Atmospheres of Illness, Death and Dying: An Immersion in Supporting Life Transition

This Workshop focuses on the Embodied sensory Atmospheres that are emergent in the presence of those that are ill, experience disease and on the path towards death. Within the larger context of the health care system and Social Construction of illness (Conrad & barker, 2010) the Gestalt value of interactional relational experience (Clemmens, 2011, Clemmens, 2025) offers a palliative and validating alternative to the isolation that is so common for people who are suffering in these ways. An overview of this phenomenological and somatic emphasis will be explored and practiced in working with clients who are ill or in the process of death. Participants will be invited to experience and acknowledge their own embodied response to illness and death as well as supporting clients in their own journey. Demonstrations and small group practice session will support immersion in the atmospheres with respect, curiosity and the use of embodied attunement and resonance.

Learning Objectives:
Participants completing this workshop will be able to:

Describe atmospheres in the interaction between client and Therapist;

Be able to articulate their historical and immediate embodied responses to illness and Disease; and

Through Practice sessions identify interventions to support the client dealing with illness and dying.

Michael Clemmens, Ph.D