Dec 29, 2024

2025 Free event- New year's resolution- Animal Totem

 

2025 Free event- New Year's resolution- Animal Totem




New Year's resolution- Animal Totem


Rituals play an important role in human life for various reasons, including psychological, social, and cultural aspects. Here are some reasons why rituals, include New Year's resolution rituals and Gestalt art therapy activities.


►Psychological Benefits


  • Sense of Purpose: Rituals often provide individuals with a sense of purpose and direction. New Year's resolutions, for example, help people set goals and aspirations for the upcoming year, giving them a roadmap for personal development.

  • Emotional Release: Rituals can serve as a means of emotional expression and release. Gestalt art therapy activities, in particular, allow individuals to channel their emotions into creative outlets, promoting emotional well-being.

►Cultural and Social Connection


  • Community Building: Many rituals are communal and foster a sense of belonging. New Year's celebrations, for instance, are often shared with friends and family, strengthening social bonds.

  • Cultural Identity: Rituals often reflect and reinforce cultural identity. They can be a way for individuals to connect with their cultural heritage and traditions.

►Behavioral Change and Personal Growth


  • Goal Setting: New Year's resolutions are a form of goal-setting, encouraging individuals to reflect on their lives and set intentions for self-improvement. This process can lead to positive behavioral changes and personal growth.

  • Self-Reflection: Gestalt art therapy encourages self-reflection through creative expression. Engaging in artistic activities can help individuals gain insights into their thoughts and emotions, facilitating personal growth.

►Routine and Stability


  • Predictability: Rituals provide a sense of predictability and stability in an otherwise unpredictable world. They create a rhythm to life and can be comforting in times of change or uncertainty.

►Mindfulness and Presence


  • Mindful Engagement: Both New Year's resolution rituals and Gestalt art therapy activities can promote mindfulness. New Year's resolutions encourage individuals to be present and intentional in their actions, while art therapy emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged in the creative process.

►Symbolism and Meaning

  • Symbolic Significance: Rituals often involve symbolic actions or objects that carry meaning. For example, the act of making resolutions symbolizes a commitment to personal growth, while the creation of art in Gestalt therapy can symbolize various aspects of an individual's experiences.

In various spiritual and therapeutic practices, animal totems are often used symbolically to represent different qualities, strengths, or aspects of one's personality. When integrating animal totems into activities like meditation and drawing for personal growth within the context of Gestalt art therapy, you can explore archetypes associated with specific animals. 


During the event, participant will be guided to connect with their Animal Totem through Meditation and Drawing, for Personal Growth.


An animal totem, also known as a spirit animal or power animal, is a symbolic representation of an animal that is believed to have a special connection with an individual or a group of people. Many cultures around the world, including Native American, Celtic, and various indigenous traditions, incorporate the concept of animal totems into their spiritual beliefs.


The idea is that each person has a particular animal that serves as a guide or protector, offering insights into one's personality, strengths, and challenges. This belief suggests that individuals can learn valuable lessons from the characteristics and behaviors associated with their animal totem.


People may identify their animal totem through various means, such as dreams, meditation, or simply feeling a strong affinity toward a particular animal. The choice of the totem is often based on personal experiences, intuition, or a sense of connection with a specific animal.


It's important to note that the concept of animal totems is rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs, and interpretations can vary widely among different traditions and individuals. Some people find inspiration and guidance through exploring the symbolism of animal totems, while others may view it as a metaphorical or psychological tool for self-reflection.


Day: January 19th, 2025

Time: 9 am to 11 am (Eastern Time) Info international time zones

Cost: Free

Please Register here, places are limited!


Materials Needed:

Paper

Drawing tools (pencils, markers, crayons, etc.)

Quiet space for meditation

And access to the Zoom link


Feb 17, 2024

2024 CR© Creative Retreat "Love Yourself"

 


CR© Creative Retreat "Love Yourself"









2024 CR© Creative Retreat "Love Yourself"

2024
May 24th, 25th, 26th, 2024 
Brisbane

►Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with our exclusive weekend retreat in the heart of nature. Immerse yourself in a tranquil environment designed for relaxation, personal growth, and rejuvenation.

