The Alchemy of Group Work

a body/mind/spirit approach to group-as-a-whole therapy

Facilitated by Michael Robbins M.A., L.M.H.C.

May 14th, 9-5pm & May 15th 9-4pm in Somerville Mass.

early registration by April 25th, $250, after that $325

617 623 0024, michaelrobbins@rcn.com

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The journey from living life inside of a self-centered perspective to living life connected to a larger context has tremendous implications for our happiness. Group work is the most effective modality that I know of for achieving this transformation.

A systems perspective to healing hypothesizes that self-centeredness is the root cause of human suffering. In this regard it is very similar to many spiritual and meditative approaches to human development. The difference is that in group work we observe the defensive strategies that keep us trapped inside of our self-centeredness in the moment of our interaction with each other. As we become conscious at this fork in the road we have the opportunity to choose between our past strategies and the open, edge of the unknown that emerges when we approach relationships with curiosity and presence. As the group develops, each member confronts their conflicts around taking responsibility for their experience and their contributions to developing the kind of group that they want to live in.

During the workshop group members will also practice simple and powerful forms of moving, standing and sitting Qi Gong to ground, center and cultivate a group “chi-field” of presence, clarity and attunement.

Michael Robbins M.A., L.M.H.C. has trained with Dr. Yvonne Agazarian in a systems approach to group and individual therapy for 20 years and has practiced and taught Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Taoist meditation for 30 years. He is also a student of a variety of healing modalities including, existential/psychoanalytic therapy, body-oriented therapies, Qi Gong therapy, Psychosynthesis, Internal Family Systems, object relations, and the Diamond Heart Approach. He has written several articles, two book chapters and a book of poetry. If you would like to find out more about Michael and ihis work please visit his website www.michaelrobbinstherapy.com