Relational Gestalt Practice Study Series

A series of 3 separate weekends in the Months of June, August, & September 2026.

The Relational Gestalt Practice Study Series 2026 offers a structured opportunity to engage Gestalt principles through both theoretical study and experiential practice. It is designed as a living learning environment where we grow through participation, reflection, and relationship.

Participants learn from three perspectives:

Initiator (Explorer)

Reflector (Supporter)

Witness (Engaged Observer)

This triadic learning model is especially meaningful for those in the helping professions who wish to deepen their capacity for relational presence and integrate it more fully into their work.

The study emphasizes cultivating embodied presence, emotional awareness, and the capacity to “be with” another person, rather than directing or attempting to change them. Together, we will practice slowing down, listening inwardly and outwardly, and allowing contact to unfold organically. The program supports participants in expanding self-awareness and strengthening their ability to form authentic, resilient relationships.

This model invites us to remain present and in contact with our bodily and emotional experience, developing the capacity to accompany another person without directing, managing, fixing, or changing them.

We will attend to increasing our capacity for self-awareness and expanding our ability to make meaningful, grounded contact in both personal and professional relationships.

The format will include:

• Structured exercises in dyads and triads

• Open Seat sessions with Dorothy, followed by Channel 2 discussion

• Didactic presentations and group dialogue

• An online resource guide

These retreats are not an open seat intensive or pod, where every person has an open seat. To support time for channel 2 discussions, only three or four open seats with Dorothy will be offered each gathering.

Although participants may find this work personally meaningful or even therapeutic, it is offered as education rather than therapy. Relational Gestalt Practice takes place within a community learning environment, engaging shared practices that cultivate awareness, presence, and relational understanding.

The program is open to participants with previous experience in Gestalt workshops with Dorothy, Chris Price, or Sharon Terry, and requires recent participation in Open Seat workshops.

Dates & Times

June 5-7, 2026, Friday - Sunday

Friday: 1pm - 7pm

Saturday: 10am - 6pm

Sunday: 9am - 4pm

August 8-9, 2026 Saturday - Sunday

Saturday: 10am - 6pm

Sunday: 9am - 4pm

Sept 25-27, 2026, Friday - Sunday
Friday: 1pm - 7pm

Saturday: 10am - 6pm

Sunday: 9am - 4pm

*Please note the schedule is different on each day

Group Location

Aptos, CA

Tuition

3-day weekend: $650

2-day weekend: $450

Scholarship available upon inquiry. Please email registration@dorothycharles.com.

Interest Form

You are welcome to participate in one, two, or all three retreats. The group constellation will vary, with 8-12 participants.

Please submit this Interest Form to let us know which retreats you would like to participate in. Upon confirmation of your enrollment, a deposit of $200, per weekend retreat, will be requested.

**Covid policy: Because of the continued prevalence of COVID, to protect everyone's health, we ask that all participants provide proof of a negative antigen test taken on the on the day before the start of group and each morning. Vaccination is encouraged. Masking is welcomed for self-protection. If you have symptoms of illness, we ask you not to attend.**