►Indulge in a luxurious getaway where the soothing sounds of nature surround you, creating the perfect backdrop for self-discovery and reflection. Our carefully curated retreat offers a unique blend of serenity and creativity, providing you with the opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level.

►Picture yourself in a secluded paradise, far away from the noise of the city, where the only thing on your agenda is personal well-being. This weekend is your chance to unwind, recharge, and focus on your own growth journey.

►Our experienced facilitators will guide you through personalized activities and workshops, tailored to enhance your self-awareness and foster personal development. Whether it's through guided meditation, mindful nature walks, or creative activities, you'll find the tools you need to connect with your inner self.

►Luxuriate in comfortable accommodations in Brisbane! that harmonize with the natural surroundings, offering you a peaceful haven to rest and reflect. Our retreat is designed to provide a space for you to unwind, away from the pressures of daily life, and focus on the transformative power of self-care.

Seize the opportunity to escape to a weekend where time slows down, and you can rediscover the joy of being present in the moment. This is more than a getaway; it's a journey towards personal growth and connection. Join us for a weekend in nature, and let the transformative experience unfold.

https://www.arttherapygestalt.com/events-1/cr-c-creative-retreat-love-yourself-2




2024 Discover what is your Passion in life DPL©

 



Discover what is your Passion in life DPL©





Online Sessions
⁉️What is your passion in life?
Do you feel like you are lost... or does anything make sense to you?
Do you know that there is something for you, but you do not know what is it? (not yet!)
Are you thinking of changing careers, Country, or relationships?

With these sessions, you will find the accompaniment, a new vision of yourself, a new path full of interesting proposals, and recover the passion, the smile, and the desire to continue in new projects in your life.

More info link Bio

DPL© Program is designed with four online sessions and/or Face-to-face sessions (Brisbane- Australia)

First Session (Scanning) $50 AUD
The rest of 3 sessions are $75 AUD each

►Online or face-to-face sessions can be a valuable opportunity for supporting individuals in exploring and discovering their passion in life. Integrating art therapy and a gestalt approach can further enhance the therapeutic process by incorporating creative expression and focusing on the present moment. Here's how such sessions may unfold:
• Exploring current challenges
• Identifying interests and values
• Uncovering limiting beliefs
• Goal setting and action planning
Contact us for more info:
gestaltarttherapycentre@gmail.com

2024 Mandalas Gestalt Art Therapy



2024 Mandalas Gestalt Art Therapy



Zoom 2h

17 Feb 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Brisbane- Australia) AEST
The event will be recorded.

An event for professionals and non-professionals.
►For Australian Professionals
Registrants can obtain their CPD /OPD hours (Non-endorsed activities)
AASW CPD hours
ACA OPD hours
PACFA CPD hours
AHPRA CPD hours
For professionals: Experiential workshop with Mandalas, a projective technique to be used with clients to improve patient outcomes.


►For non-professionals participation in this event will support them in their well-being, Self-esteem, and focus on Goals.

Workshop objectives:
Creating mandalas can indeed have therapeutic benefits and promote relaxation and well-being. Mandalas are intricate and symmetrical patterns that often originate from spiritual and cultural practices, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. In recent years, they have been adopted in various therapeutic settings due to their potential psychological benefits.
- The artistic techniques involved in creating mandalas using a wide range of artistic materials.
- Investigate and experiment with the creation of mandalas and the process in the Gestalt Art therapy session.
- Have the opportunity to practice with this tool, because when you draw or paint your mandala, you are making a portrait of your unconscious self in a particular moment in your life, and when you carefully observe your creation, it can provide an amazing insight in a deep level (Susanne F Fincher)
- Learn how to present this art tool to your clients
- Discover the spiritual transformative power of the mandala
- You will be able to offer options to the client to communicate in a new language. Mandala work provides a space where clients can reproduce their inner world in a safe and relaxed way.
- Practice with the integration of polarities using Mandalas.
- Investigate more about Symbols, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious.
· If you are a professional working with clients, during this online workshop, participants will understand how to work with Mandalas, in a Gestalt art therapy approach.


