CRYSTAL GURNEY
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an overview of group - how & what

3/9/2022

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PictureImage description: photo of an old bus or van covered in moss in the middle of a forest
​Seeds of Connection is a trauma informed group experience that uses a variety of tools to foster self-awareness and opportunities to shift toward growth, change, and healing. We use art journaling, mindfulness, poetry, somatic practices, tarot/oracle cards, peer support, and more to strengthen our connection to our inner resources.  We learn to work with these tools intuitively and with courage.  We use our art journals to discover new insights, and create from a place of play, curiosity, and authenticity.  This process of self-exploration in community can help us uncover the wisdom that lives within, the answers we already hold, and can deepen our confidence in knowing that we are the experts in our own lives.

This is not group therapy, nor is it a workshop that is just for artists or for teaching specific art techniques.  It's a community for people who are interested in getting more curious about themselves and the way they navigate the world.  It's a place for learning and un-learning, where we can explore connections to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.  We have opportunities to explore our spirituality (outside of religion, in whatever way is right for us), our creativity, and our connections to our values around things like social justice, mental health, and community care.

Each group meets online, weekly for 6 weeks.  The facilitated work we do together, is intended to build skills and insight to nurture a more curious and compassionate relationship with your inner experience.  Over the 6 sessions, you will discover and learn in-depth ways of using a variety of tools to explore the themes, motivations, core beliefs, and dynamics of your authentic self, and your inner wisdom. This work can help you connect with yourself in a less critical and more compassionate way. 

During our time together, I will guide you through these processes and support you to feel brave and resourced to make shifts in your personal beliefs and patterns, and to challenge and re-define stories imposed from your family of origin,  culture, or other external sources.  Every bit of our work in group sessions is rooted in consent - you choose how you participate, and your choices about your participation are always 100% ok.

Making art together isn't about your skill level or a perceived "lack of talent", it's used to support you in working on letting go of perfectionism, of making new discoveries, of learning to play and try new things, of being uncomfortable, of taking next steps - even when you don't know exactly where something is going - all important skills to develop and lean into when it comes to re-writing our old stories or developing intuition and trusting ourselves.  Recent research and understanding in cognitive and neurological science has shown new forms of evidence on art and the brain. Researchers have found evidence that visual art promotes health, wellness, and fosters adaptive responses to stress.  My personal experience with the unique method of art journaling that I've developed is that we can make interesting and surprising discoveries and connections.

Maybe you have found that logical, left-brain, or cognitive methods of working toward growth, healing, or change have not been effective.  Maybe you are feeling "stuck", or like you have reached a plateau of what other methods can offer you.  Possibly you want something to enhance or work with therapy work you are already doing, or maybe traditional therapy just isn't for you.  This group experience may be a good fit for you if you are interested in engaging your right-brain, listening to the wisdom of your body, or just trying something new to support your healing and growth journey.


​
  • Full length post is here.
  • The "roots" of Seeds of Connection
  • You Are Here > An overview of group - How & What
  • When our body & emotions are talking to us
  • What actually happens in a group session?
  • Who are these groups for?
  •  A little more about me
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calendar & registration for upcoming groups
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    It's me, Crystal.  I need a place to put all my extra words.  

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  • Home
  • Groups
    • Seeds of Connection
    • Unexpecting Discussion Group
    • How to Pick & Eat a Poem
  • 1:1 Support
    • Hakomi Listening Sessions
    • Birth Trauma & Postpartum Support
    • For Helping Professionals
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact