WORKSHOPS
Workshops will be announced continuously as attendee applications are reviewed and approved.
Engaging Mind and Body in Practice
At the heart of Body Psychotherapy lies the principle of actively engaging both the body and the mind—a philosophy we wholeheartedly embrace. True to this core value, a significant part of the festival program is devoted to 90-minute experiential workshops, conducted by fellow attendees. These hands-on sessions allow us to practice what we preach (if anything), fostering a rich environment for learning and sharing expertise.
Want to Lead a Workshop?
1. Submit Your Proposal:
After purchasing your Festival Pass, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Use the payment order as Ticket Number to submit your workshop application.
2. Review Process:
The Festival Content Committee will review all submissions. Priority is given to experiential workshops.
3. Confirmation:
Approved workshops will be added to the festival program, and you’ll be notified of the next steps.
“Integrative and Body Movement Therapy”
Martin J. Waibel, germany
Martin J. Waibel is a teaching therapist for Integrative Body and Movement Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Master of Science (Psychotherapy), Dipl. Supervisor (University of Amsterdam) and Dipl. Social Worker (HS RV/Wgt). He worked for 41 years at a specialist clinic for psychotherapy and psychosomatics, where he worked with numerous patients suffering from chronic pain of various origins. He now teaches at medical colleges and universities. He works in his own practice and gives seminars on body and physical psychotherapy throughout Europe. Many publications, including Körperpsychotherapie bei chronischen Schmerzen, Schattauer 2023
In order to do justice to our patients with chronic pain disorders, it is important to start from an interplay of biological, psychological, social and ecological factors. The subjective experience of life and suffering (context) in the development of our patients’ lifespan is explored phenomenologically (continuum) on the body. From the perspective of an integrative view of the body, pain is a trans-material emergence of the organism. By this we mean that material neurophysiological processes allow biochemical and transmaterial information to emerge in the form of motor, emotional, iconic or linguistic schemata or narratives. In other words, pain is a phenomenon that is partially measurable and visible, especially in the case of organically caused pain such as a nerve lesion (biologistic view), but just as difficult to grasp and objectify as, for example, in the case of emotional and social causes of pain. Chronic pain is seen as a specific form of experience, suffering and expression of the body that manifests itself in different phenomena. In this workshop you will get to know the methodology of Integrative Body and Movement Therapy (IBT) in order to perceive, grasp and understand the phenomena of the painful body of our patients and to alleviate them in appropriate therapeutically effective interventions.
“Moving Between Knowing and Wonder with Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (DSP) ”
JENNIFER BURY, USA
Jennifer Bury BFA is a Certified Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (DSP) Teacher and Supervisor for The Center for Somatic Studies. She is also adjunct faculty at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, and a somatic therapist with 40+ years of experience in private practice, leading group trainings and facilitating study groups. She works online and in person, in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her Gestalt training, her background includes a BFA in Dance from NYU, performing with her own dance company, as well as studies in pre-med, neurology, kinesiology, dance, martial arts, and numerous somatic methods. For more see: www.jenniferbury.com
We all originally enter and orient to the world through movement. We wondered our way forward into the world, and formed our responses, and our way of being, along the way. Over time our curiosity may diminish and we may learn to reach for what is familiar in order to feel safe and certain. Through movement-based, relational explorations we will stimulate our kinesthetic attentiveness to the qualities which define the emerging experience of contacting. Instead of making meanings or interpreting, we will allow ourselves to encounter our sensory and movement responses as a way of coming to know the situation we’re living. In this way, hidden layers of the experience are revealed – we come to know what we feel though we might not be able to explain how or why it happens. Fortifying our courage for discovery, over the familiarity of assumption, is a therapeutic resource for somatic practitioners, coaches, and psychotherapists which requires the ability to discern how to act in relation to the unfolding situation. This workshop provides the territory to move beyond what we have imagined into the novelty of the co-created, wondering moment. Returning to this shared way of learning shifts us from feelings of isolation and fear, to belonging and curiosity for that which we do not yet know.
“Psychodynamic Foundations of Bioenergetic Analysis”
CARSTEN HOLE & JENS TASCHE, GERMANY
Carsten Holle is a certified nurse and holds a degree in Communication Studies from the Berlin University of the Arts. He earned an M.A. in Counselling from the University of Canberra, Australia, as a DAAD scholarship recipient. Since 2009, he has been working at a psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, and psychosomatic care clinic specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents, where he has gained extensive experience in applying and developing body-psychodynamic approaches to this vulnerable and complex patient group. Building on this expertise, he has been leading self-awareness groups for trainee child and adolescent psychotherapists since 2018. As a licensed psychotherapist (Heilpraktiker) and certified TRE® Provider, Carsten also runs a private practice specializing in psychodynamically informed body psychotherapy.
