Past courses & workshops
Over the years, this space has held a wide range of workshops and courses, welcoming hundreds of people into shared exploration — from visual journaling and astrology to conscious parenting and systemic constellations.
Each has offered a different doorway into reflection, connection, and awareness. Below is a glimpse of what has been, with the possibility that some may return in the future through collaborations with some incredible practitioners.
“Visual Journaling – a six week course” with Sam Hickman
Visual Journaling - six week course
Visual journaling is a powerful tool for unlocking creativity and insights. Over six weeks, you’ll explore various creative mediums—wet, dry, and collage—to express your inner experiences meaningfully. This course will enhance your artistic expression and deepen your self-awareness, empowering you to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and continue your journaling journey with confidence.
Starts Jan 29, 2025 (10am-12pm)
The Makespace, Bradford on Avon
£160
“The Wisdom of Astrology” – an eight week online beginners course with Sue Brayne (D.F.Astrol.S)
When: Weekly from 6-7.30pm on Wednesdays starting on the 8th of Jan 2025, with an optional in person group gathering to celebrate the end of the course in Bradford on Avon.
Where:, Online via Zoom (link will be sent prior to the course beginning)
How much: £150 per person for all eight weeks including materials. Payment by instalments possible.
Would you like us to host another beginner’s course in astrology with Sue Brayne (D.F.Astrol.S)? If so, register your interest below and if we have enough sign-ups, we’ll run the course!
“Sue’s Astrology course was amazing…Her hand out notes were excellent and I know I will always have those as a source of valuable information. It has given me a deeper understanding of my own personal astrological road map too. What to work on, aspire to and look out for. That in itself has been invaluable. Sue made the whole experience interactive and fun using our own charts within the group as a tool for learning.”
Wisdom of Astrology Student, May 2023
During the eight weeks, you would learn:
- how the four elements and astrological modes influence the way we interact with life
- how the 12 astrological houses represent different areas in your life
- how the 10 planets represent different archetypes that play out in your life
- about the importance of the Ascendent, Sun, and Moon placements
- how to read the essentials of your own chart, and, when you have built a little confidence, to read for others.
The ancient wisdom of Astrology is so much more than a sun sign astrological column. Astrology dates back thousands of years and has been practiced by some of the greatest minds – perhaps the most famous being Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Jung understood that your astrology chart represents a unique map of your unconscious potential, and if you learn how to tap into this, life becomes creative and bountiful.
Workshop leader: Sue Brayne has been studying astrology for past thirty years. During lockdown she decided it was time to formalise her knowledge by studying with the Faculty of Astrological Studies, and is currently working towards gaining a Diploma in Astrological Studies with the FAS. Sue has a busy astrological practice based in Bradford on Avon and contributes regular articles and interviews to the Astrological Journal.
“Astrology is a Language. If you understand this language, The Sky Speaks to You.”
― Dane Rudhyar
“Wholistic Wellbeing – a six week journey” with Sue Judge
Wholistic Wellbeing course
Join Sue for a transformative six-week journey to cultivate the foundations of well-being through practical masterclasses on wholistic health – all inspired by nature. You will explore essential elements for flourishing including the essential roots of nutrition, emotional resilience and creativity. This course is being taught online over the winter but still in a small group format.
Starts Jan 8, 2025 (7-9pm)
Online via Zoom
£150
“Systemic consellations – exploring consciousness” with Sue Brayne and Richard Grey
The Wisdom Space Systemic Constellations provide a wonderfully enriching and fun opportunity to join with a group of like-minded people who are longing to deepen their connection with the Universe.
Each Constellation, led by Sue Brayne and Ricchard Grey, focuses on a theme for the group to explore. Our first constellaiton in March 2024 is about exploring our relationship with consciousness.
As a multi-dimensional practice, taking part means that you are an essential part of the group experience. However, it is important to understand that this is not a therapeutic process. Rather, it’s a chance to open your heart and mind to something much greater than you that is yearning to connect to you too.