2024 Kokedama Gestalt Art Therapy- Eco Gestalt Art Therapy

 

2024 Kokedama Gestalt Art Therapy- Eco Gestalt Art Therapy



Kokedama Therapy© A Gestalt Art Therapy approach - Face to Face Workshop- Brisbane- Australia

09 Mar 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm AEST.
Ashgrove, Brisbane -Australia
An event for professionals and non-professionals.
ECOgestaltarttherapy


►For Australian Professionals
Registrants can obtain their CPD /OPD hours (Non-endorsed activities)
AASW CPD hours
ACA OPD hours
PACFA CPD hours
AHPRA CPD hours


►For professionals: Experiential workshop with Kokedama creations to be used with clients to improve patient outcomes.
►For non-professionals participation in this event will support them in their well-being, Self-esteem, and nature connection.


►Engaging in Kokedama as a practice you can experiment with therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that spending time with plants and engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting overall mental well-being.
►Environmental Awareness: Kokedama art often utilizes sustainable materials and encourages recycling and repurposing. This can foster a deeper appreciation for environmental issues and sustainable practices.
►Symbolism: Kokedama can hold symbolic meaning for individuals. The act of enveloping a plant's roots in a moss ball may be seen as a representation of protection, growth, and the cyclical nature of life.
►Beauty in Imperfection: Kokedama embraces the concept of wabi-sabi, an essential aspect of Japanese aesthetics, which finds beauty in imperfection and transience. Each Kokedama is unique and imperfect in its own way, and this appreciation for imperfection can extend to life's ups and downs.
►Mind-Body Connection: Engaging in Kokedama art can help strengthen the mind-body connection. It involves using hands to create something tangible, promoting a sense of accomplishment and physical engagement.
►Social Bonding: Kokedama practiced in groups, encouraging social interactions and fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. Sharing the experience with others can lead to the exchange of knowledge and inspiration.



Jan 1, 2024

2024 Welcome!

 

2024 Welcome!



Each year that begins is like a blank canvas that life offers us. It is a new opportunity to learn from our past experiences, to grow as individuals, and to explore everything the world has to offer us. Life is a constant cycle of change and learning, and the new year symbolizes a fresh chapter in the book of our lives.

Like an artist facing a blank canvas, each of us can paint our masterpiece on the canvas of time. We can say yes to new opportunities, adventures, and challenges that lie before us. At the same time, we can also learn to say no to what no longer serves us, freeing ourselves from unnecessary burdens and making space for what matters.

The focus on Gestalt art therapy gives us valuable tools to explore our creativity, express our emotions, and better understand our relationship with the environment. These workshops, trainings, and retreats are not only moments of introspection, but also opportunities to connect with others, share experiences, and grow together.

The year 2024 presents new challenges and opportunities full of possibilities. With the support of the Gestalt Art Therapy Centre, and participation in our workshops, training, and retreats, we hope that you can not only achieve but also exceed your dreams and goals. May this year allow you to love more deeply support with more compassion, and above all, be the best version of yourself. May this new year be an exciting journey towards self-discovery and personal growth!


Cheers

Gemma & Yaro

Directors of the Gestalt Art Therapy centre



www.arttherapygestalt.com


Dec 26, 2023

2024 ORDER THE BOOK - TAJ© Therapeutic Art Journaling- Book

 

2024 ORDER THE BOOK - TAJ© 

Therapeutic Art Journaling- 

Printed Book

By Gemma Garcia




Art journaling can be a therapeutic and beneficial practice for several reasons.

It combines creative expression with personal reflection and can have positive effects on mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. 

