Guiding Interpersonal Proximity & Intrapersonal Depth in Session

Register here
January 9, 2026; 9am-4pm
Shelterwood Collective; 108 S Jackson St Seattle WA
In-person; this workshop is collaborative and experiential
$125.00; 6 CEUs

Working with clients we are constantly navigating two planes of experience: How close is the client to their own embodied experience, and how close are we to the client?

As therapists, we can be leaders in adjusting our client's position on these two planes. By adjusting our somatic presence (body posture, tone of voice, volume of speech, speed of speech, etc) and word choice, we can invite clients to shift the emotional intensity of the moment: to "drop in" or to "surface." Additionally, by moving into the "here and now" (vs the "there and then") we can explore with the client what is happening between us. Moving flexibly on both of these planes of experience require self-awareness in the clinician, and a tolerance for dis comfort.

In this workshop, we will explore not only the interventions for flexible movement, but also use experiential methods to notice our own internal experience. What comes up for us as we move towards the client, or the client moves towards themselves? In what ways might we "surface" the client, or bring them into the "there and then" to alleviate our own discomfort?

We will practice moving up and down these planes, to gain familiarity with what increases and decreases the intensity, as well as with our own response, so that we may move more freely and intentionally with our clients in session.

This workshop is for healing professionals - student interns through seasoned therapists are welcome!

We invite you all to bring your openness and willingness to experiment and learn!