Jens Tasche, a qualified social worker (FH) and Bioenergetic Analyst (CBT), has been working as a body psychotherapist for almost 50 years. After gaining experience as a social therapist in a juvenile detention center and as a research assistant at the Free University of Berlin, he has been working in his own practice since 1986. As a body psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, he regards modern bioenergetics as a living psychodynamic in which physical-affective experience and psychodynamic based understanding intertwine in a vital, methodologically sound form. He has published numerous specialist articles in which he argues in favor of using the diverse theoretical approaches and schools of psychoanalysis as a scientific frame of reference for bioenergetics.
Historically, Bioenergetic Analysis has been significantly influenced by Sigmund Freud’s early cathartic drive theory, Wilhelm Reich’s three-stage energetic understanding of healing, and Martin Buber’s philosophical understanding of the I-Thou relationship. In November of last year, the Psychosozial-Verlag published the book ‘Psychodynamic Foundations of Bioenergetic Analysis, which we edited. Beyond the historical roots mentioned above, the authors of this book see the theoretical corpus of contemporary psychoanalysis as the most important reference science for Bioenergetic practice today. Thus, in their essays, the authors address some of the most relevant issues in contemporary bioenergetic and body-oriented therapy. In particular, the categorical model of the distinction between traumatic, conflict-related and deficit-related mental disorders, as well as the findings of psychodynamic developmental psychology, developmental psychopathology and treatment theory are discussed. In this workshop, we would like to present some of the central ideas that emerged in the context of the book. We will be guided by two basic considerations: 1st, the essential task of body psychotherapy is to support clients in being able to affectively and cognitively perceive, tolerate and consciously accept the reality of their past and present. 2nd, (almost) all mental disorders are essentially caused by deficiencies in the regulation of affects and relationships – a finding that is now widely accepted across psychotherapeutic schools. The workshop presents examples of different treatment approaches for the categories of “trauma”, “conflict” and “deficit”, which allow for a differentiated understanding of Bioenergetic body psychotherapy processes. The traditional Reichian concept of ‘liberation’ and Bioenergetic character theory will be complemented by a concept of maturation and healing that is more strongly oriented towards modern psychodynamic models of development and disorder. After a theoretical introduction, the practical part of the workshop will involve trying out and discussing various exercises relevant to each category of disorder:
- Trauma-related exercises for creating a safe space
- Relationship-related exercises to work on pathological attachment patterns
- Conflict-related exercises for activating and analyzing phantasmal-psychic reality (including working with fear of annihilation, loss of mother, loss of mother’s love, and castration anxiety).
- structural exercises to promote the maturation and development of psychic competencies for regulating affect and relationships.
“Playback Theater: The Body, The Mind and In Between”
JEANNETTE Eichner, GERMANY
With a Master of Arts, Jeannette Eichner has dedicated her career to trauma-focused therapy and holistic healing. She has worked in various clinics, gaining extensive experience and refining her approach to integrate creative tools such as art therapy, theater therapy, and body psychotherapy. Over the years, her methods have evolved to effectively support individuals in processing trauma and building resilience. Passionate about empowering others, Jeannette utilizes diverse techniques to help clients heal, grow, and explore transformative possibilities for personal development.
This workshop invites participants to explore the deep connection between body and mind through creative storytelling and performance. Rooted in the fundamentals of Playback Theater, it emphasizes physical expression and mindfulness, helping participants strengthen the link between inner experiences and outward expression. The session begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the practice, setting the stage for an open and supportive space. A guided mindfulness exercise encourages participants to tune into their bodies, fostering presence and spontaneity. Through movement-based warm-ups, they will awaken physical awareness and creative expression. As they experiment with key Playback techniques such as “Fluid Sculptures” and “Pairs,” participants will use movement and sound to bring emotions and personal narratives to life. As stories are shared, others will enact them in a playful and expressive way, offering fresh perspectives and deepening empathy. The session concludes with reflection and a shared creative movement, leaving participants inspired and connected through the power of embodied storytelling.
