Shadow Work: Exploring the Unconscious Through Creativity

November sits in the space between Samhain and the Winter Solstice. The days are short, the nights are long, and nature invites us to slow down and focus our energy on ourselves. Just as darkness is a natural part of the seasonal cycle, shadow work encourages acceptance of our hidden, repressed, or unloved parts to achieve wholeness.  

We'll be gathering on Friday the 13th, a date seen as a powerful time for reflection, transformation and divine feminine power. In pagan traditions, the energy of the day is often used to confront hidden truths, heal past wounds, and shed old habits. 

Join us at the beautiful St George's Bristol for an evening of thoughtful conversation, personal reflection and creativity. The workshop will be held in the crypt area of St George’s Bristol - a quirky and creative space ideal for this introspective, supportive event.

What to expect 

We'll begin by settling into the space with a short grounding meditation before welcoming our guest speaker, counsellor Jess Camp, for a panel discussion on shadow work. 

Jess will share insights from her years of counselling studies, and together we'll explore what shadow work is, where the idea comes from, and how understanding our unconscious patterns can help us understand ourselves better.  

We'll discuss how our latent beliefs, emotional triggers and past experiences can shape the way we move through the world, as well as exploring the strengths, gifts and qualities we might not fully recognise within ourselves. 

Following the discussion, we'll move into a series of guided journalling exercises and creative prompts inspired by the themes we've explored. Using free writing, reflection and simple creative activities accessible to everyone, you'll have the opportunity to gently explore your own inner landscape in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. 

This workshop isn't about having the "right" answers, or sharing anything you're not ready to share. It's about curiosity, compassion and creating space to better understand yourself. All activities are an invite to connect with your authentic self, but not obligatory, so you're welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. 

This workshop is for you if 

* You're curious about shadow work and personal development 
* You enjoy meaningful conversations and reflective experiences 
* You find psychology, self-awareness and emotional wellbeing interesting 
* You're looking for creative ways to explore your inner world 
* You'd like to better understand your emotional patterns and triggers 
* You're interested in using journalling and creativity to help with self-reflection 
* You want to embrace the slower, darker season with intention 
* You love meeting like-minded people in a welcoming environment 

You'll leave with a deeper understanding of shadow work, practical reflective tools to continue using at home, creative prompts for further exploration, and a greater appreciation for the complexity and wholeness of who you are. 

Your hosts 

Hi! We're Sami and Yvette, the friends behind Creative Rituals. 

We create warm, welcoming spaces that help people slow down, get creative and reconnect with themselves through seasonal living, crafting, reflection and community. 

Through our workshops we blend creativity, ritual, nature and personal growth to help people mark the changing seasons in meaningful ways. 

Website: www.creativerituals.co.uk 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/creativeritualsinsta 

Our guest host 

For this special event we're delighted to be joined by Jess Camp, an integrative counsellor and BACP member, with over nine years of experience in a range of therapeutic settings. Jess specialises in supporting people through challenges including anxiety, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, addiction and domestic abuse. 

Jess has a gentle but direct approach, and always strives to create safe, supportive therapeutic relationships. She's passionate about helping people explore difficult experiences, develop self-understanding, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. 

Website: www.jesscampcounselling.co.uk 

Practical details 

Date: Friday 13th November 
Time: 7-9.30pm (please arrive from 6.45pm to start at 7pm) 
Venue: Heritage Rooms, St George's Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR. For more information on accessibility and location, visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 
Tickets: £25 earlybird or £30 general release 
What to bring: All materials will be provided, but you're welcome to bring a personal journal if you prefer. 
Refreshments: The bar will be open for hot or cold drinks and snacks throughout the event. 

This event is open to adults of all backgrounds, identities and levels of creative experience. Whether you're new to shadow work, already on a personal development journey, or simply curious about exploring yourself in a creative and supportive environment, we'd love to see you there.  

Please note: Due to the nature of the session, we will be discussing themes that some people may find triggering. We'll provide a safe space so you can leave as needed, and Sami, Yvette and Jess will all be on hand to signpost you to further support. All activities are invitational. 

If you have any questions about the workshop, please reach out on our socials or email [email protected]