Module 1 Core Strokes™ near Mont-Saint Michel

“More than just a body-mind approach, this training offers you a truly transformative experience!”

The Core Strokes course can be taken for personal development and is equivalent to module I of the Core Strokes training.

What is/are Core Strokes ?

The Core Strokes method was developed by Dirk Marivoet after 35 years of practical experience and teaching.

This body-mind-soul method combines the theoretical and practical aspects of various therapeutic approaches, including:

• Postural Integration, Energetic Integration and Pelvic-Heart Integration, developed by Jack W. Painter, PhD
• Core Energetics, developed by John C. Pierrakos, MD
• Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP), developed by Albert Pesso and Diane Boyden-Pesso

In addition, the method integrates insights from other disciplines and systems, such as those of Wilhelm Reich, Carl Jung, Alexander Lowen, Eric Berne, and others.

 In Core Strokes, ‘Core‘ refers to our “Center of Right Energy” and ‘Strokes‘ refers to units of recognition, both verbal and non-verbal, as well as targeted hands-on manipulations, touches, These techniques help bring a new part of ourselves to the surface or liberate an old, hidden part that has become fixed in the body as symptoms.

Therapeutic presence is crucial: the goal is for the client to find the courage to begin revealing what emerges from the inner depths. This deep process of awareness connects us with what Marivoet calls the “dynamic ground,” the seat of the deepest level of the unconscious, which can be both personal and collective.

” TOUCH AND BE TOUCHED: LEARN TO LIVE WITH AN OPEN AND AVAILABLE HEART! ”  

• The originality and effectiveness of the Core Strokes method lies in the integration of bodywork, verbal expression and spiritual understanding, which ‘touch’ us deeply– not only in our tissues, but also in our emotions, wounds, fundamental human needs, and soul.
• Core Strokes makes it possible to explore towhat degree the “blows” and “stings” we have received can cause us pain and make us shut down. At the same time, it shows us how many “caresses” and “strokes” can offer us support, recognition, and acceptance, allowing us to open up again and reconnect with our “Core” (the “Center of Right Energy”).
• Through Core Strokes, you can learn to:
  • Express your needs and emotions,
  • Release tensions,
  • Surrender and listen in new ways,
  • Both give and receive.

Trauma-based protection and defense mechanisms are effectively resolved and integrated, while a deep connection with the Authentic Self is established.

Key Objectives of Core Strokes Training: Module 1

In this course, you will discover the many ways in which you block yourself from being well-aligned, clear-minded, full of life, happy and joyful. You will learn how your body and emotions are essential guides for finding direction in your life and inviting the changes you desire. The three phases of change within Core Strokes can be summarized as: Let be, Let go, Let in.

During the course:

• You will deepen your understanding of how blocked energy affects you emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
• You will experience powerful energetic, psychological and relational techniques to open the flow of your life force and unify the psychosomatic unity.
• You will release old automatic psychological patterns and create new, meaningful new pathways in your body-mind system. Both verbal techniques and body techniques including touch are used.
• You will be introduced to “myofascial strokes,” techniques that engage  the psychosomatic unity of your being, reaching the deepest layers of your connective tissue. In Module 1, we focus on opening the superficial layer of the myofascial network, located just beneath the skin. As we work through this layer, the accompanying postural patterns and protective armoring in your body begin to transform. This transformation occurs when you embrace your body’s natural pulsations and deeper life flows, which permeate all levels of your personality. The change is both profound and deeply meaningful.

Participants testify that this method helps them experience more joy and satisfaction, undergo real change, and develop a deep sense of purpose and connection.

During the workshop, you will learn various tools that can be easily applied in your daily life:

• A model of a “natural step-by-step energy wave” (according to Dr. Jack Painter and Dirk Marivoet). This model helps regulate the energy level in your system and transform clearly defined blockages that become fixed in your personality and in the body (also known as character structures).
• A consciousness map and a personality map, which provide insight into the defense mechanisms that obscure your core (CORE). This enables you to resolve conflicts and relationship problems with yourself and others.
• Exercises that increase your body awareness and sensitivity, at a pace that suits you.
• Gestalt exercises and role-playing, where you can, for example, engage in dialogue with parts of your body or significan people in your life (such as parents) to clarify your inner drama.

During this workshop and training, others act as mirrors for you, both stimulating and supporting you, to heal what needs to be healed and reveal what is ready to be revealed.

On a personal level, this workshop is an opportunity to heal your wounds and learn to live with trust, with an open, strong, and available heart. On a professional level, it offers you a new and effective approach, attitude, and tools to use in your work with clients.

This training module is led by Dirk Marivoet, the founder of the Core Strokes method.

What about the facilitator?

Dirk Marivoet, MSc.

is the founder and director of the International Institute for Bodymind Integration (IBI). He is an accredited psychotherapist (ECP) and a certified psychomotor therapist, having earned his credentials at the University of Leuven, where he served on the staff of the Psychiatry/Psychoanalytic Clinic for 11 years. Dirk is a Certified Trainer and Supervisor in Postural Integration, Energetic Integration, Reichian Bodywork and Pelvic-Heart Integration (as developed by Jack Painter, PhD), as well as a Core Energetics Teacher and Supervisor (under John Pierrakos, MD).

With 40 years of clinical and teaching experience in both academic and alternative fields of psychotherapy, Dirk developed the Core Strokes approach, which he now teaches internationally. He resides in Ghent, Belgium.

The venue in Lignières-Orgères, France

This training workshop will be held in Lignières-Orgères, located just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Paris. The venue, a charming former village school, is situated about 100 km inland from Mont Saint-Michel, one of the most iconic and visited landmarks in France.

Practical information

Rates for accommodation and Meals :

Full board €462 for the week, including:

• Organic, balanced meals made with fresh, local products from Monday evening to Sunday afternoon.
• Double room with shared bathroom and toilet.

Bedding is provided.

Please bring your own towels.

Other options are available! Contact Laurence.

For accommodation in a single room with private bathroom and toilet, with bedding and towels provided, a reservation with payment will be required before March 15, 2025.

For reservations, please contact Laurence at: 33 (0)6 49 57 83 37.