TUCSON SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY EVENTS

EVENTS

Fall 2026

21 Dancing Tārās:

Join me for movement-based, expressive pujas (devotional practices) to embody and integrate the energies needed for waking up in an increasingly confused world.

Tārā, a beloved bodhisattva of compassionate action in the world, “appears” in 21 forms — each possessing particular energies, or qualities — of the enlightened bodymind. Her various forms are derived from the traditional text, “21 Praises of Tārā.”

Please join me to learn about the many emanations of Tārā. Begin to embody her many qualities through dance and some somatic, seated meditation.

“Attention is the beginning of devotion… Real attention needs empathy; attention without feeling is just a report.” — Mary Oliver

2nd Sundays of each month: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at 3131 N. Cherry Ave. in Tucson

$10 – $25 suggested donation.

*No one will be turned away due to inabilty to donate.

Writing From the body (round II) :

An authentic movement and Discovery writing workshop

October 2nd, 3:00 – 6:30 p.m.
October 3rd, 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. &
October 4th, 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

(Please scroll down to register.)

No need to fear what’s in the shadows …

Our “shadow selves” are often misunderstood … But what’s found there is exactly what’s needed for true aliveness and wholeness.

Join me for the coming together of two realms of discovery — depth movement and creative writing. I bring my training in dance, creative writing, dreamwork, and somatic psychotherapy to facilitate a process of shedding light on what’s in the shadow … and getting to know it in a meaningful way.

Our shadows make us interesting and real. What’s found in the darkness — the place not illuminated by consciousness — holds crucial energy for our healing, growth and thriving. I invite you to come away from the trap of goal-oriented and achievement-oriented language (which pretends we are not already whole).

We can turn toward what’s not yet conscious with humor, play, reverence, curiosity, and love. If we do, our shadows empower us, enabling us to feel internally connected … and to empathize and connect with others.

In this workshop, I will lead simple movement warm-ups and teach the basic form and practice of authentic movement. We’ll start with sensation and movement to begin awakening the wisdom of our bodies, intuition, and imaginal selves. From there, I’ll provide prompts and guidance to further illuminate and flesh out what’s emerged as meaningful.

Come sense, move, feel, excavate, imagine, and create! If you’ve been feeling numbed, two-dimensional, lost, uninspired, confused, or stuck — this is the workshop for you!

Never has there been a more important time than now to access our nuanced truths — those that the body reveals to us when we are really listening — for the benefit of all.

Here’s what participants have said:

“The weekend [workshop] was so significant to me… what is very salient is this: to able to hold the critical voice inside objectively for long moments felt triumphant. I left feeling capable and engaged rather than competitive and regretful …

The weekend evoked so much material at a pace I could really work with, and I’m very eager for monthly workshops … I am feeling into the ways I might digest this experience and find my own offering to satisfy this deep, creative itch I have to be a somatic artist. Again, thank you.” — Stacey R.

“It’s still a bit mystifying and yet obvious at the same time … the way that deep unconscious/early material can unexpectedly pack a punch … Part of my process turned out to be this major shift in how I interact with my parts — from it being this major layered ‘worky’ project to just presence and whatever comes up in this much more connected/fluid/syrupy/imaginal way. [This] visual way just comes up and I relate to it with more creativity. Helps a lot [in my work life] too . . . As far as authentic movement — I’m obsessed now! Wanting more and will watch out for more workshops.” —Dawn C.

“I really loved the workshop. It helped open up my heart in a new, vulnerable, safe way …” — Alexandra R.

“I connected with my body, mind, and soul in ways I have never been able to realize… I somehow feel more ‘whole’. I am moving forward with a larger sense of self and the space I inhabit. Leslie was able to draw out those of us more hesitant to be more vulnerable to the point where what once felt so intimidating felt so natural, good, and freeing! It was a profoundly beautiful experience.” – T.W.

“I appreciated the flexibility in doing what was right for me. I feel more secure within myself and my abilities moving forward.” – L. B.-P.

“Leslie is so kind and compassionate and offered a beautiful space and energy to the workshop.” – F.V.

“Going forward, [I imagine] a more peaceful and full outlook and moving more from my body.” – N.V.