Workshops/Groups/Events

Exploring Expanded States of Consciousness  

Our very own breath offers us an experience of Expanded State of Consciousness on par with those from psychedelics, the difference being that we can turn the volume up or down on the experience at will. This is an opportunity to safely explore expanded states with the insight and healing potentials they bring, in a well-held space. Music is a big part of this work and carries “breathers” through the experience from start to finish. Each participant will have a breathing session, time to integrate with art and an opportunity to “sit” for another breather.  Contraindications: epilepsy, heart disease, detached retina, glaucoma, pregnancy, schizophrenia, stroke. If you have asthma- bring inhaler. 

Saturday  7/25/20  9am-5:15 pm $150  (student/intern $95 repeat attendees $100) Please register by 3/1/2020.

A light, nutritious lunch & art supplies provided. Bring journal. Dress comfortably in layers. *Due to COVID-19 restrictions (which may change as we near this date), space is limited to 10, (5 breathers at at time), dispersed at safe distances inside and outside, with sitters wearing masks at a distance. Once registered, your will receive confirmation, directions, and a  health questionnaire. If you have questions, please contact Jennifer. Cancelation policy: 3+ weeks = 75% refund, 2-3weeks = 50% refund, no refund less than 2 weeks. Jennifer will lead on her own with 6 or less people.

Jennifer Allen, LMFT, ATR-BC and Cristin DeVine, LMFT will facilitate this workshop. Both Jennifer and Cristin have certification in Psychedelic Therapies and Research from California Institute of Integral Studies. Jennifer is currently training in Holotropic Breathwork and is trained in ketamine assisted therapy. Cristin is a trained Vision Quest Guide and in Soul Craft work and Imago therapy for couples. Both Cristin and Jennifer have private practices in Carmel and have extensive experience in earth-based traditions and Andean Cosmology and bring a shamanic component to the breathwork. 

Growing Corn with Your Expanded States of Consciousness (ESC)

Whether you are exploring consciousness with psychedelics or experiencing other expanded states from methods like holotropic breathwork, vision quest, or dreams, integrating the experience can make the difference between having an “interesting” time and “growing corn.” The latter nourishes the mind, body and soul with the growth possible in such an experience, no matter if it was pleasant or challenging.

The workshop uses shamanic drum journey, felt-sense, art, writing and ritual to unfold the experience further and integrating the learning into daily life with ESC informed practices. When we respect the medicines/ESC by fully integrating their messages, we are in “right relationship” and they can continue to teach us, well after the experience. 

We will also cover basic harm-reduction education about psychedelics, including the importance of Set, Setting and Integration. 

2/1/19  9:30-4 $150. Snacks & art supplies provided. Bring a bag lunch & journal. Space is limited to 10.

Licensed therapists will learn experientially how this process applies to clients and will receive a handout to assist them in their practice. 6 CEUs for 1-day (BBS provider #4493) Jennifer Allen is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs and interns. Jennifer maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Where Inner and Outer Worlds Meet

The natural world offers an abundance of sensory metaphors that teach us about ourselves, as we take the time to deepen our connection to it through the practice of drawing and painting nature. There is no need to “know how,” only a willingness to trust the creative process. Meditative observation shifts our vision. We “see” with new eyes, allowing inner and outer worlds to meet and begin weaving together scattered threads of our lives with new meaning. Using the four directions of the Medicine Wheel as ways to see, we allow ourselves to be moved by the nature world.

No art experience necessary. One-day 9:30-4 $150. Snacks and art supplies provided. Bring a bag lunch & journal. Wear layers and a hat. Space is limited to eight.

Licensed therapists will learn experientially how this process applies to clients and will receive a packet to assist them in their practice. 6 CEUs for 1-day (BBS provider #4493) Jennifer Allen is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs and interns. Jennifer maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Accessing Inner Wisdom Through Art Process, Felt Sense, & Writing

What do you know deep in your bones? In the fast-paced world we live in, it can be difficult to access the wisdom we yearn for to guide us in relationships, life challenges, and creative blocks. Working from the “bones-up,” residual inhibitions around creativity drop away as we leave the realm of thought and enter the body for guidance via “felt-sense.” From this place of presence, creating is spontaneous and opens access to knowing beyond our thinking mind. Imagery is explored further through writing & group sharing.

No art experience necessary. One-day 9:30-4 $150. Snacks and art supplies provided. Bring a bag lunch & journal. Space is limited to eight.

Licensed therapists will learn experientially how this process applies to clients and will receive a packet to assist them in their practice. 6 CEUs for 1-day (BBS provider #4493) Jennifer Allen is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs and interns. Jennifer maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Using Art and Ritual

Loss is a universal human experience. Whether it is a loss of a dear one, a relationship, a home, or health, grief is the response. Too often we avoid grief, believing there isn’t a place or time to support it. When grief gets pushed down, it saps our energy. The irony is that the very feeling we fear can be the doorway to healing, transformation, and being fully alive. Take the time to open the door and tend to your grief while being held in the nurturing environment of the canyon yurt. We will use life-affirming creativity, sensing into the body, ritual, and writing to encourage and support transformative movement through the grief you have been carrying—no matter how long it has been. Participants’ experiences are enriched through witnessing and being witnessed by other group members.

No art experience necessary. One-day 9:30-4 $150. Snacks and art supplies provided. Bring a bag lunch & journal. Space is limited to 10.

Licensed therapists will learn experientially how this process applies to clients and will receive a packet to assist them in their practice. 6 CEUs for 1-day (BBS provider #4493) Jennifer Allen is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs and interns. Jennifer maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.