CFT & Acting Workshop

In promoting experiences of affiliation and soothing to help regulate threat, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) relies, amongst other interventions, on the use of acting techniques to cultivate a ‘compassionate mind’.

In this experiential workshop taught by Gareth Kennerley (a professional actor) and facilitated by Korina Ioannou (a Clinical Psychologist and CFT practitioner), we will be using a range of acting techniques to explore ways of generating and embodying different emotional ‘selves’. The aim of this workshop is to enrich CFT therapists’ therapeutic toolbox, which they can use in helping clients develop their compassionate self.

Workshop Outline:

On Day 1 we will start by using a number of physical and vocal exercises to let go of tension and find a point of neutrality. We will gradually move on to character building work. We will use physicality, mirroring and embodiment exercises to explore different emotional positions. We will consider how these map onto the three emotion regulation systems, or combinations of them, in searching for different ‘versions’ of the compassionate self.

Day 2 will involve deeper delving into character creation and interpersonal relating, based on individual and group work. This will include guided improvisation, emotional memory exercises, and embodiment. Through this practice and exploration we will be working towards creating and embodying our own compassionate self.

About Gareth Kennerley:

Gareth has been a professional actor and teacher since 2005, having trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has appeared in several short films, commercials and theatre plays in London’s West End and the National Theatre, and many other regional theatres in the UK and Europe.

Gareth has regularly been involved in research and development for new work at varied venues and was the recipient of the Michael Bryant verse speaking award, Judged at the National Theatre in 2005. He is also artistic and company director of Scaffold State – a theatre production company seeking to find new forms of story telling with a focus on physicality and interaction with music. As a drama teacher and acting coach, Gareth has worked with students of all ages and runs acting training and master classes for adults with different levels of acting experience. In all of these capacities Gareth draws on a range of methodologies and personal experience of the industry.

He is a friendly and dynamic teacher focusing in particular on the physicality, voice work, clarity of communication and imaginative engagement of his students. He is thrilled to be working on this project – and sees a real potential in the mutual learning process that will take place as a result of his involvement with CFT.

About Korina Ioannou

Korina Ioannou is a Clinical Psychologist who, for many years, has used CFT with clients presenting with a variety of severe and enduring mental health problems. She currently works at St Ann’s NHS Eating Disorder Service, and is co-director of Balanced Minds, a Compassion Focused Therapy private practice based in London. Korina has worked with Gareth for the past two years, and has benefited personally and professionally from his guidance as an acting teacher. Together, they have been interested in more in-depth links between acting techniques and the development of the ‘compassionate self’.

Who this Workshop is for:

It is desirable that attendees have completed some introductory training in Compassion Focussed Therapy prior to attending this workshop.

As this is an experiential workshop, involving exploratory work and improvisation, we expect that you will be able to bring an open-mind and a readiness to experiment with different ‘parts’ of you, in a safe and respectful environment. A willingness to ‘play’ and have fun is an absolute requirement!

What is included in the Workshop fee:

We will provide hot and cold beverages throughout the two days. Lunch is not provided. Delegates will have several choices in nearby cafes and restaurants.

We regret that we will be unable to cover any accommodation or travel costs if, for any unforseen circumstances, this workshop has to be cancelled.