A full day workshop for couples, exploring somatic (body-based) practices, ‘parts-work’ approaches to self-enquiry and communication, Tantra and healing touch.
About this experience:
The workshop will draw on the practices from the Art of Touch cards: a unique, trauma-informed deck of somatic practice cards for individuals and couples, created by Dr. Kali Foster (TCM, SEP).
This workshop is for you if you’re:
• In a committed relationship (any kind - does not have to be heterosexual)
• Want to explore embodiment to become more grounded and regulate your nervous system
• Open to learning new tools and practices, and having some fun along the way!
You and your partner may be having issues around intimacy, communication, feeling fully safe (in the world or in the relationship), or old trauma patterns emerging. You may be just curious and want to go deeper in your relationship.
The workshop will cover 4 areas progressively:
1. Individual embodiment – centering and NS regulation
2. Easy Tantra for couples – connecting; feeling, building and sharing energy
3. Couples dialogue – using an exploration of ‘parts’ (IFS model)
4. Healing touch for co-regulation & embodying safety
Recommended: During or at the end of the workshop, there is an opportunity to buy a deck of the cards ($80). You can take the deck home with you and continue to explore what you have learnt and more.
About your facilitators:
Dr. Kali Foster - https://www.artoftouchcards.com/
Kali was involved in Reiki and Tantra groups in her early 20s, after experiencing a Kundalini awakening in India in 1997, at age 20. During this time, she realized she had a huge personal block when it came to sexuality. She moved towards a more logical career path; studying shiatsu, then Chinese Medicine, then opening a clinic in 2006. Alongside working, marriage and raising children, she found great transformation through various somatic practices: including belly dance, ecstatic dance, TRE®, Tigress Yoga® and shamanic women’s mysteries. Kali found the Polyvagal approach to understanding trauma (taught at the TRE trainings) to be so liberating, she went on to train in Somatic Experiencing®(SE) in 2015. These days she integrates SE, Kathy Kain’s touch-work, IFS parts-work and Acupuncture in her practice. She also teaches "Empress Yoga": feminine embodiment classes for women, and workshops for couples, with her partner Kevin.
Kevin Kamau-Gacheru
Kevin was born in Kenya, where he spent the first 16 years of his life. Kevin lived, studied and worked in London, and travelled extensively, before moving to Australia in 2005. He is passionate about philosophy, art and spirituality. He has worked mainly for humanitarian causes in non-for-profit organisations such as Oxfam. Kevin has a relaxed, easy presence, and is naturally attuned to energy. Kevin is Kali's partner and he will be assisting Kali in facilitating this workshop.
Things to note:
Centre of You has plenty of bolsters, blankets, and cushions for you to get cosy with though feel free to bring any personal items that may afford you a sense of greater comfort and familiarity.
You will be invited to sit/lay upon the floor so loose clothing that enables easeful, light movement and deep breathing will serve you most supportively. There are chairs available should you need or desire one.
Arrival: Endeavour to arrive between 9:45am - 10:00am. To preserve the experience for all involved, doors will close at 10:15am. Truly, it breaks our heart to have to turn latecomers away yet the disruption to the whole group experience by virtue of lateness does require management. We ask that you find understanding and consideration for the timebound nature of the container and make every effort to arrive on time.
Driving: So you can fully settle into the workshop, we suggest you avoid the need to move your car or risk a fine and park at the CARe multilevel carpark (8-14 King Street Prahran), a 140-metre walk from COY which maxes out at $12-14 on a weekend. Alternatively you can access early-bird parking rates at the Coles/Safeway underground carpark for approximately $10 per day.
Public transport - tram: Both the number 6 tram & 78 tram stop on the corner of High St/Chapel St. This is stop 31 on the number 6 tram (Moreland/Glen Iris) & stop 45 on the number 78 tram (North Richmond/Balaclava).
Public transport - train: Both Prahran & Windsor stations along the Sandringham Line will get you walking distance to Centre of You.
Finding Centre of You: Centre of You is nestled within the arcade that Chapel St Bazaar is in (217 Chapel St). It is up a flight of stairs with a wide landing at the half-way-point. Unfortunately, this current version of Centre of You does not have a wheelchair accessible lift. If you could use support in getting up the stairs or would like to discuss ways to make your experience at Centre of You more comfortable, please reach out via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram.
Accessibility: At COY we aim to ensure our community and events are inclusive and accessible while alongside upholding the needs and responsibilities of our business and the businesses of our collaborating facilitators. Should you be in a time of financial challenge and unable to pay the full ticket price comfortably, please reach out via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram
Ticketing T&Cs: We get it, life happens, therefore we will gladly refund you up until 24hrs before the event start time. After that, we have a strict no refund/no transfer to future events policy.
If you are no longer able to attend and wish to pay forward your ticket to someone within the community, be in touch via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram.
Questions? Email grace@centreofyou.com.au or reach out via Instagram DM.
Tickets: Early bird - general exchange, $400.00 (per couple) until March 8. Early bird - concession, $320.00 (per couple) until March 8. General exchange, $440.00 (per couple). Concession card holders, $360.00 (per couple).