Here are some reasons why art journaling is therapeutic and the benefits it offers:

  • Self-expression: Art journaling provides a safe space to express oneself freely without judgment. The act of putting thoughts, emotions, and ideas onto paper through drawings, lines, and colors allows individuals to communicate and explore their inner world. 
  • Emotional release: Writing down thoughts and emotions or visually representing them through art can be cathartic. It allows individuals to process and release pent-up emotions, reducing stress and anxiety. 
  • Mindfulness and presence: Engaging in art journaling encourages a focus on the present moment. While creating, people tend to immerse themselves in the process, helping to quiet the mind and promote mindfulness. 
  • Problem-solving and insight: The act of journaling and creating art can lead to self-discovery and insights into one's thoughts and feelings. It can be a tool for problem-solving and gaining new perspectives on personal challenges. 
  • Stress reduction: Art journaling has been shown to lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone), thus promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Engaging in a creative process can be an effective way to unwind and find inner peace. 
  • Boosting self-esteem: As individuals see their creative abilities grow and witness their thoughts and emotions materialize on paper, it can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. 
  • Personal growth and self-awareness: Regular art journaling encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. It allows people to track their emotional journey over time, identify patterns, and monitor personal growth. 
  • An outlet for non-verbal expression: Not everyone finds it easy to express themselves verbally. Art journaling provides an alternative mode of communication, allowing people to communicate complex emotions and experiences non-verbally. 
  • Coping with trauma and difficult experiences: Art journaling can be a therapeutic tool for individuals dealing with trauma or challenging life events. It provides a safe and creative way to process and heal from such experiences. In this kind of work, we strongly suggest the person experiencing trauma receive professional support. 
  • Increased creativity: The act of consistently engaging in art journaling can stimulate creativity and foster a greater sense of imagination in other aspects of life.

Buy a copy here

Become a TAJ© Therapeutic Art Journaling instructor

The course will be open very soon!

Online short workshops and training

Becoming a “TAJ© Instructor”

If, after completing the exercises in this book, you found this book an interesting and important experience for your personal growth, and if you think that the development of these exercises can support other people, then you can choose to continue sharing this work as "TAJ© Instructor"


• What is a TAJ© instructor?

A TAJ© instructor is a person who has been trained by Gemma Garcia, in the TAJ© Instructors Course, and whose certificate will permit him/her to use this book in the development of workshops with participants interested in this subject of the Art Diaries and personal growth.

If you do not have the TAJ© Instructor certification, training developed only by Gemma Garcia, you will not be allowed to use this book or part of it, for any purpose, without the written permission of the author of the book Gemma Garcia, as it is protected by Copyright.


 What requirements are necessary to be a TAJ© Instructor?

No prerequisites and/or training is necessary to participate in the training TAJ© instructor. During the TAJ© Instructor training, the participant will acquire methodology, theory, and support material, to finally have training with which the trained can accompany other people in the development of the exercises in this book, for "personal growth" in workshops.


• How can I train as a TAJ© instructor?

Enroll in this course, and after receiving your registration form and payment, we will contact you via email, and send you all the information to start this training. Any questions please contact us therapeuticartjournaling@gmail.com


• What is the TAJ© instructor training?

The “TAJ© instructor course”, developed in an online format, consists of two parts:

Theoretical part 1: where the future TAJ© instructor will receive all the necessary information to answer the questions of future participants in their workshops, with content such as:

Meaning of colors, how to work with dreams, the meaning of symbols, the History of mandalas, how to work with directed fantasies, emotions, and relationship with body parts according to Chinese knowledge, investigation of the test of the person in the rain, the technique of collage, the use of art materials, self-portrait techniques, etc.

Practice part 2: The participant in the TAJ© instructor training must complete the entire TAJ© book exercises, as a practical and experiential part, and will also have an online mentoring session with Gemma Garcia, where the participant can express their doubts and queries about the instructor certification TAJ© course and subsequent professional application.

• What is the cost of the TAJ© Instructor Training

Gestalt Art Therapy members:

  • ​​Cost of the training *including the private session and the book $465
  • Cost of the training *including the private session, not including the Book $430

Non-members of the Gestalt Art Therapy Club:

  • ​​Cost of the training *including the private session and the book $551
  • Cost of the training *including the private session, not including the Book $516
  • Cost of the training *including the private session, the membership, and the book $500

​Costs are in Australian Dollars

GST not included

*​Book shipping costs included (Note: You can order the book here)

• After my Training as a TAJ© Instructor, what activities can I develop?

