Healing, Mindfulness, and Compassion Retreats



Health care professionals are invited to attend the annual integrative medicine and Balint process program that will combine the western medicine perspective, the Balint group process, and Tibetan traditional practices, Kum Nye yoga and meditation. Attendees will gain an understanding of the complex factors in the provider/patient relationship and the tools necessary to integrate conventional and complementary approaches to patient care.

The Tibetan Aid Project has facilitated the sharing of Buddhist insights and healing techniques for over 40 years. With this integrative approach, consideration is given not only to the body but also the mind. When elements, such as empathy and compassion, are fully integrated in the therapeutic process, there is a boost in healing. Additionally, a natural connection with patients is developed and communication opened. As a result, professionals are more satisfied and effective when they are able to recharge their internal strength, maintain a positive inner glow, and avoid energy drain.

Ratna Ling, the host site, is an upscale, first-class retreat facility located near the coast in the redwoods of coastal Sonoma County. Accommodations are in luxurious 2 bedroom cottages. Delicious vegetarian meals are included.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Develop more effective and therapeutic provider/patient relationships.
  • Discuss the scientific evidence of physiologic changes that derive from mind/body practices.
  • Discuss how participants might apply the experience of meditation and Kum Nye Yoga to the care of patients.
  • Continuing Education Credits

    For MDs and DOs: This live activity, Healing, Mindfulness and Compassion, from April 4-6, 2014 and October 17-19, 2014 has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 8.75 Category 1 Prescribed and 3.00 Elective credit(s) by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    For LCSW, MFT, LEP, and LPCC: Course meets the qualifications for 8.75 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

    For LAc: This course has been approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number CEP 790, for 11.75   hours of continuing education in Category 1.

    For Nurses: IMCF offers 9 units of CEU to RNs, Provider Number 12821 from the California Board of Nursing.
    The Board of Psychology recognizes and accepts for continuing education courses that are Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses specifically applicable and pertinent to the practice of psychology and that are accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) or the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).


    Those with PhD, EdD Behavior Health degrees, and other healing professionals should contact us about applicable continuing education credits. Please contact Judy Rasussen at 510-848-4238 or tap@tibetanaidproject.org.

    About the Sessions

    Retreat starts with check-in at 3-4 pm on Friday and ends at 1:00 pm on Sunday.

    Integrative Medicine: is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.More information about Integrative Medicine.

    Balint: Named after psychoanalyst Michael Balint, this technique is a group process that enhances self awareness and addresses the emotional content of patient-practitioner relationships. Healthcare practitioners only.More information about Balint.

    Kum Nye: Based on Tibetan medicine, this form of yoga is a natural healing system that uses movement, massage and breathing practices to promote physical and emotional health. More information about Kum Nye.

    Traditional Tibetan Healing: For over 2,500 years, meditation, mantra recitation and visualization have successfully aided in keeping the body and mind healthy and sustained. We will explore the healing quality of these techniques.

    Registration information

    Registration is limited
    Registration will not be complete without payment
    Early registration discount of $35 if payment received one month before conference (does not apply to student rate)
    Email confirmation will be sent when payment complete
    Participants are expected to be present for all Balint activities. Please do not leave early or miss any Balint groups
    Advanced notification of any special needs will help us provide better service

    About the Faculty

    Ritch Addison, PhD (Balint) is a Clinical Professor of the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine, Behavioral Medicine Director of Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency and Former President of the American Balint Society.

    Ellen Barnett, MD, PhD (Balint) is Associate Clinical Professor of the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine, a practitioner of Family Medicine at Integrative Medical Clinic Santa Rosa and a credentialed Balint leader.

    Bob Dozor, MD (Integrative Medicine) is founder of Integrative Medical Clinic Santa Rosa and has practiced family medicine for over 25 years.

    Greg Troll, MD, PhD (Balint) is a family physician, currently the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has been involved in Balint work since 1989.

    Rosalyn White (Meditation) is Executive Co-Director of the Tibetan Aid Project and a longtime instructor at the Nyingma Institute. She has been practicing meditation for over 35 years.

    Jack Van der Meulen (Kum Nye), a long time instructor at the Nyingma Institute, is a popular speaker about the benefits of Kum Nye, which he has studied since the 1990s. His careful and caring style makes his classes particularly beloved by beginning and intermediate students, who appreciate his clear and gentle instructions.