Workshop Description:

Join an experienced PhD Clinical Psychologist and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for a hands-on workshop designed to help you with practical self-care tools to soothe your nervous system and stay grounded, relaxed, and clear-headed throughout the festival. Whether you’re seeking to ease tension, manage overwhelm, or recharge, this session offers science-backed techniques for both mind and body.

Through brief demonstrations and optional group exercises, you’ll explore soothing breathwork to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, grounding practices to cultivate presence, and self-administered touch techniques to release tension and rejuvenate your body. These simple tools are designed to foster relaxation and clarity, helping you stay balanced and embodied during the festival’s multi-day journey.

All activities are designed with your comfort in mind, with participation remaining fully optional. Whether you choose to dive in or to simply observe, you’ll leave with a practical understanding and empowering tools to reconnect with yourself, manage challenges, and sustain your well-being throughout the festival and beyond. 

 Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire useful tools to help integrate festival experiences effectively.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of how sensory stimulation impacts the nervous system & learn parasympathetic strategies to restore balance and clarity.
• Learn self-massage methods to reduce tension and foster deep relaxation, with optional partner-based techniques for shared support.
• Experiment with at least 3x practical self-regulation tools to help you remain present, grounded and embodied throughout the festival and beyond. 

About the Presenters:

Andreas is a PhD Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience. He has worked in Wellness Teams at world-renowned local and international festivals, including the 2012 Eclipse Festival (Cairns QLD), and with Zendo / MAPS at Burning Man Festivals (Nevada USA). Andreas also has a musical background, including experience performing as a drummer with several live acts, and he is passionate about audio production, sound healing, and field-recordings of nature sounds.

Annelouise is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Sports Scientist and Massage Therapist with over 20 years experience. She empowers individuals to prioritise their health and wellness through sustainable self-care practices that support physical and mental well-being. She has provided services within healing spaces at Dragon Dreaming Festival (NSW). She is also a mother and visual artist who will feature at Tribe Ascension and Art Valley festivals (NSW), and Esoteric Festival 2025 (VIC).