Phoenix Arrien:
I am passionate about supporting people’s journeys towards connection with themselves and others for personal and community, healing and transformation. I believe that deep listening, safe space, supportive community and sacred ritual can help provide paths to a happier life and a better world.
I am a workshop facilitator with over 30 years experience working with people in private practice, corporate and community.
Growing up in Australia along with several years living in the Middle East, I emerged from a traumatic childhood that has seen me journey from victim to survivor to thriver, now allowing me to be able to be clearly present and deeply support people through the kinds of difficulties or traumas that often require great sensitivity and depth.
This deep presence is coupled with an unshakable belief that people can heal, get through the worst, recover and come out the other side stronger and empowered, proven over and over in sessions, circles, presentations, workshops and retreats. Please see the testimonials page.
I live and work in the mountains of the Yarra Valley. I also work with people on Zoom, FB chat and phone.
My training and experience includes Somatic Psychology, Jungian psychology, counselling, Core Shamanic practice, Australian indigenous healing, Cherokee and Maori bodywork, Native American and South American healing, dance/movement, Adventure-based Counselling, Process-oriented Psychology, Voice Dialogue, Inner Constellations, Deep Ecology, Healing Ecology, massage, Reiki, writing and meditation. I have a deep interest in eco-psychology, indigenous healing, community and authenticity. And bringing up two amazing now-grown up sons 🙂
I was a manager of the ground-breaking ‘Body-wise’ program at the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault, was head-hunted to conduct meditation classes for the Bushfire Recovery Program for survivors of Yarra Valley’s 2009 bushfires and worked with street kids and youth at risk in the outdoors using nature, challenges and recreation as a medium for change. I am also a widely published writer including two books and articles that appeared in publications around the world.
I acknowledge and am very grateful for the past generous training of my main teachers including Sean O’Connell, Aunty Jenny (Australian indigenous healer), Dr Lewis Mehl-Madrona (Cherokee/Lakota healer and doctor), Dr Robert ‘Rocky’ Crocker (Choctaw healer and doctor), Wikitoria (Maori Healer), the Maria Elena’s (South American), Silvia Calisaya Chuquimia (Peruvian), Kevin Turner (Foundation for Shamanic Studies), John Seed (Deep Ecology) and all the others who I have been fortunate to learn from, and so assist others.
Mike Lowe has over 25 years international experience leading transformational workshops in the areas of trustbuilding and reconciliation. He has worked with politicians and young leaders in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism and has worked on programmes of reconciliation with police and former militia leaders in Solomon Islands.
His particular gift is in creating safe spaces in which transformation can occur, and he has a particular interest in earth-based spirituality, indigenous wisdom, Process Work, Focussing, Voice-Dialogue, archetypes, and supporting the rise of healthy and authentic Masculine and Feminine energies as we transition from patriarchal and colonial ways of being. He has studied with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, the Coyote Institute and the Centre for Applied Jungian Studies. Mike is also employed as Lead Facilitator and Trainer for Initiatives of Change Australia. He blogs at www.mikelowe.com.au
Robin Wilkinson: Robin has over 20 years of experience working in various healing modalities, including as a relational psychotherapist and bodyworker. He specialises in working with attachment, connection, relationships and trauma integration. He has spent many years working with men including running men’s groups and holding space for men’s rites-of-passage, has long-standing personal practices in the realms of trance and ritual and is passionate about cultivating collective spaces for growth and transformation. He is also an accomplished writer and poet and has been published widely. He can be found at www.rightrelationship.com.au
