A Dangerous Experiment? A journey to self care.

Here we are after completing the first of this year's Potting Shed weekend events for therapists, counsellors and mental health professionals. It offered a creative weekend of grounding, centring & space to explore our emotional selves. In this moment of centring and stillness we reflect on what happened and what we achieved, the video was recorded at the end of day 2 to share a few thoughts before we closed up The Potting Shed to go home.

Initially we found this quote "Learning to treat ourselves lovingly may at first feel like a dangerous experiment" Sharon Salzberg, which inspired us to think about just that...the danger in what we do and why we are so often resistant to self-care.

This weekend felt in many ways a dangerous experiment; it is the first event of the year and so comes with some anxiety, and we are trying out a new format with day 1 having a more workshop structure and day 2 retaining a creative retreat feel....but would this work?

Day 1, meeting a new group and offering up theory on vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout was always going to be a challenging balance. Participants don’t know each other, the work is heavy and emotionally laden and group members would begin to share their own trauma journeys. Theory and Prezi slides were interwoven with movement, mindfulness, breath work and creative exercises. It was variously powerful, moving, thought provoking and reflective. A shared lunch of soup, fruit and biscuits offered a nurturing space talk and think together and the wonderful grounds and outdoor exploration they offered balanced the work.

Day 2 was all about space and stillness, well it was Sunday after all, and we wanted the day to slow right down. We utilised the beautiful grounds and gardens of Lea Green https://leagreen.derbyshire-outdoors.org/, it is a great space in which to play and explore, and we encouraged participants to get out and do just that. We are always mindful of those who are not so familiar with art materials and finding ways to contain frame the art making was vital. Some directions and suggestions were offered along with a space to come together as a group and share the experience of making and we made sure that several hours were dedicated to art-making and creativity.



Creativity is a key to unlock deep rooted unconscious processes, to come to a space of understanding within yourself and to offer reverence to that inner playful child.

As always Potting Shed events are facilitated by Bethan Baëz-Devine & Sharon Herriot experienced Art Psychotherapists and passionate trainers who will provide you with a safe, nurturing and containing space, keep in touch to find out more about our next event in November.

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