The Space Between – Bridging Differences Through Encounter

Friday, June 20, 2025

From 2:00 p.m., admission begins: a calm and warm arrival before the opening.

2:30 p.m., Welcome and Opening of the Conference – Gabriele Blankertz opens the conference with a personal speech on Gestalt training as a laboratory for peace-building processes – then and now.

3:30 p.m ., Lecture: My Journey as a Psychotherapist Under Dictatorial Rule – Syrian psychotherapist Dr. Mouta Barakat speaks about what it means to practice therapy under authoritarian rule – and how fear and repression shape healing processes and social life. (In English)

6:00 p.m., Exhibition Opening – Featuring works by Syrian artists currently participating in the Gestalt training program – a moving testament to inner processes and creative expression.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

From 10:00 a.m., Admission

11:00 a.m., Lecture: Why War? – A Gestalt Perspective – Dr. Stefan Blankertz discusses the Gestalt theory of aggression as a key to understanding war, conflict, and change. A timely perspective on a frequently misunderstood force. (in German)

11:00 a.m., Lecture: Resilience and Healing – Dr. Lidia Chylewska-Barakat shares insights from ten years of trauma work in Syria – and how hope, empathy, and connection became powerful companions on the path to resilience and healing. (In English)

2:00 p.m., Workshop 1: Transcultural Dialogue Group – A workshop that embodies and connects across diversity. It will take place in three languages (English, Arabic, and German) and will be led by institute director Gabriele Blankertz and Rawaa Alsamman.

2:00 p.m., Workshop 2: Encountering ourselves and others from within – When we arrive in our center, true encounter becomes possible. In this workshop, we explore how genuine presence emerges from inner connectedness – both with ourselves and in contact with others. Facilitated by: Birgit Schönberger. (in German)

4:00 p.m., Workshop 3: Topdog/Underdog – Dynamic – We explore inner tensions between control and resistance – and the longing for freedom hidden within them. Facilitated by: Ben Graham (in English)

4:00 p.m., Workshop 4: Resonance Space– What Is Alive in Me in the Here & Now – In this workshop, we open a space for what moves us and enter into resonance with what emerges between us. Facilitated by: Gabriele Blankertz

From 7:00 p.m.: Festive Evening – with live music, swing and Latin rhythms, and space for dancing, connection, and celebration.

Sunday: June 22, 2025

10:00 a.m., Workshop 5: Practical Introduction to Art Therapy – From the Periphery to the Core – Connecting the In-Between Between inner and outer worlds unfolds a play of movement, perception, and image. In this workshop, we follow searching impulses – physical, emotional, mental – and explore the in-between spaces where the visible begins to emerge. Facilitated by: Nicole F. Brémond.

Note: This workshop has limited capacity. Please indicate your interest when registering.

11:00 a.m., Workshop 6: Global Events and Inner Resonance – Staying Present Without Freezing – This workshop invites you to explore how world events affect you – and how to stay grounded, open, and responsive in uncertain times. Facilitated by: Gabriele Blankertz.

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Finissage – The artists will be present, offering the opportunity to engage in conversation in a relaxed atmosphere and to purchase artworks.

3:00 p.m.: Closing Gathering

Lectures are held in German and English and are available as texts in the other language.

📍 InKontakt Gestaltinstitut Berlin

Fees
– Full conference (Fri–Sun): €120 / €90 reduced

– Friday or Sunday only: €50 each

– Saturday only: €90

📩 Registration & Questions at: inkontakt@gestalt-institut.com