You do not need to have taken part in systemic (or family) constellations before, or even know what they are – you will be guided and supported every step of the way by experienced constellation facilitators. Just bring an open mind, the willingness to be part of a group, and the ability to surprise yourself.
The ticket price includes hot and cold drinks and we ask that attendees arrive at 12.30pm for a 1pm prompt start. Unfortunately we cannot admit latecomers.
Your facilitators
Sue Brayne is an experienced workshop and retreat leader who is passionate about Systemic Constellations and will be acting as a guide and support for the group.
Richard Grey is a trained constellations facilitator and, for those who remember it, ran a very successful systemic constellations workshop with Sue in Bradford on Avon in 2019. Richard will be assisted by Julie Grey, also a trained constellations facilitator.
““The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.”
― Albert Einstein
“The Wisdom of good listening”– a one day workshop with Tessa Stacey and Sue Brayne
When: Sat 18th of March, 10am-4pm
Where: The Alpine Bar, Swan Hotel, Town Bridge, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LN
How much: £50 early bird (bookings made before 31st January 2023), £65 standard price
Relationships can be challenging at the best of times. Good listening is an essential life skill that helps us to work through difficult issues and to establish respectful and effective communication where everyone feels heard. Building on our recent “Wisdom of good listening” event, this one day workshop focuses on the importance of developing good listening skills so you can reduce emotional overwhelm and manage confrontation with confidence.
We will discuss and practice:
- the value of active listening
- the role of empathy and reflective skills
- using verbal and non-verbal communication effectively
- how to stay calm and present in aggressive situations
- strategies to repair and settle conflict
Workshop leaders:
Sue Brayne has trained numerous people, including therapists and counsellors, in good listening skills. Sue is an author specialising in end-of-life, podcast host of Embracing Your Mortality and facilitates Death Cafes and Conscious Conversations for the Wisdom Space. She will also be leading our 8-week beginners course in Astrology in spring 2023.
Tessa Stacey is a group therapist with specialised training in Non-Violent Communication. Tessa is part of the Family Support Team at Dorothy House supporting families living with life limiting illness and their loved ones through bereavement. She also works locally as a Mindfulness Meditation tutor, life story coach and is the creator of Writing Through Grief and The Friday Writing Hour programme.
“For our body to be healthy, our heart must pump a constant flow of blood. For our relationships to be healthy, we need a constant flow of mindful communication.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Calming the chaos – tools for guilt-free parenting” a half-day workshop with Bindi Gauntlett and Alec Stansfield
When: Sat 13th of May 2023 at 1pm to 5pm
Where: Priory Barn, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1NQ
How much: £40 including refreshments.
It’s hard enough growing up and trying to make sense of life as bodies change and brains develop. Overlay major events like Covid-19, pressures from social media, fear over climate change, rising inequalities, and the ever quickening pace of life and it’s no wonder that more and more children are experiencing anxiety and mental health challenges. Our world can cause young people to fear life itself and there has never been a greater need for calm amongst the chaos.
During this four hour workshop, led by Bindi Gauntlett and Alec Stansfield, we will explore how we can use what has been learned from the last 50 years of progress in psychology to create stable and secure families. This includes lots of practical advice and tools as well as a perspective on life and relationships which radically improves family life and reduces stress and anxiety in all aspects of modern living. You will also get the chance to use the successful Anxiety Freedom Cards which Bindi and Alec developed and will take home a pocket-size pack to start using straight away.
Husband and wife team Bindi and Alec have, between them, over 40 years experience as psychotherapists helping people, families, and organisations to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. They are co-founders of in8 and Bindi is a motherhood mentor through The Guilt-Free Mum. They are also parents, step-parents and grandparents who are passionate about supporting children to flourish. They have so many insights, stories and such wisdom to share that we guarantee you’ll be captivated for the entire session and will leave feeling more empowered to support yourself and your family.
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© Michelle Hawkins-Collins
The Wisdom Space®
The Wise Woods Project, Quarry Hill, Box, SN13 0NS