“Aggression Dialogue Work Using Dialogue-based Confrontation to Develop Aggression as a Resource”
Thomas scheskat, germany
Thomas Scheskat, born in 1956, holds a Master’s degree in Education and has accumulated extensive training and experience in the field of psychotherapy. With over 10 years of specialized training in Biodynamic Body Psychotherapy (Speyer, Boadella, and Boyesen, he is a member of the EABP and holds an ECP certification. In addition, Thomas has been trained in the Hakomi (H. Weiss) and has pursued further studies in various approaches to Body Psychotherapy (W. Büntig and M. Aalberse). His professional development also includes specialized training in therapy for sexual offenders and DBT. With 23 years of leadership experience at a forensic-psychiatric state clinic, Thomas has dedicated the past 30 years to offering aggression balance training for both men and mixed groups. His broad and diverse training, combined with his leadership experience, has made him a well-rounded professional in the field of psychotherapy and therapeutic training.
A healthy attitude to aggression plays a key role for our entire personal development. This must include both the fruitful as well as the harmful aspects of aggression. For the therapeutic access to both sides, we use a pragmatic model of decontaminated aggression on one hand in contrast to a contaminated one on the other hand. We explore this subject in settings of „dialogical confrontations“ by which we`re aiming for the transformation of violence. This means using body- and contact-exercises to distinguish between suppress and channeling one´s own aggressive force supportive to our personality, health, and fairness with others.
Participants of our groups and single work report back often going through a transformative and encouraging process. Therefore, they incorporate the idea of distinction between destructive and constructive aggression in their relationships. It becomes more and more important to take position while balancing one’s own rights, responsibly and the contradiction between consideration and impertinence. It mirrors the political conflict between pacifist and militarily solutions to insure human rights
“Touch in Functional Analysis: Theory and Body Practice”
gloria quattrini, italy
Gloria Quattrini, a Psychologist and (CTA)-EATA certified Transactional Analyst, specializes in Functional Analysis, training with Will Davis at Aetos (Mestre/Venice) and the Institute of Functional Analysis (La Spezia). She runs a private practice in Modena and teaches Bio-psycho-social counseling in Legnano (Milan). She collaborates with the Institute of Functional Analysis as a professor in introductory workshops.
For over a decade, she has led experiential workshops on affectivity. She has published in Disability and Social Network (Franco Angeli, 2006). Since 2022, she has lectured at the II and III International Forum of Functional Analysis. In 2023, she presented workshops at the EABP Congress (Sofia) and AIPC Congress (Rome) on Functional Analysis, early disorders, and the instroke process.
In 1984 W. Davis, inspired by W. Reich theories on energy, Lawrence Jones work on “Positional Release”, Ida Rolf’s theory on connective tissues, Charles Kelley’s Radix work on the body, and by Fritz Perls Gestalt therapy, begins to develop a working method called Functional Analysis, which is a combination of delicate touch and verbal work aimed at re-establishing the spontaneous energetic coordination of the organism (Davis 2012). One of the peculiarities of FA compared to other body therapies, is that the technique used, “P. & P./Points and Positions” is oriented towards the connective tissue as, according to Davis, it structures and maintains the defensive system (Davis 2018).
Functional Analysis was born as a method of self-regeneration of the organism. This approach directly treats the connective tissue through “points and positions”, a specific set of delicate touch which favors the instroke process (relaxation phase) where a gradual contact with the Self occurs and, consequently, a restructuring phase of the person also takes place.
Touch is characterized by certain elements such as pressure, rhythm and pause, each of them with therapeutic value. Touch is a “con-tact” with the person beneath his character defenses, thus facilitating the instroke process.
In this phase, according to Davis, nothing happens, but everything happens.
The workshop will focus on a theoretical part where the key principles of Functional Analysis and the function of touch will be briefly illustrated, followed by an experiential part where participants will try the body treatment by experiencing the basic technique of “Points and Positions Massage”.
“Body-Mind Integration as a Healing Process Towards Themselves, The Others, The World”
luciano sabella, italy
Luciano Sabella, Functional psychologist-psychotherapist, carries out clinical activities at his studio in Florence, Italy. Member of the Sif since 1997, trainer and supervisor at the School of Functional Psychotherapy since 2003. EABP Board Member, member of AIPC. Author of clinical and epistemological publications. Creator and conductor of training and prevention projects. Speaker and conductor of numerous speeches and workshops at international meetings, including the EABP congresses of 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023.
