Experiential Approaches to Therapy: An Exploration of Yoga, Storytelling and Chinese Medicine in Enhancing Mental Health

Bring a blanket or chair and join us outside at our beautiful Beavertail State Park in Jamestown RI for an in person and socially distanced 3 CEU event. In this workshop we will examine experiential approaches to therapy that will enhance various aspects of mental health. Three different modalities will be explored: yoga, storytelling and Chinese medicine. Each approach will provide directions for self-care of the therapist in addition to direct clinical application for working with clients. Coral Brown will demonstrate the impact, and potential benefits, of integrating the science and philosophy of yoga on the mat and in the therapy room. Holistic and embodiment based practices are known to enhance/foster/stimulate trust and communication between the body and the mind. Therefore, these approaches can build a sense of intimacy and connection for both clients and therapists alike. Yogic concepts can be incorporated into both the work we do with our clients, and also for ourselves as clinicians for self care. Valerie Tutson will lead us through an exploration of the power of storytelling for re/connection to self and others. Finally, Nancy Graham will examine mental health through the lens of Chinese Medicine. Chinese medicine is the oldest and most comprehensive system for treating the body/mind connection. In Chinese medicine, reflux, bad periods, insomnia, anxiety, cold hands and feet, are not unconnected individual symptoms but signs of holistic disorders that can be treated with needles, breath and qi gong. Learn the common patterns of mental health disorders and how they’re treated using this 2,000-year-old model.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Participants will identify at least two ways yogic concepts can be incorporated into direct work with clients as well as self-care of the therapist.

2.  Participants will learn 3 storytelling techniques that may be integrated into therapeutic practice.

3.  Participants will learn common patterns of mental health disorders and identify treatment possibilities through Chinese medicine.

Our Presenters:

Coral Brown: A mama to Seamus, a dharma dweller and a teacher of teachers, Coral Brown is a licensed mental health counselor and draws on 20 years of experience in yoga, philosophy, and holistic counseling to provide fertile, open space for the processes of healing, integration, and transformation. Coral’s teachings are fueled by the desire to reveal and cultivate the essence of our individual and collective dharma, and instill it into every aspect of our being. She has trained in the Iyengar and Jivamukti methods and is a senior teacher of Prana Vinyasa flow.

Coral is the founder of the 200 and 300 hour Integrative Vinyasa Yoga teacher training programs. She also serves as a board member on the Rhode Island Mental Health Counselor's Association, leads teacher trainings, retreats and workshops worldwide, is a regular contributor to Yoga Journal and has featured classes on YogaGirl.com

Valerie Tutson graduated Brown University with a self-designed major, Storytelling As a Communication’s Art, a Masters in Theatre, and an Honorary PhD. from Rhode Island College. Since 1991 she has traveled the world telling stories. Her repertoire includes folktales, personal and historical stories with an emphasis on black traditions. Valerie is a founding member and Director of the Rhode Island Black Storytellers, and FUNDA FEST: A Celebration of Black Storytelling. Valerie has received numerous awards for her work using storytelling to foster community. She has appeared at the National Storytelling Festival, and the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference.

Nancy Graham is an alumna of the New England School of Acupuncture, and has maintained her practice in South County, Rhode Island since 1988. She is conversant in Chinese language and culture and has studied traditional Chinese Medicine in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. Nancy is NCCAOM National Board certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine. She is a lifelong student of the Chinese martial and healing arts of Tai Chi and Chi Gong.