What We Offer
Art du Chi
Created by Vlady Stevanovitch in the 1980s, the Art du Chi method is a specific approach that orientates the practice towards ‘well-being, health and presence in life’. An international school, the Inner Way school has training centres in France, Belgium, Portugal and Quebec and over 300 teachers sharing this unique approach. We are proud to teach this method, offering classes of the Yang forms, 24 and 108 Postures. Enid focuses particularly on the 24 Postures, also known as the Yang Short Form, and the elements of qigong, self-massage, visualisation and breath work developed in the Stevanovitch approach. The slow, fluid movements of the Form work the body in a way that is different to our usual western physical activities, building strength and developing relaxation while offering a meditative way to engage with movement and our bodies. And when integrating the full Art du Chi method, we can deepen our access to more subtle elements of this oriental practice, connecting with our flow and inner energy.
Adapted Tai Chi
There are a wealth of benefits gained through the practice of Tai Chi however some individuals and groups need a more adapted approach. For specific needs, Enid brings her years of experience in the Art of Chi, in dance and other bodywork practices to support these various needs. Sessions can be tailored to focus on aspects such as relaxation, balance, coordination, mind-body connection, breathing or feeling the energy flow …whatever supports the health and wellbeing required by those attending.
DMP
Dance Movement Psychotherapy Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is a therapeutic process connecting the mind and body. Using movement, everyday gestures and the body as forms of communication, DMP helps to support clients to process emotions, challenges and trauma. This process can be verbal and non-verbal and does not require any prior experience of working with the body. During the sessions, various creative mediums can be used for self-expression, communication and exploration. The therapist works in a client-centred, humanistic approach. Sessions are guided and developed depending on the needs of each individual / group, fostering the processing of individual themes, feelings and experiences. We facilitate individual and group therapy sessions, in the community, and in clinical and educational settings.
CSA
Creative Support for Artists Golden Threads supports artists and dancers who are delivering sessions that are emotionally challenging. We can attend workshops as a creative support and can offer after care support for either participants or facilitators. This extra process can allow the facilitator to feel supported enough to delve further into the creative process.
Due to the powerful and innate way of working with movement and the body, at times sessions can become overwhelming and emotions heightened. Whilst this is productive and can be the start of informative and important work, it can be useful to have someone holding space. As Psychotherapists working with movement and the body, we are practiced in these situations and will support the process.
MIDWEEK RETREAT
Remembering to find moments in our week to rest, recover or recharge isn’t always easy and often it helps to be doing these with others. Midweek Retreats are just the opportunity to do this, in an easygoing and comfortable location. Fully accessible, with no-one watching, there’s every reason to gift this moment to yourself.
We have a rotation of sessions, all moments to reconnect to your body in ways that suit you – PROJECT RAVE to let rip and dance it out, or TAI CHI to follow a centuries old practice of flow and re-charge, or SOMATIC MOVEMENT to delve into discovering your body’s own innate knowledge of what YOU need and begin to nourish yourself. Each session is facilitated by experienced dance and bodywork professionals. See below for more information about each of the offers, as part of Midweek Retreats and as stand-alone, on the road, sessions.
Project Rave
Project Rave began as a need to sober dance, at an acceptable hour, in a nice studio, with great music and like minded people. No guided movement, no rules except dance how you want to dance. A time to express, release and let some of the stresses of adulting disappear for an hour. It has grown and developed and we now take Project Rave to people and places that could otherwise not get there. Nursing homes, community centres, schools, studios, offices, wherever there are people who want to move, connect and have some good old raving fun!! Project Rave is run by experienced dance artists and Dance Movement Psychotherapists and can be developed and catered for group and business needs. Choose your era, venue and bring the energy. We will do the rest!
Tai Chi
Following a more traditional format, the Midweek Tai Chi session is simply about following - no need to think or to remember anything. Led through these complex and fluid movements, you are brought into ‘the present moment’, invited to breathe easily, move in the flow and it all finishes with a guided relaxation.
Somatic
Somatic Movement is the process of consciously being aware of how you are moving. Rather than worrying about what a movement looks like, the focus is on the internal experiences and sensations. Following various movements, exercises, breathwork and relaxation techniques, the connection between the mind and body can strengthen, providing relief from various physical ailments, as well as supporting mental health and wellbeing. Lauren delivers workshops and sessions for individuals and groups to help support the connection between mind and body.
“The human body is not an instrument to be used, but a realm of one’s being to be experienced, explored, enriched and, thereby, educated.” - Thomas Hanna, founder of Clinical Somatic Education
Limited
We LOVE working with different professionals and sharing these experiences with you all. LIMITED EDITIONS is all about that. We invite other practitioners, artists, creatives to join us during a Midweek Retreat slot and share aspects of their expertise and interests. You may see there is a one-off Sound Bath, or an Artists’ Lab Exchange or a Hula Hooping class, all sorts of ideas and experiences to explore and develop creativity, wellbeing and playfulness. So, watch this space and keep an eye on our socials for updates.
