Open Floor Encounter

Open Floor Encounter is a structured movement-based group process that draws on the lineages of Gestalt therapy, somatic psychology, psychodrama, and conscious movement to create a space where we can meet the moment and be genuinely known.

This is a closed group meeting over 5 months, beginning with two days in late August then regularly gathering on for four Saturdays until late October. Places are limited.

About Open Floor Encounter

Encounter is a practice that is easier to experience than to describe. At it’s heart encounter works at the intersection of movement practice and group therapeutic process. The honest question we hold is: what actually happens when we meet?

Developed by Andrea Juhan, co-founder of Open Floor international, over 30 years of clinical and teaching practice. Open Floor Encounter draws on the encounter group tradition pioneered at Esalen in the 1960s, weaving it with contemporary somatic psychotherapy, Gestalt awareness practice, psychodrama and conscious dance.

In the Encounter process we practice four relational roles: clear witness, initiator, joiner and the window. Together we learn the process and body-based practices to develop our capacity to be honest and present in connection, with ourselves and others. The group becomes a living field of contact. What you discover in how you move, withdraw, reach and react, on the dance floor and in the group, becomes the material of the work.

“There is value in giving a safe place for risk”
‍ ‍- Patricia DeYoung

How we use the dance?

The dance, Open Floor movement practice, runs through the whole program as the integrating thread. We use the dance as a free-form resource-based somatic practice, to allow space for our whole beings to process and deepen what emerges in the group.

Who Is This For?

This group is for people ready to dive into their movement practice and group process as a doorway to deeper self-understanding. For those wanting to get honest and creative with the patterns that shape how they relate to themselves, others and the world in a group setting.

Those working or studying in the helping professions - therapists, teachers, bodyworkers, facilitators, healers - will find value in deepening their therapeutic presence and capacity to hold others and truthfully tend to yourself.

The Program

The program opens for over two days where we build the group container and learn the Encounter process. We then gather over four more Saturdays to practice together. Each Saturday begins with a morning of Open Floor dance at Henry’s regular dance, followed by an afternoon of Encounter work with our closed group. Every participant has the opportunity to move through each role across the sessions. Commitment to attending all sessions is important.

2-day opening weekend: Sat 29 – Sun 30 Aug
Saturdays: 5 Sep · Sat 19 Sep · Sat 3 Oct · Sat 24 Oct

Each day runs from 10am–5pm.

Kangaroo Ground Hall, Nillumbik, Victoria — approx. 45 mins from Melbourne CBD.

Testimonials from Past Participants

"When big emotions came up for me in my role as initiator, there were times I just wanted to check out. But Henry gently and skilfully held the space for me to go deeper and follow the emotion and the discomfort. This really allowed me to get to the next stage, and was a really big moment of healing and understanding.

I love this practice. It's deep and juicy and immersive. Just when you think you've found the magic, you drop in further and find a bit more”

Anna, Ecologist and Writer

"The encounters for me felt like an invitation to play — to step into my experience and explore it in a way that was both embodied and deeply revealing. Henry offers support without imposing direction, creating a space where the process can unfold naturally.

One of the most powerful aspects was seeing parts of myself reflected and embodied by other participants.

The strong foundation of safety and trust within the group made it possible for me to engage with full openness and curiosity.

I also found participating in other people's encounters just as valuable as my own. Witnessing and contributing to their processes often revealed insights I hadn't anticipated.

Encounter sits at a unique intersection of play and presence. It's such a rich and creative space for exploring what is alive in the moment."

Adi, Art therapist and Jeweler

Cost

$700 early bird (until 6th Aug) - single payment or two payments of $350
$750 full program - single payment or two payments of $375
$525 alumni (past Encounter participants, 30% off) — single payment or two payments of $262.50

If cost is a barrier, reach out to Henry directly at henry.fowkes@gmail.com to discuss options including some work exchange spots.

Apply to Join

Participants are required to have experience of their own therapeutic work, and some background in conscious dance, ideally including time in Henry’s Open Floor offerings. Places are limited and full commitment to attending all sessions is required. Group limited to 20 people.

Applications are reviewed by Henry and a brief conversation will follow to ensure the group is a good fit for you. If you have questions include them in your application or reach out directly at henry.fowkes@gmail.com.