In his classic work The Road Less Traveled, Scott Peck described psychotherapy as “an act of love.” Yet therapists often receive (and express) conflicting messages around the expression of love for, and with, our clients. This workshop begins with the premise that the therapeutic encounter often begins with an injury or misunderstanding around the meaning and experience of love. As such, regardless of what method we use in working to heal the mind, body, and spirit, we must also shift from thinking about our client to feeling with them. This can take place through heart-centered practices such as intentionality, movement, chanting, and writing. Our time together is an invitation to honor the love within ourselves and the sacred space between us and our clients. In this experiential workshop, you’ll: 

• Explore the healing potential of the non-physical aspects of love, including trust, surrender, connection, companionship, forgiveness, and hope  
• Experience the use of heart-centered approaches in guiding clients to expand into a life of deeper loving acceptance of themselves and others 
• Share experiences of love and loving service in the safety of other therapists 
• Honor the practice of psychotherapy as both an act of love and a spiritual encounter 

Sabrina N’Diaye, PhD, LCSW-C, MDiv, is a therapist and Sufi healer based in Baltimore, MD.  She is the author of The Laugh of Love: Life Lessons from Big Mama.