This is the first workshop in a series of three events: Silence as Primer, Kindness as Primer, Play as Primer.
‘Silence as Primer’ values pause and connection.
Silence bestows a new dimension in the listening processes that are integral to healing, in and through the therapeutic encounter.
An appreciation of silence allows us to dwell on the possibilities that arise in quiet reflection, enhancing authentic attentiveness and pause; it engages the ‘negative space’ in-between, it values our vulnerabilities, priorities and hopes. It revives the ‘art of listening’ and co-creating, attracting thoughts that are often obscured by the demands for talk, perfectionism, and expectations of immediate interaction and intervention.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- Expect an interactive space where individually and collectively we can experience a new way of timing, reflecting, pausing. Practising ways of offering valuable moments towards meaningful self-expression and calm, for ourselves and our clients.
- Being in a relaxed state is a necessary primer to listen to our inner voice; practise engaging in reflection, self-expression and pause, participating in communication that flows through new rhythms and personal cadences.
- Participating in a three-part experiential gathering exercise, allow yourself to accept the good that comes from pausing, co-creating clarity and recognition within the group and in your personal/individual dimensions.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- Anyone hoping to engage in reflection and pause, individually and in therapeutic contexts; therapists, coaches and socially-engaged practitioners.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- This intentional appreciation of silence can contribute to expanding your therapeutic offerings, as well as providing a space for meaningful connection with your inner thoughts and creating impact by ‘gathering’ yours and others’ perceptions and views.
Course Content
Presenter
Dr. Francesca Bernardi PhD is an advocate, author, coach, and artist, with expertise in MA supervision, dis/ability and community engagement. Francesca has an extensive background as a teacher and artist-in-residence, working with children and adults in various settings, including schools, alternative provision, further and higher education, corporate settings, museums, and public spaces (Tate Museums and the RSA.org). She’s dedicated to working with parents and caregivers of children and young people with dis/abilities who have experienced school exclusions and other forms of social discrimination.
Francesca engages in multi-disciplinary and arts-informed practices with marginalized communities, and individuals experiencing loss and homelessness. Her approach is non-hierarchical, socially just, and creative, aiming to nourish healing and personal agency while honouring the wholeness of individuals’ personhood, choices, and capabilities.
Francesca has published her work on autism, arts-informed methodologies, childhood, and children’s rights in books and journals (Bloomsbury, Routledge, Taylor and Francis). She is the founding chair of the Antonio Gramsci Society UK, board member of the Disability Without Abuse Project (2020-), and an Associate Member of CATA/ACAT (the Canadian Art Therapy Association 2021-).
