Zen Institute Alumni Workshops
The Zen Institute Continuing Care Workshops provide a supportive space for alumni to reconnect with the Zen community, deepen the skills learned in treatment, and continue building a life rooted in balance, resilience, and well-being.
These counselor-facilitated workshops are designed for graduates who want to:
✔ Stay connected with the Zen Institute community and fellow alumni
✔ Continue practicing and strengthening the skills learned during treatment
✔ Receive guidance and support from experienced counselors in a group setting
✔ Explore meaningful topics related to emotional wellness, relationships, personal growth, and daily life
✔ Maintain momentum in their healing journey while navigating life's ongoing challenges
Continuing Care workshops are offered exclusively for Zen Institute alumni.
Workshop Details
Zen Institute Continuing Care Workshops are rooted in the understanding that emotional wellness is not the absence of discomfort, uncertainty, loss, conflict, or change. Rather, well-being grows through our ability to meet life's challenges with greater awareness, flexibility, compassion, and courage. Each workshop is designed to deepen self-understanding, strengthen practical skills, and support meaningful, lasting change.
Each workshop includes:
How to Signup
Please contact Joyce at (520) 222-9364 or [email protected] to sign up for sessions.
Please review our workshop policies before attending your first session [Continuing Care Workshop Policies, below]
TOPICS
August 5
Wise Mind & The Middle Path
How do we maintain balance when life feels overwhelming or uncertain?
Many of us leave treatment understanding the concept of Wise Mind, yet find it difficult to access when emotions run high, stress increases, or life becomes complicated. Participants will review the concept and benefits of Wise Mind, and through reflection and group discussion, consider what pulls them away from Wise Mind and what helps reconnect with it.
August 12
Emotions Check-In
Can I actually change my emotions to make life better?
Emotions are an essential part of being human. They provide valuable information about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. Together, we'll explore the purpose of emotions, identify the patterns that shape our emotional lives, and discuss practical ways to respond with greater awareness, flexibility, and self-compassion.
August 19
*No session on August 19
August 26
Awe-wareness: Cultivating Wonder in Everyday Life
What can the experience of awe do for your mental health?
Awe is the experience of feeling connected to something larger than ourselves. It can be found in nature, meaningful relationships, creativity, moments of insight, and everyday beauty. Together, we'll explore the growing science behind awe and discuss simple practices that can help cultivate greater connection, perspective, and well-being.
September 2
Confronting the Negative Beliefs we Carry About Ourselves
How does a more compassionate self-understanding support well-being?
Many of us carry deeply rooted beliefs about who we are and what we deserve. These beliefs often develop as adaptations to difficult experiences, yet continue to shape our relationships, decisions, and sense of self long after they are no longer helpful. In this session, we will explore where these beliefs come from, how they influence our lives, and how greater self-awareness and compassion can support lasting change.
September 9
The Body Keeps the Score?
How can our understanding of trauma help in everyday life?
Trauma doesn't only affect our memories—it can shape how we think, feel, relate to others, and respond to everyday stress. As our understanding of trauma continues to evolve, so do the tools that support healing. Together, we'll explore what current research tells us about the brain and body, and discuss practical ways to cultivate greater regulation, resilience, and connection in daily life.
September 16
Attachment Styles
How do relationships shape who we are?
Our earliest relationships influence how we experience closeness, conflict, trust, and vulnerability throughout life. By understanding our attachment patterns, we can begin responding with greater awareness rather than reacting from old survival strategies. Together, we'll explore attachment styles and discuss practical ways to build healthier, more secure relationships.
September 23
*No session on September 23
September 30
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 7
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 14
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 21
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 28
*No session on October 28
Please check back for future session descriptions, or send your suggestions to [email protected].
About the Facilitator
These counselor-facilitated workshops are designed for graduates who want to:
✔ Stay connected with the Zen Institute community and fellow alumni
✔ Continue practicing and strengthening the skills learned during treatment
✔ Receive guidance and support from experienced counselors in a group setting
✔ Explore meaningful topics related to emotional wellness, relationships, personal growth, and daily life
✔ Maintain momentum in their healing journey while navigating life's ongoing challenges
Continuing Care workshops are offered exclusively for Zen Institute alumni.
