A Transpersonal Approach to Psychedelic Therapy: Integrating the Body, an Eco-Systemic and a Transgenerational Perspective
- 31/08/2023
- 10:00 - 13:00
- Bernhard von Langenbeck Room (Langenbeck-Virchow Haus) 1st floor
Abstract
This workshop will present methods and perspectives from transpersonal psychology – particularly from body therapy, mindfulness, ecology, and the perspective of transgenerational systems. We call it a “somatic, heart-centered, earth-based, and transgenerational approach. The term somatic means “affecting the body” (ancient Greek). Somatic psychotherapies combine psychotherapy methods like talk, dream work, interpretation, and reflection, with experiential bodily explorations and creative expression. Such an approach focuses on the connection between the mind and the body. As a result, there are fundamental distinctions in the notion of therapeutic action; understanding the role of feelings, words, and thoughts in the treatment; and the therapeutic relationship. Based on such a somatic approach, a heart-centered focus draws on mindfulness, (self-)compassion, and loving awareness of embodiment. With the earth-based perspective, we draw on deep ecology to help clients sustain an experience of interconnectedness with the entire living ecosystem. And a transgenerational approach considers how wounding and trauma are passed on over generations on the individual, systemic, collective, and historical levels – but also gifts, talents, and pioneering innovations inherited from our ancestors.
Expanding psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with these perspectives can help clients find alternative ways of expressing the multiple layers of experiences in a psychedelic session and the following integration processes. Altered states of consciousness include non-rational, non-linear experiences which may need to find expression in non-linear ways, such as through the body, movement, metaphorical and symbolic expression, or sound, voice, music, and dance. Mindfulness and compassion may enhance a positive attitude toward self and the environment. Additionally, the earth-based and transgenerational perspective can integrate the experiences of interconnectedness with the environment and nature – reported by clients. They require a safe setting with clear ethical boundaries in the therapist-client relationship, including the ethics of touch.
This practice-oriented workshop will present these approaches, including examples from Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-informed Body-Centered Gestalt Therapy, Creative Expression, and Transgenerational Trauma Transformation. Presentations will be intertwined with guided experiential practices, including movement and music, creative expression, sharing and integrative processes, and Question & Answers sessions. This workshop is open to everyone interested, including professionals.
Date: Thursday 31.08.2023, INSIGHT 2021, Pre-Conference Workshop
Time: 10 am – 1 pm CEST, Berlin, Germany
Bring a Notebook, pen, paper, coloured crayons, water for hydration, comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, shawl, or blanket.
Requirements: Psychological and medical stability to participate in this experiential workshop. Self-responsive participation.
Price: 90 Euro (reduced fee 60 Euro)
Participants: Max. participants: 30
