participants will tune into what is present and emerging: new capacities, genuine feelings, and a more grounded, empowered sense of agency. Through individual exploration, partner sharing, and group reflection, we will practice moving and witnessing in ways that promote safety, attunement, and mutual respect. We will also explore how these embodied, imaginal practices can support us in everyday life—fostering resilience, empathy, and a felt connection to inner values that can guide both rest and stillness, as well as wise, compassionate action in challenging times.

For all Workshop participants: 

• Participants are encouraged, if possible, to read in advance the brief fairy tale, The Handless Maiden .
• Please bring a journal/notebook, a pen, and your favorite drawing materials (sketch book, paper, oil pastels, markers, etc.). For those meeting in person we won’t be using paints or chalk pastels (to preserve the carpet and keep the floor clear).  Some paper and crayons will be available onsite.
• Please bring bottled water with a lid, or a thermos with your favorite beverage to stay hydrated.  Coffee, tea and light snacks will be provided.
• No dance or movement experience is needed.  I’ll offer some guidelines, and please free to adjust the embodied explorations and go at your own pace in a way that’s comfortable for you.
• Following the workshop, please consider allowing some time for transitioning into your daily activities, as inner explorations benefit from a bit of space to further ‘cook’, digest, and integrate before stepping into work, social or other activities. You may wish to take some moments for writing, drawing, walking, resting, a cup of tea, or making contact with someone you care about ~ before returning to your daily activities.

For Zoom participants:

• Be comfortable: choose a quiet, private space with room to move; a comfortable chair, backjack or cushion to sit on; and dress  comfortably for movement. You may wish to take your shoes off to have more contact with the floor.

• Have drawing paper, colors (pastels/craypas, crayons) and paper and pen available.
• Switch off other forms of technology to allow yourself spaciousness for your experience, away from the distractions of daily life.
• Throughout the workshop I invite you to oscillate between connecting with your body, the Zoom screen, & the sense of community that’s participating in the workshop both in person and on zoom.