Workshop Details
- Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM*
- $135 for a package of four 90-minute workshops
- Self-pay only
- Sessions may be used at any time and do not need to be attended consecutively
- Exclusively for Zen Institute alumni
Zen Institute Continuing Care Workshops are rooted in the understanding that emotional wellness is not the absence of discomfort, uncertainty, loss, conflict, or change. Rather, well-being grows through our ability to meet life's challenges with greater awareness, flexibility, compassion, and courage. Each workshop is designed to deepen self-understanding, strengthen practical skills, and support meaningful, lasting change.
Each workshop includes:
- A brief introduction to a therapeutic topic or Zen Institute skill
- Group discussion focused on real-life application
- Opportunities for reflection and connection with fellow alumni
- A guided meditation to close the session
How to Signup
Please contact Joyce at (520) 222-9364 or [email protected] to sign up for sessions.
Please review our workshop policies before attending your first session [Continuing Care Workshop Policies, below]
TOPICS
August 5
Wise Mind & The Middle Path
How do we maintain balance when life feels overwhelming or uncertain?
Many of us leave treatment understanding the concept of Wise Mind, yet find it difficult to access when emotions run high, stress increases, or life becomes complicated. Participants will review the concept and benefits of Wise Mind, and through reflection and group discussion, consider what pulls them away from Wise Mind and what helps reconnect with it.
August 12
Emotions Check-In
Can I actually change my emotions to make life better?
Emotions are an essential part of being human. They provide valuable information about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. Together, we'll explore the purpose of emotions, identify the patterns that shape our emotional lives, and discuss practical ways to respond with greater awareness, flexibility, and self-compassion.
August 19
*No session on August 19
August 26
Awe-wareness: Cultivating Wonder in Everyday Life
What can the experience of awe do for your mental health?
Awe is the experience of feeling connected to something larger than ourselves. It can be found in nature, meaningful relationships, creativity, moments of insight, and everyday beauty. Together, we'll explore the growing science behind awe and discuss simple practices that can help cultivate greater connection, perspective, and well-being.
September 2
Confronting the Negative Beliefs we Carry About Ourselves
How does a more compassionate self-understanding support well-being?
Many of us carry deeply rooted beliefs about who we are and what we deserve. These beliefs often develop as adaptations to difficult experiences, yet continue to shape our relationships, decisions, and sense of self long after they are no longer helpful. In this session, we will explore where these beliefs come from, how they influence our lives, and how greater self-awareness and compassion can support lasting change.
September 9
The Body Keeps the Score?
How can our understanding of trauma help in everyday life?
Trauma doesn't only affect our memories—it can shape how we think, feel, relate to others, and respond to everyday stress. As our understanding of trauma continues to evolve, so do the tools that support healing. Together, we'll explore what current research tells us about the brain and body, and discuss practical ways to cultivate greater regulation, resilience, and connection in daily life.
September 16
Attachment Styles
How do relationships shape who we are?
Our earliest relationships influence how we experience closeness, conflict, trust, and vulnerability throughout life. By understanding our attachment patterns, we can begin responding with greater awareness rather than reacting from old survival strategies. Together, we'll explore attachment styles and discuss practical ways to build healthier, more secure relationships.
September 23
*No session on September 23
September 30
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 7
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 14
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 21
Topic TBA
Do you have a topic you’d like to discuss? Send your suggestions to [email protected] or share in person at a workshop event.
October 28
*No session on October 28
Please check back for future session descriptions, or send your suggestions to [email protected].
About the Facilitator
Amanda Gormley, MA, LAC, NCC, EMDR
Amanda is a depth-oriented, integrative therapist who believes meaningful change begins with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to explore ourselves more deeply. Amanda's workshops combine practical skills, storytelling, reflection, and discussion to help participants connect therapeutic concepts to the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.
Amanda holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University and a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Colorado State University. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), EMDR-trained therapist, and Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona.
Amanda is a depth-oriented, integrative therapist who believes meaningful change begins with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to explore ourselves more deeply. Amanda's workshops combine practical skills, storytelling, reflection, and discussion to help participants connect therapeutic concepts to the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.
Amanda holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University and a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Colorado State University. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), EMDR-trained therapist, and Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona.