A cohesive Self is the result of a full and harmonious integration of body and mind. Such integration is that which enables, among other things, a feeling and perceiving correctly of both self and others, without one’s own bias. Deep contact with these capacities of ours, leads us in turn to feel and recognize at all psycho-body levels the real and deep (not induced) needs of each of us. Thus intimate connection with ourselves and others allows us to grasp our wounds, even the deepest ones, because we “feel” them and can approach them without more judgment or criticism. This is the way we can initiate the healing process that will lead us to experience full and deep psycho-body well-being. After a brief introduction, through some techniques of Functional Psychology the workshop will lead participants to directly feel the connection with their own and others’ needs and the consequent possibility of directly intervening on them, in order to return to experiencing full body-mind well-being.
“Connection Through Clay”
sascha despotova, bulgaria
Sascha Despotova lives in the UK since 2011 and thrives on multiculturalism! She has gained professional qualifications in hypnosis, regression therapy, Hatha yoga and pregnancy yoga, alongside a continuing corporate career. Sascha is currently completing her studies in the Bulgarian Institute for Neo Reichian Analytical Psychotherapy, furthering her understanding of how emotional patterns find expression in the body. In her therapy practice, Sascha enjoys using various forms of art as a soft and playful way of connecting with the subconscious, thereby easing the process of exploration and change.
Sure, we’re aware of the differences between us—whether individual, cultural, religious, or otherwise. Sure, there are social and institutional initiatives attempting to bridge the gap between individuals and cultures. But how open and willing are we to connect? Bringing the responsibility, ownership, and creative potential back to oneself—how do I govern the “Queen/Kingdom of Me,” and how do I relate to others?
In this safe space, we will use our sense of touch to explore connection: both with oneself and with others. What does this concept mean to me? What hopes and fears does it awaken? Do I feel sufficiently in touch with my inner world? Am I satisfied in my relationships with others? If not quite, am I ready to move one step further in my desired direction? And if I’m indeed perfectly happy where I already am, am I willing to be there for others?
Prepare to switch off your sight and analytical mind, and switch on your sense of touch in your hands – both in giving and receiving. After an initial exploration of the physical sensations and their reflections on our psyche, we will move on to create our desired future state in a little clay figurine. What will unfold for you? Come, let’s dive deep and explore together!
“Echoes from Within: Exploring the Voice in Body Psychotherapy”
Juliane Müller-Molenar, germany
Born in 1980, Juliane Müller-Molenar has been working with psychiatric outpatients as a social worker for 20 years. In 2010 she began her voice training education in the "Lichtenberger Methode," a specialized approach to working with the voice that focuses primarily on how it resonates within the body rather than solely on vocal exercises. She has been teaching this method ever since. In 2019, she started training at the "Institut für transformative Körperpsychotherapie" in Berlin with Bettina Schröter and Wolfgang Hegenbarth. Body psychotherapy appeared to be the ideal way to integrate her two professions. Currently, she integrates emotional processes into her work with some of her voice students and has begun seeing her first clients in body psychotherapy, focusing on both the body and voice.
Our voice is our most familiar way of expressing ourselves and connecting with others, yet communication is often reduced to its intellectual content. Working with the voice can add a rich and engaging dimension to body psychotherapy methods. In this workshop, we will explore our voices in various ways, examining how the speaking voice can affect others—whether inviting and calming or stressed and demanding—and working with sounds such as sighing, giggling, yawning, and animal noises to explore their impact on the body and emotions. We will allow space for silence, investigate where in our bodies we can speak from and where sound can resonate, and explore vocal expressions of emotion alongside their effects on the body. Since the larynx is primarily innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system, we will also consider how working with the voice can induce a state of vivid relaxation or even trance, supporting a deeper connection to the subconscious. Through humming, singing, and creating rhythm together, we will listen not only with our ears but with our whole bodies.
The workshop will include both large group work and smaller exercises in pairs or groups of three.
“Aggression Dialogue Work Using Dialogue-based Confrontation to Develop Aggression as a Resource”
Thomas scheskat, germany
Thomas Scheskat, born in 1956, holds a Master’s degree in Education and has accumulated extensive training and experience in the field of psychotherapy. With over 10 years of specialized training in Biodynamic Body Psychotherapy (Speyer, Boadella, and Boyesen, he is a member of the EABP and holds an ECP certification. In addition, Thomas has been trained in the Hakomi (H. Weiss) and has pursued further studies in various approaches to Body Psychotherapy (W. Büntig and M. Aalberse). His professional development also includes specialized training in therapy for sexual offenders and DBT. With 23 years of leadership experience at a forensic-psychiatric state clinic, Thomas has dedicated the past 30 years to offering aggression balance training for both men and mixed groups. His broad and diverse training, combined with his leadership experience, has made him a well-rounded professional in the field of psychotherapy and therapeutic training.
