WELCOME TO JOYOUS ISLE
‘Bringing your Self to Life’
Joyous Isle workshops, held in Dorset, range from the arts – singing, music, dance, painting, writing; to complementary therapies and healing; to personal development.
We began Joyous Isle in 1997, with the aim of bringing some of the best workshops available in the field of mind/body/spirit, healing and the arts to Dorset, thus making them more accessible and affordable for local people.
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Who are Joyous Isle?
Joyous Isle was set up in 1997 by Jackie May and Jane Ashford.
Jackie is a Holistic Therapist, working with Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Process Acupressure, NLP, EFT and Metamorphic Technique. Prior to Joyous Isle, she was involved with organising workshops at a large, residential centre.
Jane has been involved in alternative education with her daughter’s schooling. She has studied NLP to Practitioner level and has a long connection with alternative therapies. Jane has a particular love of the creative arts.
Workshops
All our workshop leaders are excellent in their fields: many are internationally-known teachers; others are locally-based people whose work we know and value.
Workshop leaders we have been fortunate enough to present include, among others: William Bloom, Rick Brennan, Judy Hall, James D'Angelo, Gaston Saint-Pierre, Nick Prater, Malcolm Stern, Nick Williams, and Roger Woolger.
Workshop subjects have so far included: Singing, Painting, Writing, Dance, NLP, EFT, Metamorphic Technique, Sound Healing, Alexander Technique, Past Life Therapy, Ancestral Healing, Inspired Business, The Work We Were Born To Do, Feng Shui, Dowsing.
As well as one- and two-day workshops, we offer our NLP Practitioner Training with Sarah Frossell. This runs for 7 weekends, roughly one a month, and is a wonderful opportunity to learn the techniques of NLP in a small, supportive group setting with a highly-acclaimed international trainer. .
Venues
Joyous Isle workshops are held in local venues in North and East Dorset – currently Blandford, Wimborne and surrounding villages - and are friendly, informal groups where everyone is made to feel welcome. As our workshops are non-residential, costs are kept at a reasonable level, thus helping to make the weekends accessible to all (see also: bursaries).
If you are coming from further afield, and wish to stay locally, or maybe even spend a few extra days enjoying the beautiful Dorset countryside and coast, you will find the information provided by the local tourist office of interest. This includes a list of B&B and hotel accommodation. Follow the link: www.ruraldorset.com
Quotes from participants
What course participants have said about our courses:
"Inspirational teaching from Sarah. The techniques learnt I have found to be invaluable for personal as well as professional use" – Zita, Trainee Counsellor, Hants
"Lovely working with you this year and sharing your humour. We are indebted to you both for organizing the wonderful NLP course" – Bruce, Life Coach, York
"Powerful, enlightening and inspiring" – Erica, Reconnective Healing Practitioner, Salisbury
"Understanding is love" – Mark, Intensive Support Worker on the ‘Going Straight’ Project, Dorset
Bursaries
It has always been our policy to make our workshops available to all, including those people on low incomes, and we therefore may be able to offer a limited number of places at a reduced price from time to time, or the possibility of paying in instalments. If you are unable to afford one of our workshops, please enquire. Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation towards our bursary fund to help others to come, your gift would be very welcome.
The story behind the name……….
Many people have asked us where our name and logo originate. The name comes from one of the stories of Arthurian legend, in which Sir Lancelot becomes mad and is found wandering in the forest by King Pelles, who takes him to the Holy Grail to be healed. Afterwards, Lancelot spends some time at the Castle of Bliant, which is on a beautiful island – a protected and safe space. Here, Lancelot regains his full health and in gratitude names the place The Joyous Isle.
We chose the name as a symbol of the way in which healing and growth can take place when a safe space is created, with support from like-minded people, and of the importance of the spiritual connection, symbolised in the story by the Holy Grail. The name also connects with the importance of joyfulness, fun and laughter in the healing and learning process.
Our logo was created by local artist and friend Celia Harvey. Celia can be contacted on charvey6@toucansurf.com
