Nourishing the Presence of the Therapist:
A day of Hakomi for Post-Secondary Counsellors
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Camosun College (Lansdowne Campus), Victoria, B.C.
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 from 10am-5pm (with a 1 hour break for lunch)
Location: Room 200, Wilna Thomas Building, Camosun College (Lansdowne Campus), Victoria, B.C.
The Hakomi method was first developed by Ron Kurtz in the 1970s. The method was instrumental in fostering well known methods such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Hakomi has been refined since its earliest inception and now offers an approach to therapy which prioritizes therapist presence, mindfulness and creativity in a way that offers therapists and clients a depth of personhood development and change which is in alignment with modern research in neuroscience and change processes. This day will explore two key components of the Hakomi method (presence and present moment orientation) and will provide learners opportunities to explore these themes with experiential exercises. We will also look at nourishing experiences for counsellors in their work and prepare learners to return to their roles with the prospect of seeing opportunities for revitalization.
The workshop will be followed up by an informal social gathering at Laura Paetkau’s house in Victoria from 6-8:30pm, which will include light snacks and drinks, as well as karaoke. This will be an opportunity for the attendees to connect and relax after a day of learning.
NOTE: Please bring a lunch. Coffee, tea and morning/afternoon snacks will be provided.
Registration Fees & Links: Registration is now closed.
Thanks to PSCA for their generous subsidy towards this workshop! Please reach out to Laura Paetkau at paetkauL@camosun.ca with any inquiries.
Susan Dempsey
Susan Dempsey is a Hakomi Trainer and former post-secondary counsellor, with a wide range of clinical training and experience which she draws on in her work and teaching. Having spent 20 years in post-secondary counselling (Camosun and UVic), Susan now divides her time between her private practice in Victoria, training and consulting with the Vancouver Hakomi Education Network (www.Hakomi.ca), parenting/grandparenting and blasting out Klezmer melodies with her accordion. Susan studied directly with Ron Kurtz, the founder of the Hakomi method and other teachers and trainers in the Hakomi Education Network where she is now a trainer and consultant/supervisor working across Canada and beyond.
Art Phipps
Art Phipps is currently on sabbatical, though ordinarily working full-time as a counsellor at Vancouver Island University. Art began his Hakomi studies in 2011 and certified as a practitioner in 2015. He is now working towards teaching certification with the Vancouver Hakomi Education Network. Art has been in post-secondary counselling for 10 years having worked in community mental health as a therapist prior to this as well as many years of experience in group-based diversity education. Art is delighted by the power and beauty of mindfulness and connection to meet the needs of healing and humanity. He is a certified facilitator of MBSR and regularly runs mindfulness-based groups for post-secondary students at his home campus.
10:00 am – Start time
1 hour for lunch
5:00 pm – End time
6:00 pm (optional) – Social gathering at Laura Paetkau’s house