The body can open a doorway to the numinous life of the soul, carrying us toward healing and wholeness that reach far beyond the easing of traumatic symptoms. It can also deepen our access to feeling and restore a sense of soulful aliveness. Rooted in Jungian and depth psychology, this perspective follows the deepest currents of the psyche, where dreams and lived experience come together in meaningful patterns that can guide a person forward. At the same time, developmental wounds — especially trauma — can interrupt the psyche’s natural movement toward wholeness.
In this workshop, we will explore authentic movement and other somatic practices informed by depth psychology, discovering firsthand how the body can become a gateway back to those innate healing currents.
Our ancestors knew that dreams and visions often speak not only to the individual, but also to the wider community. In this realm, which Jung called the “Spirit of the Depths,” we can reconnect with the creative unconscious and receive insights that are harder to find when caught in the groupthink of the “Spirit of the Times.” We will practice both indoors and outdoors, immersed in the beauty of the natural world, where inner and outer experience meet and transformative energies can emerge.
This workshop is designed for therapists who want to better understand the somatic foundations of psychic life, as well as for those seeking to weave the body’s wisdom into the unfolding of life.
10 CE credits are available. A $90 fee applies for CE credit and is paid directly to Barbara Holifield. If interested, you can contact her at
Recommended reading: Holifield, B. (2025). Being with the Body in Depth Psychotherapy: Development, Trauma, and Transformation in the Unspoken Realm. Menakem, Resmaa (2017). My Grandmother's Hands. Las Vegas, Nevada: Central Recovery Press.
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.
Barbara Holifield, MSW, SEP, brings decades of experience in somatic psychology to her work as an analyst at the Jung Institute of San Francisco. Her background includes extensive training in Somatic Experiencing, which she has thoughtfully integrated into a depth psychoanalytic approach that supports insight, embodiment, and healing. Known for her international teaching, she also guides authentic movement with a focus...
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Fri, Sep 11 – Sun, Sep 13