Within a contemplative, body- and tango-oriented approach to Gestalt therapy—referred to as Relationship That Can Be Danced (Bdmtk)—eight phases of archetypal encounters are explored and shaped through individual and collective presence and through the tango-specific way of walking known as El Caminar. These phases are described as: noticing, positioning, arriving, giving impulse, responding, accompanying, and gathering. Within the contact cycle, they correspond to pre-contact, initiation of contact, full contact, and post-contact.

The therapeutic use of these phases strengthens presence, stimulates awareness, and modulates the quality of contact. The accompanying deceleration revitalizes and refines self-experience as well as the perception of the relational field. What emerges is reflected upon within the ritual of partner contemplation. Experiences that prove meaningful in self-exploration are then reflected upon with regard to one’s own therapeutic practice.

In this ritual, two people meet beyond opinion, dispute, and injury. Scientifically examined effects of Bdmtk include an increase in both the capacity for individuation and the capacity for surrender, as well as a reduction in conflict behavior. In one study, 18 couples reported higher satisfaction with their partnership one month after the standard weekend than before.

Participants may attend with or without a partner. No dance experience is required.

Contents and Processes

• The eight phases of an archetypal encounter

• Body-oriented self-experience

• Axis and autonomy: differentiation as a competence

• Synchronicity and confluence: touch and flow as a gift

• Partner contemplations: brief, healing, and connecting rituals

Facilitator: Johannes Feuerbach, he developed Relationship That Can Be Danced as a self-experience method for couples, drawing on Lomi bodywork, Gestalt therapy, contemplation, and tango. He began his therapeutic practice in 1980, initially working with Lomi bodywork. His therapeutic focus lies in couple and group therapy. He is a teaching therapist and trainer in Gestalt couple therapy. His most recent publication on Bdmtk appeared in GESTALTTHERAPIE 2022/2. He holds a degree in education and is a Gestalt therapist accredited by DVG and EAGT, a DVG-certified supervisor, and a psychotherapist (EAP/HP).

Dates: June 27–28
Schedule:
Saturday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 – 5:00 pm, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Fee: €150
Location: INKONTAKT Gestalt Institute Berlin
Registration: inkontakt@gestalt-institut.com