FAQs
What am I going to get from doing this workshop?
Our personal growth and development is an on-going process, hopefully one that is lifelong. The Growth and Transition Workshop is not intended to be the ‘end’ of your journey. Many past participants have shared with us that they have experienced a new awareness and empowerment, and often an acceleration of the personal journey they had already undertaken.
What exactly happens during a workshop?
Much of the workshop takes place in a group setting, although there are also opportunities to work with our staff individually. Within the group, there will be some teaching by the staff, individual sharing of stories, and deep emotional work using the ‘externalization process’.
What is the externalization process?
It is the name of a technique we use to bring to the surface (the outside) unexpressed internal feelings, such as anger, frustration, sadness, and fear. It’s purpose is to support you in completing ‘unfinished business’ that may be contributing to your inability to fully experience your ‘aliveness’ and natural joy.
What if I am not comfortable in groups?
Many participants have told us that they were not ‘group people’. They felt shy or self conscious when they tried, in the past, to share in a group setting. It is important to know that no one is forced to do anything! You can watch, and learn, the entire weekend. However, given the structure of the workshop and the unique setting, many often found those feelings of discomfort disappeared quite quickly.
What about confidentially?
The single most important component of this process, and the fundamental key to its success, is confidentiality. All participants pledge to keep confidential and private all sharing that takes place over the three days. There are very specific rules and guidelines in place that are intended to insure absolute privacy. This cannot be over stated.
How many people are in a workshop?
The number of participants may occasionally vary, but the maximum is 24.
Do I have to share a room with someone?
Our facility does not provide us single rooms. You should know, we spend very little time in our rooms, outside of sleeping. More importantly, we have found that sharing a room can be one of the most important elements of the workshop, providing a
special experience of support and connectedness.
Do I have to tell my therapist I am going to a workshop?
It is very important that you discuss your participation in a workshop with your therapist in advance, as it may play a role in your on-going process. We are happy to speak with your therapist both before and after the workshop.
What if I’m afraid of what might ‘come up’ for me?
The workshop environment is a uniquely safe space in which to experience feelings and thoughts we might find frightening, uncomfortable or even surprising. It is our experience that the support and guidance you will find during the process will
empower you to face some of these feelings which you may have been avoiding or pushing down. The ’space’ of the workshop is quite unique. All feelings are approached as normal and natural, neither good nor bad, right or wrong. One purpose for allowing ouselves to express our feelings safely is to avoid acting them out unconsciously.