This workshop offers more than instruction — it is an invitation to slow down, turn inward, and connect with yourself and others in a supportive creative setting. Together, participants will explore the powerful potential for healing and growth that can emerge when art and psychology meet. No artistic background is needed; the focus is on expression, not perfection.
By bringing together art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the workshop draws on two evidence-based approaches to emotional and psychological growth. The act of making art can activate the brain and open new pathways of possibility. Through art therapy, participants are invited to visually explore thoughts and emotions in a way that supports self-expression and healing. CBT adds another layer, helping identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns so new perspectives and change can take root.
Participants will bring their inner monster to life through art, then engage with it in conversation to build clarity and insight.
They will also explore control, shifting perspectives, and transformation through poetry.
Another part of the experience includes drawing a personal emotional landscape and leaving with practical tools to support the healing journey beyond the workshop.
Participants will also create a personal Declaration of Independence, designed to help free themselves from whatever keeps them feeling stuck.
Guided by a board-certified art therapist, this fully interactive workshop weaves together drawing, collage, painting, writing, and group dialogue. The process is designed to help participants examine fears, anxieties, and internal barriers while gaining tools for meaningful and lasting change.
Please note that this is not a traditional art class or open studio experience. It is a guided and supportive creative process focused on emotional exploration through art-making, rather than artistic skill or producing “perfect” work.
Participants should bring their own sketchbook so all retreat artwork can be kept together as a keepsake. Recommended sizes are [8.5" x 8.5"] or [7.6" x 5.3"]. Watercolor paints will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own if they prefer not to share; optional recommended sets include [Full set] or [Travel set].
All other supplies will be provided, including brushes, paper, pens, colored paper, glue, pastels, and more. A materials fee of $17.50 is included in the registration cost to cover shared supplies.
Program Schedule
The day after arrival at Esalen, the program begins with an orientation meeting, where participants receive their class schedule and service assignment.
Additional activities are available on the open class schedule.
Accommodations
LEEP student housing is dorm-style and gender-inclusive, with four students sharing one room.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition is $1600 for two-week programs and $2900 for four-week programs, and includes accommodations, meals, and the workshop. A non-refundable $20 application fee is collected at the time of application and applied to the deposit if accepted. Once accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $480 secures a space in two-week programs, and $870 secures a space in four-week programs.
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.
With more than 30 years of experience, Pamela Hayes Malkoff brings a thoughtful blend of art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to her work, guiding people toward meaningful personal change. A board-certified art therapist and the author of The Creative Cognitive Therapy Method, she is known for helping others explore healing through creativity, reflection, and practical psychological tools. Her background includes...
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Mon, Aug 31 – Fri, Sep 4