A healthy attitude to aggression plays a key role for our entire personal development. This must include both the fruitful as well as the harmful aspects of aggression. For the therapeutic access to both sides, we use a pragmatic model of decontaminated aggression on one hand in contrast to a contaminated one on the other hand. We explore this subject in settings of „dialogical confrontations“ by which we`re aiming for the transformation of violence. This means using body- and contact-exercises to distinguish between suppress and channeling one´s own aggressive force supportive to our personality, health, and fairness with others.
Participants of our groups and single work report back often going through a transformative and encouraging process. Therefore, they incorporate the idea of distinction between destructive and constructive aggression in their relationships. It becomes more and more important to take position while balancing one’s own rights, responsibly and the contradiction between consideration and impertinence. It mirrors the political conflict between pacifist and militarily solutions to insure human rights
More workshops coming soon - stay tuned!
DISCUSSION PANNELS AND Q&A SESSIONS
Knowledge Needs To Be Challenged
As an integral part of our professional growth, the Discussion Panels and Q&A Sessions encourage curiosity, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. These sessions are designed to foster engagement between leading body psychotherapists and attendees, creating a space to explore key topics and ask meaningful questions. Join us as we explore, question, and grow together through these dynamic and interactive sessions!
What to expect:
Balanced Format:
Each session is equally divided between insightful discussions among expert panelists (guided by a moderator) and dedicated time for attendee questions.
Interactive Learning:
Attendees are encouraged to actively participate, making these sessions a collaborative experience that deepens our collective understanding.
MORNING PRACTICES
Start the Day in Your Body
What better way step into your body with intention and energy?! Through Bioenergetic Gymnastics, Dance Meditation, and more—you will awaken your senses, achieve grounding and set a vibrant tone for the day ahead.
There’s no better way to begin the day than by stepping into your body with intention and energy. Our Morning Practices—including Bioenergetic Gymnastics, Dance Meditation, and more—are designed to awaken your senses, achieve grounding and set a vibrant tone for the day ahead. These sessions offer a chance to shake off the ordinary and step fully into the extraordinary space we’re creating together.
Our Morning Practices—such as Bioenergetic Gymnastics, Dance Meditation, and other body-centered activities—are designed to awaken your senses, ground your mind, and invigorate your spirit. It’s more than just a warm-up, it’s an invitation to fully immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere we’re creating together.
NETWORKING
Where Connections Shape Our Growth
The networking events at the festival are more than a chance to meet—they’re a vital space for building relationships, sharing insights, and experiencing the diversity that enriches our work as body psychotherapists. These moments of connection remind us that collaboration across borders and perspectives is essential for growth, both personal and professional.
SOMA CORNERS:
Cozy areas of the festival venue are dedicated to providing opportunities for focused conversations on specific topics. Whether you’re diving into professional insights or sharing personal experiences, SOMA CORNERS are places where dialogue thrives and connections deepen.
BUDDY GROUPS:
Considering the cultural backgrounds of our clients is a crucial component of what we do in psychotherapy, and this is an opportunity to see firsthand how diversified impressions of seemingly the same experience can be. Upon registration, you’ll be placed in a small, group with attendees from different countries and cultural contexts. These groups provide a space to share daily impressions of the festival, ideas, discuss cultural influences on our work,and exchange experiences that broaden your perspective. Together, your group will also take on a fun challenge announced during the festival, making this shared journey even more memorable.
ENTERTAINMENT
There’s Always Something To Celebrate
Every evening of the festival promises an unforgettable time. Picture laughter, music, and movement filling the air as we dance, relax, and celebrate the vibrant community we’ve created. In the world of psychotherapy, we’re used to professional gatherings where the academic atmosphere is dominates the experience. But that’s exactly why we’re having a festival and not just another conference. This is a time to unwind, connect, and embrace joy in ways that go beyond theory and practice and just have fun.
From lively DJ performances, through ecstatic dance sessions to the unique energy of our Silent Disco, these events are designed to give you a sense of freedom and fun - refreshing balance to the deeper work of the day.
