At its core, Gestalt is a mindfulness practice. It asks us to stay with what is actually happening in the present moment, and from that grounded awareness, insight, emotional balance, and inner guidance can naturally arise.
This approach supports a deeper connection to what feels real and true, beyond old habits, self-criticism, or the urge to repair ourselves. In a shared field of inquiry where judgment softens, authenticity has room to emerge. Integrative Gestalt Practice™, developed over the past 30 years by Perry and Johanna Holloman, blends profound awareness with embodied exploration. It offers practical tools for meeting relationships, life transitions, and significant inner questions with clarity and integrity.
During this workshop, you will:
Several participants will also have the chance to take part in individual “open seat” sessions — live, facilitated personal inquiry processes with Perry and Johanna, held within the attentive presence of the group. Witnessing and engaging with one another’s work can be a powerful catalyst for insight, as shared themes and human experience resonate throughout the group field.
Join us for a week of embodied inquiry, meaningful connection, and renewed contact with your agency and inner guidance.
Recommended Reading: Gestalt Therapy Verbatim by Frederick S. Perls and Steve Andreas, and The Unfolding Now by A. H. Almaas
This workshop includes an additional $50 in faculty tuition.
Lead photo: Caldwell
Page photos: Rick Borutta, Sam Nichilo, Stephanie Lewis, Sadia Bruce, Kodiak Greenwood, Cristopher Nolasco, Emma Barry.
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.
With more than four decades of experience at Esalen, Perry has guided students as a facilitator and teacher of Integrative Gestalt Coaching™, bringing a deeply body-oriented approach to inner development and trauma recovery. His work is rooted in helping people connect more fully with themselves through awareness, presence, and embodied exploration. Alongside his wife Johanna, he co-created the transformative method of...
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German-born clinical psychologist Johanna Holloman brings a deeply grounded and integrative approach to inner work, drawing on her background as a Diamond Approach® teacher and her wide-ranging international teaching experience. Her work weaves together Integrative Gestalt Coaching™, Integrative Somatic Practice™, Deep Bodywork®, Esalen Massage®, and yoga, creating a holistic path that supports both personal insight and embodied transformation. At the heart...
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Mon, Oct 5 – Fri, Oct 9