[4 nights] Copper Beech SANGHA Retreat 2024

Exploring Emptiness: 

A Mindfulness Retreat for Mental Health Professionals and Caregivers

with Bill Morgan PsyD and Susan Morgan MSN, RN, CS

October 2-6

Copper Beech Institute

West Hartford, CT

*12 CEs available*

IMPORTANT NOTES:

PRE-REQUISITE: This retreat is designed specifically for therapists and caregivers who have previously worked with Bill and Susan. If you have not yet experienced their teaching and would like to attend, please email Bill at wdmorgan33@gmail.com before registering.

COVID: Home test within 24 hours prior to arrival. Spacing and masks indoors depend on conditions.

NASW CE’s: Will not be offered to social workers for this retreat.

This is a silent retreat.

RETREAT DESCRIPTION: 

At the core to the Buddha’s teachings is the understanding and realization of emptiness. This is one of the most important topics in the Buddha’s teachings and one of the most difficult to understand. It is a central underpinning in all major schools of Buddhism. Yet, what exactly is the Buddha pointing to by using this word? Why is it so central and how can we begin to experientially understand it?

During this retreat we will explore creative ways of practicing and deepening our understanding of emptiness. We will both explore and discover approaches that are not helpful, that lead to frustration and discouragement, as well as methods that bear fruit in our direct experience.

Our teaching is experience-near, focusing on mindfulness practices that are personally and interpersonally relevant, particularly in the delivery of accurate empathy and therapeutic presence.

We’ll discuss how to practice these techniques ourselves to be more present, at ease, and responsive in our personal lives and clinical work, as well as, how to share them with our clients.

Our time together will be divided between short Dharma talks, mindfulness meditation instructions followed by guided meditations, with periods of sitting, standing and walking meditation each day.

Noble silence will be upheld except during small group discussions and Q&A in order to facilitate a deeper contemplative experience.

Let’s gather together and support one another as a community of kalyana mitta, spiritual friends.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

12 CEs available for those attending this program at no additional fee. (Scroll down for CE details below)

• To obtain CEs participants must attend all sessions
• CONTACT for CE-related questions:  wdmorgan33@gmail.com

COST:

• The registration fee for the entire course is $530 which includes a private room with shared hall bath, all meals and access to the lovely facility and grounds.
• Teachings are offered on a dana basis (Bill and Susan will discuss more at the retreat).
• The meals are lovingly prepared comfort foods to feed the body and spirit, while satisfying the palate. This includes vegetarian and vegan selections at every meal, with some gluten free options.
• The first installment of $300 holds your space; the second installment of $230 is due by September 1st. After September 1st, you must pay in full.
• Scholarship information is below.

For questions about the registration process, contact Bill and Susan's Dharma Assistant: BillandSusanMindfulness@gmail.com

Scholarship Assistance: To apply, please send to both Bill & Susan, wdmorgan33@gmail.com and stmorgan11@gmail.com, with the following information:

Name:

Email:

Name of Retreat & Dates:

Help us to understand your need for a scholarship at this time?

The DEADLINE for applying is two months prior to the start of the retreat.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• Your fee will be refunded, minus $75, if we are notified before August 1, 2023.
• Your fee will be refunded, minus $150, if we are notified between August 1st and September 1st.
• After September 1st, $200 will be refunded.

Cancellation situations arising around COVID will be handled on a case by case basis.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW (Eastern Time):

• Plan to arrive Wednesday between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.
• Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm on Wednesday.
• The retreat ends with lunch at 12 noon on Sunday.
• Please plan to stay for lunch on Sunday!

CE Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the two core components of attention in mindfulness practice.

2. Specify how a therapist can best choose which mindfulness exercises are most appropriate for different arousal states.

3. Describe how sustained focus supports the release of anxiety-related tension.

4. Describe how to track stressful thoughts and emotions that interfere with ease of wellbeing. 

5. Identify how to apply compassion to enhance emotional regulation.

6. Discuss ways to assist clients to integrate mindfulness practice in their lives, especially during uncertain times.

7. Describe how mindfulness practices support parasympathetic activation and calm sympathetic activation.

8. Demonstrate an experiential understanding of mindfulness interventions through personal practice.

9. Specify contraindications for various mindfulness practices.

Bill and Susan Morgan offer continuing education credit through their affiliation with the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy.

For CE related questions, CONTACT Bill Morgan: wdmorgan33@gmail.com

Psychologists: The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 12 hours of credit.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors: The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6048. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This program is approved for 12 clock hours. It is also applicable for MaMHCA/MMCEP hours for re-licensure, in accordance with 262 CMR.

Social Workers: *CEs will not be offered to social workers for this retreat.

Nurses: This program carries 12 contact hours and meets the specifications of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (244 CMR 5.00).