In 1938, Harvard University researchers launched a 75-year study centered on one of life’s most enduring questions: What makes a good life? The Grant Study, also known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, found that strong relationships were the clearest predictor of life satisfaction.
In relational Gestalt practice, communication that is direct and responsive is key to building intimacy and deepening our connections with others. The support, joy, and sense of belonging that can grow from strong relationships with partners, family members, and friends often become some of life’s most meaningful gifts.
At times, however, the communication patterns we have learned in relationship can create distance rather than genuine contact with the people who matter most to us.
During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to notice how you communicate, and to learn, unlearn, and practice new ways of relating that can strengthen your connection with others. Together, we will look at how the past may continue to shape your ability to make use of the contact available in the present moment.
Throughout the weekend, we will work with dyads, repeating questions, and open seat sessions designed to support communication and mutual understanding.
[Learn more](/learn/continuing-education) about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Lead photo: [Addison Olian](
Dorothy Charles
Dorothy Charles has been both a student and a teacher at Esalen since 1982. As a student of Esalen co-founder Richard Price, she brings together Esalen body-centered Gestalt and relational Gestalt theory, and leads workshops across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
[Read More](/faculty/dorothy-charles)
Workshop Schedule
Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our [Self Guided Explorations](/learn/self-guided-explorations-082625) workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that evoke the spirit of days gone by.
More activities can be found on our [open class schedule](
[See general schedule information]( including arrival, departure and meal times.
Accommodations & Tuition
Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.
We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. [Learn more](
For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.
First, sign up and pay tuition directly to [Esalen Secure Retreat Guru](
Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.
Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. [View partner program accommodations pricing](
Designed for shared stays, this room type accommodates four to six guests in a welcoming, gender-inclusive setting, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days. It’s a practical choice for retreat participants who value comfort, simplicity, and a sense of community during their time away.
Each bunk room includes twin-size bunk beds and a private bathroom with a shower, offering the privacy and convenience guests need throughout their stay. Fresh towels, bath soap, and bed linens are provided, so you can settle in with ease and focus on your experience rather than the details.
With its straightforward layout and thoughtfully provided essentials, this accommodation supports a restful and uncomplicated stay, making it well suited for those looking to share space while still enjoying comfort and functionality.
Ideal for guests who want a more social stay without the atmosphere of a dorm, this cozy shared room offers a comfortable and practical setup for up to three people of the same gender. The space is arranged with three beds: two on the main floor and one tucked into a sleeping loft, creating a simple, welcoming environment that still feels private and restful.
Each room includes an in-room bathroom with a shower, making daily routines easy and convenient. To help you settle in with ease, towels, bath soap, and bed linens are all provided. Whether you are traveling for a retreat, a wellness stay, or a peaceful getaway with others, this room offers a warm balance of connection, comfort, and simplicity.
Designed for guests seeking a little extra privacy, this inviting room offers a peaceful place to unwind within the charming, Big Sur-inspired motel atmosphere of the property. Thoughtfully located for convenience, it overlooks the main campus and garden, giving you a calming view to return to throughout your stay.
Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom and a comfortable setting that supports rest, simplicity, and easy access to the wider retreat experience. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, well-situated space to recharge between wellness activities, meals, and moments of relaxation.
If you’d like to share the room, one additional guest may join for an extra $250 per night.
Settle into a relaxed stay surrounded by the charming motel-inspired atmosphere of Big Sur. This Standard Two Double Beds room offers a comfortable, unfussy space designed for easy rest and shared travel. With two double beds and a private bathroom, it is a practical choice for friends, couples, or family members looking to enjoy time together while still having room to unwind.
The room’s simple, welcoming feel makes it easy to slow down after a day of exploring, reconnecting, or simply enjoying a peaceful break. Whether you are traveling for a quiet getaway or a shared adventure, this space provides the comfort and privacy you need for a restful stay.
Designed for a serene Central Coast escape, this room invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into a truly restful stay. A luxurious queen bed creates a comforting place to unwind after a day of exploring, offering the kind of refuge that feels both elevated and easy. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing, with thoughtful details that help guests feel instantly at ease.
Depending on the room, you may enjoy one or more of the following features:
Whether you are here for a peaceful getaway or simply looking for a more refined place to rest, this room offers a welcoming balance of comfort, charm, and natural beauty.
With a teaching path that began at Esalen in 1982, Dorothy Charles brings decades of depth, presence, and insight to her work. As a student of Esalen co-founder Richard Price, she has developed a practice that blends Esalen body-centered Gestalt with relational Gestalt theory, offering participants a grounded and deeply human approach to personal exploration. Her workshops are known for creating...
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Mon, Sep 7 – Fri, Sep 11