In this three-day retreat participants will focus on cultivating self-compassion and kindness as they open to possibilities and directions for the coming year (or years)!

Robert utilises approaches drawn from over 35 years of experience as a counsellor and therapist including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution-Oriented approaches and his own style of Cognitive Somatic Therapy.

Retreat Information

The overall goal of the retreat will be to assist participants to work with “third wave” mindfulness-based psychologies, which draw on the findings of neuropsychology and evidence-based therapies, to set intentions for the coming year. Key elements of this will be the importance of compassion, self-kindness and curiosity in reviewing and releasing outmoded patterns that restrict the development of new behaviours, attitudes and understandings.

The tools utilised in this retreat are drawn from the works of Dr. Tara Brach (self-compassion), Dr. Rick Hanson (neuroplasticity and change), Dr Stephen Hayes (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), David Whyte, and Emeritus Professor, Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Each workshop is a unique energetic blend of the individuals attending. Robert and Lynden will make changes to the program that reflect the needs of the workshop group as a whole – accordingly certain aspects of the program may be explored more extensively in group time than others.

The cultivation and wisdom of the heart-mind will be particularly emphasised through the use of poetry, art and connection with the body and nature.

Daily Themes

Day 1 – Gathering

Day 1 of the workshop will focus on setting intent and exploring old patterns that may interfere with this. The gateway/portal metaphor will be explored. Heart/Mind compassion will be emphasised in this process and the usefulness of “not knowing” and “not doing”! ACT hexaflex and key aspects of ACT introduced.

Day 2 – Cultivating

Day 2 will focus on the neuropsychology of the brain and ways to “hardwire it.” The nature of the old brain as fundamentally negative, survivalist, and habituated will be explored and how this interferes with intent and committed action. Practices which help to wire in the good will be introduced. Participants will have the opportunity to become curious and compassionate about some difficult patterns they have noticed within their personality. There will be opportunities for participants to work with Robert directly in clearing these.

Day 3 – Journeying

Day 3 will focus on clarifying goals based on a renewed understanding and commitment to core values. Participants will utilise a “journeying” metaphor to become more specific about their desired goals for the next year and beyond. The role of refuge will be discussed. The Gateway/portal will be revisited. “The New Life” will be represented verbally and non-verbally.

Retreat Instructors

Robert Quinlan

Robert has over 35 years’ experience in assisting people to align with deeper aspects of themselves and express this in the world. He began integrating meditation in his practice in the early eighties and has conducted seminars and workshops in Australia and internationally.

He first learned to meditate in the mid-seventies and has been teaching the MBCT program on the Gold Coast for a number of years.

Robert is an accredited mental health social worker, clinical hypnotherapist, and psychotherapist. He was the co-coordinator of the the Byron Bay Mental Health Practitioners ACT group for a number of years and also was the original co-ordinator of RMIT University’s Centre for Education and Training in Addictions.

He maintains a private practice and is also senior social worker with Gold Coast Health in Queensland, Australia.

Website – Healing Dialogue

Facebook – Healing Dialogue

Dr. Lynden Stone

Lynden Stone is a full-time artist, arts researcher and arts educator. She holds a PhD in Fine Art from Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. Her practice is in painting, video, installation and performance. She currently teaches painting and creative thinking. Focussing on processes and acts of creativity can provide stillness and refuge for the ruminating mind.

Lynden will guide you through a series of divergent thinking creative and fun exercises in art-making to spark and expand creative possibilities.

Website – Lynden Stone