Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9
Optional Add On Day: Wednesday, June 5
(Wednesday dinner to Thursday afternoon check-in)
Essex Woods Meeting & Retreat Center, Essex, MA.
https://essexwoods.com
The conference theme addresses the connection between polyvagal theory and bioenergetic therapy. This theme provides opportunities to learn more about how to regulate your nervous system and how to manage trauma and times of stress. Much of the new scientific research about polyvagal theory supports what bioenergetic therapy has been teaching for nearly 100 years.
Bioenergetic analysis focuses on the notion that while we are born with a tremendous amount of vitality and energy, early life experiences cause chronic bodily tension which can lead to a decrease in breathing, energy, joy, and connection to oneself and others. In this state of chronic tension and constriction, symptoms of anxiety and depression can flourish and inhibit our vitality. Bioenergetic therapy provides tools to work with the body in a profoundly freeing way. By reducing physical and emotional blocks with breathing, grounding, and emotional expressive exercises we begin to experience an increased sense of vitality, growing ease, a greater sense of well-being, and an increased ability to sustain and enjoy relationships and connections with others. Attendees at this conference will have the opportunity to attend keynote talks, experiential workshops, and participate in small process groups, which will provide opportunities to explore these themes in a safe space, all while enjoying nourishing food, community, fun evening activities, and indoor/outdoor amenities at the beautiful Essex Woods Meeting and Retreat Center.
The conference also includes a special invitation to participants new to bioenergetic therapy.
A significant portion of the time during the conference will be in small “process groups” where participants will have opportunities to discuss the talks and experience bioenergetic therapy sessions. We plan for the process groups to be organized as follows:
Vincentia Schroeter, PhD, LMFT, Certified Bioenergetic Therapist, is an international trainer with the IIBA, was chief editor of the clinical journal for bioenergetic analysis (2008-2018), and is a member of the San Diego Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis. She interviewed Dr. Stephen Porges for the IIBA conference in 2023 and wrote an article published in the 2016 IIBA journal titled: “Polyvagal theory: an introduction for somatic psychotherapy.” She is co-author of Bend Into Shape: Techniques for Bioenergetic Therapists (2011), and author of Communication Breakthrough (2018), and Tilt: Seeking Balance in Troubled Times (2021). Website: vincentiaschroeterphd.com
Ann Coleman, LMSW-Clinical, Certified Bioenergetic Therapist, practices in Michigan. Ann supervises and trains bioenergetic therapists, and facilitates workshops and process groups at conferences. As a lifelong learner she continues to study the latest research and theory in psychoanalysis, systems theory, attachment theory, nervous system and affect regulation, cognitive neuroscience, theories of Self and the mind-body, and social anthropology. She has developed and written about a practice method that combines Bioenergetic Analysis and Personality Organization. Her website is: www.anncoleman.us.
The conference fees include three overnights, nine full meals (starting with Thursday dinner and ending with Sunday lunch), use of facilities (hot tub, sauna, fire circle) and full program. If paid in full by May 1, 2024, the cost of the conference is:
Double: $950
Triple: $850
Single: $1,100
Non-residential: $775
CEs: +$50
After May 1 the fees increase by $100, bringing the fee for a double room to $1,050, a triple to $950, a single to $1,200, and $875 for non-residential participants. The cost for CE credits stays at $50.
We invite you to join us on Wednesday evening to enjoy the conference with a smaller group and spend extra time on the beautiful grounds of Essex Woods. This additional registration includes dinner and lodging on Wednesday, breakfast & lunch on Thursday. Program on Thursday includes bioenergetic exercise class, morning workshop: Listening & Giving Voice: Polyvagal, Bioenergetics, and Sound led by Laurie Ure, LICSW, faculty member, International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis; and an afternoon workshop: Anatomy with Ailsa Keppie, BSc. Hons. RMT MFR Therapist. Participants may also enjoy a quiet day on the beautiful grounds. The additional cost is:
Double: $250
Single: $325
Some financial assistance is available. Please send an email stating your financial needs to Susan Kanor at susankanor@gmail.com.
Please complete the registration form below and send your check payable to MSBA to:
MSBA
Post Office Box 79026
Belmont MA 02479
We prefer payment by check to avoid processing fees associated with other forms of payment; however, payments by Venmo (@mass-bioenergetics) or credit card via PayPal (msba@massbioenergetics.org) will also be accepted.
Cancellations prior to May 1, 2024 are refunded minus a $100 processing fee. Cancellations between May 1 – 15 are refunded minus a $200 fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after May 15.
TOTAL DUE: $
