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Turning Towards Ourselves: Trauma, Emotions, and Spirituality
February 23–March 1, 2024
February 23–March 1, 2024
Jessica Britt and Debra Artura with Guest Faculty Steven Cervine

Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.

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Need a scholarship? Apply here.

Need a scholarship? Apply here.

The many advances in trauma work and trauma therapy recognize how physical, emotional, and psychological harm can profoundly impact our sense of self and our capacity to physically regulate the nervous system.  

In this workshop, we will bring spirituality into the conversation and explore how our emotions can be a resource for recovery, helping us tune into our specific emotions. Our emotions can be a portal back to ourselves and our spiritual qualities. 

Those managing past trauma can lose access to their living consciousness, bodies, nervous systems, and true nature. This inability to be with the fullness of your authentic self can limit your capacity to live in a meaningful way, leading to grief, depersonalization, and a deep longing for who you used to be.

During our time together, we will turn inward by:

  • Working directly with spiritual practices, including mediation, inquiry, journaling, body-centered awareness, and gentle movement.
  • Creating a safe container and heart-full space.
  • Introducing a spiritual orientation toward our emotional soul, focusing on appreciation for the gift of emotions as the door to our spiritual nature.
  • Uncovering how our hidden and forbidden emotions can become portals to our various spiritual qualities.

The natural response to trauma is to dissociate, shut down, and become numb to protect oneself. Over time, a distorted sense of self can form, but we are not defined by our painful histories. With great tenderness, curiosity and courage,  we can recognize the effects the past can have on our spiritual path and discern what is needed to effectively navigate this part of our journey. Who and what we truly are can always be rediscovered.

This workshop invites you to be open to the possibility that, no matter the trauma, our authentic nature remains pure — and steadfastly available when we turn toward our true selves.

Recommended Reading: In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:
Jessica Britt

Jessica Britt

Jessica Britt, a student of Hameed Ali since 1977 and a teacher since 1985, directs training globally. Formerly a nurse specializing in childhood abuse, she was also a past Esalen Institute Gestalt staff member. Her diverse background includes Reichian work, the study of Native American traditions, and Continuum Movement.

Read More

Debra Artura

Debra Artura

Debra Artura is a coach and mentor committed to supporting people ready to shed outdated strategies, heal trauma, befriend their feelings and free themselves from the past so they can live open and wholeheartedly in the present and have nourishing intimate relationships. 

Read More

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Workshop Schedule

Friday
5:00 pm – 5:45 * How to Drop into Esalen *
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Monday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Thursday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.

First, sign up and pay tuition directly to

Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.

Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.

COVID Update

As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

All-inclusive Pricing

Jessica Britt and Debra Artura with Guest Faculty Steven Cervine

February 23–March 1, 2024
Register Now

The many advances in trauma work and trauma therapy recognize how physical, emotional, and psychological harm can profoundly impact our sense of self and our capacity to physically regulate the nervous system.  

In this workshop, we will bring spirituality into the conversation and explore how our emotions can be a resource for recovery, helping us tune into our specific emotions. Our emotions can be a portal back to ourselves and our spiritual qualities. 

Those managing past trauma can lose access to their living consciousness, bodies, nervous systems, and true nature. This inability to be with the fullness of your authentic self can limit your capacity to live in a meaningful way, leading to grief, depersonalization, and a deep longing for who you used to be.

During our time together, we will turn inward by:

  • Working directly with spiritual practices, including mediation, inquiry, journaling, body-centered awareness, and gentle movement.
  • Creating a safe container and heart-full space.
  • Introducing a spiritual orientation toward our emotional soul, focusing on appreciation for the gift of emotions as the door to our spiritual nature.
  • Uncovering how our hidden and forbidden emotions can become portals to our various spiritual qualities.

The natural response to trauma is to dissociate, shut down, and become numb to protect oneself. Over time, a distorted sense of self can form, but we are not defined by our painful histories. With great tenderness, curiosity and courage,  we can recognize the effects the past can have on our spiritual path and discern what is needed to effectively navigate this part of our journey. Who and what we truly are can always be rediscovered.

This workshop invites you to be open to the possibility that, no matter the trauma, our authentic nature remains pure — and steadfastly available when we turn toward our true selves.

Recommended Reading: In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:
Jessica Britt

Jessica Britt, a student of Hameed Ali since 1977 and a teacher since 1985, directs training globally. Formerly a nurse specializing in childhood abuse, she was also a past Esalen Institute Gestalt staff member. Her diverse background includes Reichian work, the study of Native American traditions, and Continuum Movement.

Read More

Debra Artura

Debra Artura is a coach and mentor committed to supporting people ready to shed outdated strategies, heal trauma, befriend their feelings and free themselves from the past so they can live open and wholeheartedly in the present and have nourishing intimate relationships. 

Read More

Workshop Schedule

Friday
5:00 pm – 5:45 * How to Drop into Esalen *
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Monday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Thursday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.

First, sign up and pay tuition directly to

Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.

Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.

COVID Update

As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

All-inclusive Pricing