Assisi, Italy with Dr. Alessandra Colfi: June 2024
June 22-28, 2024
Awakening Gratitude, Resilience, and Joy
in Assisi, Italy
with
Alessandra Colfi, Ph.D., Larry Cammarata, Ph.D., and Linda Cammarata, RYT
Learn and explore within a friendly and supportive small group setting.
Click the play button below for a video overview of our retreat location. Please click the arrow above for a one-minute video overview of our Assisi, Italy accommodation.
Please note that we will have comfortable seating arrangements, without needing to sit on the floor!
Our retreat is located at Le Case, a peaceful sprawling residence surrounded by Mount Subasio Natural Park, between streams and woods, farms, and organic crops in the countryside outside of the medieval town of Assisi, Italy, in Umbria. The Umbria region of Italy has been described by Lonely Planet as, "Italy's green heart…a land unto itself, the only Italian region that borders neither the sea nor another country. Removed from outside influences, it has kept alive many of Italy's old-world traditions." Please see the videos at the bottom of this page, which provide an overview of the Umbria region and a detailed look at Assisi.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
For complete CE information for licensed mental health professionals, physicians, and nurses, please click on Educational Programs prior to registering.
The Gratitude Compass: An Expressive Arts Practice to Foster Resilience and Collaboration with Dr. Alessandra Colfi
Gratitude is a wide-ranging perspective that involves appreciating your life. Recognizing and expressing gratitude for specific aspects of one’s life can result in improved mental, and even physical health in patients, caregivers, and health care professionals. The practice quickly becomes the lens through which one sees the world and attunes their behaviors. An Expressive Arts Therapy program focused on gratitude is a valuable modality in an integrative model of care, offering participants direct experience of the arts with research and evidence-based applications and benefits in patient-centered care, as well as for clinicians to increase awareness, fulfilment, and meaning while preventing burnout. Participants will be offered a wide variety of simple, high quality, safe, and engaging mixed-media art materials, with enough guidance to develop confidence and ease in each process, with plenty of freedom of choice and experimentation. No previous art experience is necessary to participate and enjoy the many benefits.
Mindful Movement for Self-Regulation with Dr. Larry Cammarata
This educational program integrates the application of mindfulness, mindful movement, and body awareness skills in the treatment of psychological and psychophysiological disorders. Mindful movement is an accessible body-centered mindfulness practice that may be of particular benefit to clients and patients who are challenged by the sitting required of many mindfulness practices. Mindful movement can be used as a standalone mindfulness practice or as a complement to seated meditation. The practice of mindful movement develops the ability to regulate the mind, body, and breath, which can reduce the symptoms and suffering associated with psychological conditions such as Anxiety Disorders and Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders. We will examine mindfulness, mindful movement, and client-directed body-oriented interventions designed to facilitate self-regulation, mood stabilization, enhanced concentration, and quality of life.
YOGA PROGRAM
Gentle Yoga with Linda Cammarata, RYT
In addition to the continuing education programs listed above, Linda Cammarata, RYT will be teaching gentle therapeutic yoga classes that are appropriate for beginners as well as more experienced yoga practitioners. Linda’s classes will support your immune system, align your structure, and facilitate deep relaxation. The classes will cultivate flexibility, strength, and vitality. No prior experience with yoga is required.
RETREAT OVERVIEW
Educational Programs
The Gratitude Compass: An Expressive Arts Practice to Foster Resilience and Collaboration with Dr. Alessandra Colfi
Mindful Movement for Self-Regulation: Evidence-Based Benefits and Clinical Applications with Dr. Larry Cammarata
For complete CE information for licensed mental health professionals, physicians, and nurses, please click on Educational Programs prior to registering.
