How do we describe the ethos at the heart of our ecological practice?
This is an invitation to sit together around the fire as the year is closing in, and to explore the language we use to describe the work that we do. With the clarity that is reflected in the shape of bare branches against the winter sky, we will consider the place of poetry and metaphor in our work ; how that relates to the land and our native selves.
This is an opportunity to explore our ideas and our experiences in both a cognitive and embodied way. We will return to the winter hearth as a time for deeper contemplation and shared reflection on how eloquence is rooted in our indigenous culture.
‘And say it was out there, in the snow, Meshed with the birdsong and light.
The way things are real: a blackbird, a scribble of thorns,
A quickening into the moment.
From ‘The Myth of The Twin’, John Burnside
Course aims and outcomes
Explore language as a bridge that harmoniously connects our work with the natural realm
Bring more clarity and confidence in discussion with colleagues who are new to working ecologically
Enjoy the warmth of meeting by the winter hearth to share what we have learnt in preparation for the year to come
About the course
This is the last in a series of four seasonal courses being offered this year with the overarching theme of ecological connection. These can be booked individually or as a group. Please see website for full details of cost and CPD hours.
This weekend course is open to all modalities, with some focus on TA, and is ideal for student and practising psychotherapists and counsellors in who want to expand their ecological awareness.
Our work will take place outdoors and in woodland shelters by the fire. We take a dynamic, experiential approach to learning, with plenty of opportunities for sharing, creative exploration and quiet contemplation.
We will:
Explore the place of poetry and metaphor when we connect with the more than human, and how this may change the language we use to describe our work.
Experiment with movement, art and symbolism to express our ethos. Contemplate our question of language in a chosen niche in the woodland garden.
Discuss how this relates to our work with clients, through role play and creative processes.
Engage in practical creative activities to express and share our learning, and to make a bundle to take away with us as a reminder of what we have committed to changing in our lives and practices.
Ffynnon Dawel
Ffynnon Dawel is an old stone cottage and four-acre woodland garden nestled in a mile long wooded valley. The woods are home to ash, wych elm, oak, hawthorn, holly and wild cherry trees, as well as many native plants and woodland creatures. Humans have also lived here since 1870 growing flowers, fruit and vegetables in the cottage garden. To reach our encampment we cross a little foot bridge over the stream to meet in a woodland glade just beyond the garden.
Practicalities
Arrive 4pm Friday with an introduction to Ffynnon Dawel, followed by an evening meal at 6.30pm. The course is for 6-8 participants, is semi- catered, and meals will be taken in the house. This is a non-residential course; there is a good variety of local accommodation available.
How to book your place
Book your place via the BOOK NOW button on the bottom of this page. The fees for the course are £220 and you can reserve your place with a deposit payment of £100. There is an Early Bird fee of £180.00 which will be available until November 1st 2025.
