What is Shadow Work?
"The Shadow," a term coined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, represents the collection of repressed or rejected aspects of the Self. In pop psychology and modern spiritual circles, the Shadow is known as the realm where our undesirable, or "bad" qualities reside. However, in traditional Jungian psychology, it also serves as a storehouse for our creative energy and harbors our most potent potential, hidden away from our conscious minds.
"Shadow Work" is the process of coming back into relationship with the aspects of ourselves we have repressed or rejected due to fear, shame, or emotional pain; not just as a means of healing from old wounds, but for reclaiming our personal power.
What is Inner Child Work?
The concept of the "Inner Child" is a powerful psychological construct often used in various therapeutic frameworks to represent the original, child-like aspect of a person's psyche. This aspect embodies the capacity for innocence, wonder, awe, and emotional sensitivity that we often lose touch with as adults. In many therapeutic practices, particularly those influenced by the works of psychologists like John Bradshaw and Carl Jung, the Inner Child is seen as a vital source of emotional health, creativity, and joy.
"Inner Child Work" is the process of reconnecting with, nurturing, and healing this vulnerable part of ourselves. It involves revisiting childhood experiences, identifying patterns of behavior formed in response to early life needs and traumas, and providing the care and validation that was missing at the time. This work is not just about healing past wounds—it’s also about unlocking a freer, more spontaneous and creative self that has been overshadowed by adult responsibilities and social conditioning. Through Inner Child Work, individuals can address deep-seated fears and hurts and rediscover their capacity for joy, creativity, and emotional resilience.
About the Workshop
Join us for an evening of introspection and deconstruction, coupled with somatic-based integration exercises. In this workshop, we will engage with beloved clips from our favorite childhood movies, using body-based shadow work sequences to delve into our perceptions, understand our emotions, and release stuck energy with somatic-based integration exercises. This session offers a unique opportunity to connect with our Inner Child within a supportive community, fostering a deeper connection with our inner Loving Parents.
Agenda (Tentative):
• Introductions
• Shadow Work & Reparenting Sequence 1 (~5 minute movie clip + shadow work sequence, + open sharing, short integration exercise)
• Shadow Work & Reparenting Sequence 2 (~5 minute movie clip + shadow work sequence, + open sharing, short integration exercise)
• Open Sharing (optional)
• Closing
Please bring a journal, pen, and anything you may need or want to feel comfy and cozy in the space. Complimentary coffee and tea will be available.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this workshop is for educational and enrichment purposes only. It is not a form of therapy and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health care. This workshop is not suitable for individuals experiencing an active mental health crisis. Participation in this workshop does not establish a client-coach relationship with Rachael Besser.
If you are in need of immediate mental health support or resources, please contact a licensed mental health professional or call the appropriate crisis hotline in your area. In California, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
By participating in this workshop, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
About the Facilitator:
Rachael Besser, CLC is an Emotional Integration Coach & Body-Based Shadow Work Practitioner who holds dual certifications in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and Integrative Somatic Parts Work. She has had the privilege of working directly with titans in the industry, such as Dr. Richard Schwartz (Internal Family Systems), Dr. Frances Booth (Somatic IFS), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing), Dr. Gabor Mate, and has been mentoring underneath SEP Trainer and Womens' Empowerment Coach, Lara Eisenberg, LMFT, SEP for the past 2+ years.
Rachael's coaching practice is founded on the Jungian Psychological Model, and emphasizes the importance of mindfulness-based somatic practices and nervous system education while navigating the psychic arena that is the human mind. Her passion is teaching tactical tools and frameworks that enable individuals to navigate the deep inner work sustainably, with lasting results, by approaching emotions as the language of the subconscious mind.
Got questions? Reach out!
hello@rachaelbesser.com
www.rachaelbesser.com