After obtaining the certificate as a TAJ© Instructor, it will give you the right to develop workshops with groups of people (face-to-face and/or online format) where you can use the exercises that appear in the book, and guide the participants in the workshop in their process of 'personal self-discovery'.

This may provide you with an important economic income. See more information in the TAJ© Instructor course.


• Where do I register to receive the Instructor TAJ© training?

Register HERE

(Registrations will be open very soon)

Read more about participants' conditions and refund policies.

Note: If your interest is integrating ART JOURNALS in working with clients and groups in Art therapy and psychotherapy sessions, read more about the specific Art therapy workshop at our center here.



ART THERAPY - A GESTALT APPROACH

Hello! Welcome to our creative therapy centre!

Here you will find everything related to Art Therapy using the Gestalt approach.

What is Art ?:

Art is genarally known as what is done by a person whose purpose is to express a message through symbols.

These symbolic tools can be music, paintings, sculptures, theater and so on.


What is Gestalt Therapy ?:

Gestalt therapy is a methodology within psychology that grew out of the research and work of the psychiatrist Dr.Fritz Perls and his wife Dr.Laura Perls.

These two professionals were coming from the psychoanalytic perspective and felt that this method was not enough to work with clients. Today we are clearly aware that no one single method can resolve the issues that involve a range of human suffering and growth.

Gestalt is a German word roughly meaning "Shape" or "configuration".

This concept is understood, in gneral terms, that all individual experiences are shaped by a figure and a background. As time goes on, and our needs change, the figure can become the background and vice versa. So in the client's experience, the figure is changing at all times from becoming a background and as the needs arise, the figure emerges seeking completion.

When we block or prevent this process, we become unaware and suffer. That is a part of the theoretical foundations of Gestalt therapy.

Gestalt therapy, therefore, is a "philosophy", a way of being in the world in the "here and now" and taking "response-aibility" without pushing the river. Thus life is a flow ..

What is GESTALT Art Therapy?


It is the sum of the two previous concepts, Gestal therapy and the use of tools we learn to use in art therapy.

Using the artistic tools and adding the gestalt language between client and psychotherapist we work jointly to decode the messages hidden in the intrinsic symbols representing the client's situation. The Psychotherapist accompanies the client in the process of "discovering" what is helpful and not analysing or interpreting, but suggesting and asking the client what it is he or she knows are the answers and supports client's need to discover the ncessary solutions.

WE ARE SURE THAT YOU WILL BE ATTRACTED by this new way of working with emotions, whether or not you are a professional psychologist or therapist, since many of the exercises can be used personally for your own growth.

Our work is done in Australia & Spain and other countries. We have given workshops and participated in conferences throughout the world. We are located in our offices at the Gestalt Art Therapy Centre in Brisbane -Australia.

BE HAPPY HERE AND NOW..... AND BE CREATIVE !

Yaro Starak - Gestalt Psychoterapist
Gemma Garcia- Gestalt Therapist- Ericksonian Hypnosis


SEE LABELS ON THE RIGHT SIDE

1-TRAINING MODULES FOR SALE: Gestalt art therapy

1.1-FOR PSYCHOLOGY & THERAPY PROFESSIONALS:

Here you will find and carry out therapeutic work with tools that combine art and gestalt method.

You can learn new ways of providing therapeutic treatment depending on the particular situation and client needs.

1.2-ART AS PERSONAL GROWTH

These modules can be practical exercises for your "realize" how do you do in your life.

There are specific modules that you can play with your partner and / or family.

SKYPE - ON LINE THERAPY

We offer brief therapy sessions via Skype. You may request a no-obligation appointment with us, the first session is free.

This is a way of doing personal therapy we call "Emergency work" used in very special cases and situations. For us, the therapy session should be mainly for the benefit of the client needing immediate help.

BOOKS FOR SALE:

GESTALT THERAPY theory and practice - some books written by Yaro Starak

A GESTALT TEST: you can acquire to discover your potentials.

VIDEOS & DVD focussing on gestalt work and art therapy work.

ARTICLES: Written by varoius therapists from Australia, NZ and overseas.