The difference between the two JOR programs is the length of time involved to complete each program and the level of commitment to addressing pressing issues in the context of group work. As any other group process, however, these programs cannot guarantee the complete resolution to certain issues that may require individual long-term treatment due to their level of severity.

Journeys of Exploration

Journeys of Exploration has been designed as a short-term program to enhance awareness about the basic human needs in each area of the Medicine Wheel so that participants can pursue future avenues for addressing “unfinished business” or areas for personal improvement. Journeys of Exploration involves:

  • a therapeutic weekend retreat,
  • a day of preparation for the trip, and
  • a two week trip to Nepal, and
  • a group-process meeting after our return.

Journeys of Discovery

Journeys of Discovery has been designed for those individuals who are ready to address in more depth issues that have caused problems in their everyday functioning. This program will be ideal as an after-care program for those who have completed a residential program for addictive disorders, family members wanting to work out familial ruptures and conflicts together as well as individuals who seek a deeper understanding of themselves. Journeys of Discovery involves a ten week commitment including:

  • seven weeks of therapeutic group process in San Rafael, twice a week for two hours per session
  • a two week trip to Nepal including two open group process meetings per week, and
  • two additional group-process meetings after our return.
Sculpture with View

Journeys of Exploration

WEEKEND RETREAT

Friday (afternoon)

  • Part 1: Arrival, Welcome, and Introductions
  • Dinner
  • Mindfulness Exercise and Rest

Saturday (all day)

  • Breakfast
  • Part 2: “Sanctuary”
  • Lunch
  • Part 3: “Individuation”
  • Dinner
  • Social Time and Rest

Sunday (until 5PM)

  • Breakfast
  • Part 4: “Empowerment”
  • Lunch
  • Part 5: “Interdependence” and Good Byes

TWO DAYS BEFORE TRIP

  • Group Process to discuss Trip Logistics, Guidelines, and Preparations

TRAVEL

  • Week 1: Mindfulness Exercises and Open Group Process
  • Week 1: Mindfulness Exercises and Open Group Process
  • Week 2: Mindfulness Exercises and Open Group Process
  • Week 2: Mindfulness Exercises and Open Group Process

CLOSURE (BACK FROM TRIP)

  • Open Group Process
Compass image

Journeys of Discovery

PHASE 1: SANCTUARY

  • Session 1: (Week 1) Welcome to Journeys of Return: Introductions and Guidelines
  • Session 2: (Week 1) Safety: Creating My Inner Sanctuary
  • Session 3: (Week 2) Identifying My Social Support System
  • Session 4: (Week 2) Reconnecting to Source

PHASE 2: INDIVIDUATION

  • Session 5: (Week 3) Responding to Extraordinary Events
  • Session 6: (Week 3) Exploring My Personal Story (part 1)
  • Session 7: (Week 4) Exploring My Personal Story (part 2)
  • Session 8: (Week 4) Pseudo Sanctuaries: Addictions
  • Session 9: (Week 5) Recreating My Story

PHASE 3: EMPOWERMENT

  • Session 10: (Week 5) Real Power vs Pseudo Power
  • Session 11: (Week 6) Heightening Self-Awareness
  • Session 12: (Week 6) Discovering My Essence
  • Session 13: (Week 7) Restructuring My New Path
  • Session 14: (Week 7) Trip Logistics, Guidelines, and Preparations

PHASE 4: INTERDEPENDENCE (TRAVEL)

  • Session 14: (Week 8) Mindfulness Exercise and Open Group Process
  • Session 15: (Week 8) Mindfulness Exercise and Open Group Process
  • Session 16: (Week 9) Mindfulness Exercise and Open Group Process
  • Session 17: (Week 9) Mindfulness Exercise and Open Group Process

CLOSURE (BACK FROM TRIP)

  • Session 18: (Week 10) Open Group Process
  • Session 19: (Week 10) Open Group Process