Also included at the retreat
Yoga classes with Linda Cammarata, RYT
Accommodations for 6 nights and 7 days at Le Case
All meals
Guided hike in the “Bosco di San Francesco” (Woodland of Saint Francis) and on to the Basilica of Saint Francis and the medieval town of Assisi
Visit the Eremo delle Carcere (a mountain forest hermitage of Saint Francis)
Optional massage
"I cannot put into accurate words how meaningful the Assisi seminar was both on a personal and professional level. You and Larry are such fluid examples of 'global citizens', your practice and facilitation demonstrate such loving beauty. Thank you for the inspiration to live my truth, take my seat at the table of mindful psychotherapists, and trust that which is fluid within me. We have much to digest in the richness of the seminar. We have grown as individuals, which has allowed our relationship to awaken.”
L.C., CMHC
FEE, REGISTRATION, AND CONTACT INFORMATION
$ 2800: Double occupancy (USD credit card, per person, double occupancy, airfare not included)
$ 3000: Single occupancy (USD credit card, per person, single occupancy, airfare not included)
Registration and Payment: Please email Linda Cammarata to register or to inquire about private room availability prior to submitting your payment. After registering, you may pay by credit card through an online invoice that will be emailed to you.
Questions? Email Linda Cammarata
Please see the photos, videos, and instructor bios below.
Our retreat accommodation
MEET OUR TEAM
Alessandra Colfi, Ph.D. holds a BA/MA in Linguistics and a Doctorate degree in Expressive Arts Therapy. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher RYT-200, Certified in Yoga for Cancer Recovery and Advanced Back Care, and a Zumba Instructor (ZIN®). She provides her Expressive Arts Therapy programs at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center working and supporting patients in their healing journeys, and assists individuals process their grief after the death a loved one at The HeartWay. Her whole person-centered, mindfulness-based approach is compassionate, uplifting, and draws from many different traditions and modalities like Meditation, MBSR, Guided Visualization and relaxation techniques, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Pranayama (breathwork), Movement, EMDR, as well as from community resources.
Dr. Colfi is a member of San Diego Cancer Research Institute (SDCRI), a Faculty member and Director of the Expressive Arts Therapy Department at International University of Professional Studies; MiraCosta College Kinesiology Dept. Advisory Board Member, a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH), Yoga Alliance, North County Cancer Fitness, Yoga Vista, Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance, Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, Consciousness and Healing Initiative, Arts Health Network Canada. Dr. Colfi has been using the creative arts and their embodied therapeutic qualities for over 22 years in private and clinical settings assisting oncology patients, families, and individuals experiencing grief. Dr. Colfi has presented at professional conferences like APOS, AHIM, and CSU Symposium for Palliative Care Research and Education, and received numerous awards for her artwork and service; in 2014 she received the San Diego Cancer Research Institute Award of Excellence for contributing to improving the quality of life of cancer patients in San Diego County.
Larry Cammarata, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who specializes in mindfulness-based therapy, coaching, and education, including the science and practice of mindful movement. He is the Director of Education of Mindfulness Travels and is also the Director of Training for East Bay Mindfulness Center. Larry is also an instructor of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Qigong who has received advanced training in China and in the US. He was designated as an "Author-Expert" by IDEA for his writing, teaching, and service in the field of mind-body health, fitness, and wellness. His mindful movement work was presented at the 11th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.
Linda Cammarata, RYT is a Registered Yoga Teacher and retired Registered Nurse who specializes in applying mind-body practices of self-regulation to stress, mood, and sleep health. She is the Founder and Director of Mindfulness Travels. Linda has designed and presented wellness programs at world renowned spas in the US and internationally. She integrates mindfulness, gentle yoga, qigong, and contemporary science into her teachings. Her professional experience spans over 30 years in tradtional and complementary healthcare and wellness settings.
Additional photos and videos
Basilica of Saint Francis
The medieval village of Assisi is a friendly place that offers culture, points of historical interest, inspiration, and great food.
Assisi is a place where you will want to get 'lost' in one of its many enchanting alleyways.The cobblestone streets can easily transport you to earthly delights of gelato and cappuccino as well as spiritual nourishment.
Members of our joyous group atop the 14th Century “Annamaria Tower”, discovered during a walk through the Woodland of Saint Francis.
This statue of Saint Francis greets you as you enter his mountain hermitage. Notice the inclusive religious symbols that surround him. Everyone is warmly welcomed here.
VIDEO: Assisi, Italy