Oasis is a support group open to anyone who is looking for new perspectives in life in the face of chronic illness and other challenging life circumstance. It is facilitated by myself and Pauline Marksteiner. We are two experienced therapists, offering conversation, a sharing space and artistic engagement in the exploration of our life's journey.
We are offering a year long programme structured into three pathways of 12 weeks each.
First Pathway: Picking up the thread of our life
During the first pathway we aim to form a strong group identity and develop an ability for empathetic listening and supportive sharing. We begin by tracing the narrative of our life's journey, discovering the “red thread” running through it and coming to an accepting understanding of our biography. The art exercises accompanying this process lead into a deep experience of the uniqueness of each person's life.
Second Pathway: The art of living in the here and now
We explore where we are now and try to address the challenges and crises that face us. We can then see where they might become growing points for further development and change. We work with exercises for managing life situations and emotions. Listening, sharing and becoming aware of our own abilities form an important part of this pathway.
Third Pathway: Creating a vision for the future
During this pathway the aim is to find a context for the different aspects of our biography. We may wish to address the spiritual questions that may have arisen and try to integrate our personal experiences into a greater totality. Through the deepening in the group process itself, mutual support and encouragement can help to uncover the potential that lives in each person.
We are offering a year long programme structured into three pathways of 12 weeks each.
First Pathway: Picking up the thread of our life
During the first pathway we aim to form a strong group identity and develop an ability for empathetic listening and supportive sharing. We begin by tracing the narrative of our life's journey, discovering the “red thread” running through it and coming to an accepting understanding of our biography. The art exercises accompanying this process lead into a deep experience of the uniqueness of each person's life.
Second Pathway: The art of living in the here and now
We explore where we are now and try to address the challenges and crises that face us. We can then see where they might become growing points for further development and change. We work with exercises for managing life situations and emotions. Listening, sharing and becoming aware of our own abilities form an important part of this pathway.
Third Pathway: Creating a vision for the future
During this pathway the aim is to find a context for the different aspects of our biography. We may wish to address the spiritual questions that may have arisen and try to integrate our personal experiences into a greater totality. Through the deepening in the group process itself, mutual support and encouragement can help to uncover the potential that lives in each person.
DETAILS: Participants in the programme are expected to commit to all 3 pathways if at all possible. The maximum size of the group is eight participants plus the two facilitators. Each pathway consists of 12 sessions of 3 hours each (including a break with bring-and-share refreshments). We meet on Mondays and offer two different times: 9.30 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 17.00
Costs: During the initial interview participants are asked what level of financial commitment they can make. Please understand that once agreed this financial commitment is binding and needs to be paid even if for whatever reason, you are unable to attend a session.
For more details please visit the website.
Oasis is an activity of the Association for the Promotion of Artistic Therapy Charity No. 266040