Unlock deeper connection. Live more authentically.
There’s a way of being with others that’s more real—more honest, more alive.
You’ve probably felt it before. A moment of eye contact that says everything. A truth spoken without apology. A pause where no one fills the silence—because it’s already full.
The Authentic Relating Lab is a space to practice that kind of connection.
Not performance. Not polite conversation. Just presence, truth, and trust—built one moment at a time.
What is the Authentic Relating Lab?
The Authentic Relating Lab is a 4-week, small-group course designed to help you practice being fully yourself—in real time, with real people.
Each session blends experiential exercises, relational skill-building, and present-moment awareness to deepen how you show up with others. It’s not therapy. It’s not surface-level socializing. It’s a relational training ground—a space to explore emotional honesty, embodied presence, and connection that doesn’t require performance.
The tools are simple—but the impact runs deep.
Is ARL For You?
If you find yourself yearning for more than surface-level chatter, or if you feel stuck in relational patterns that no longer serve you, ARL offers a path to meaningful change. This lab is designed for those who value growth, self-awareness, and are ready to practice a new way of being in connection.
ARL helps address common experiences like:
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Feeling stuck in the same communication loops.
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Emotional disconnection in relationships.
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Struggles with naming needs, boundaries, or truths.
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Lack of real connection despite being “social”.
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Exhaustion from performing or people-pleasing.
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Over-reliance on intellect to navigate emotion.
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Frustration with relational patterns you can’t seem to shift.
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Craving community or more soul-nourishing conversation.
Meet Your Facilitator
Aaron Thomas C.H.T.
Aaron brings over 25 years of experience in the healing arts, including somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and body-centered relational work. ARL is an extension of his clinical work with couples and individuals, born from a desire to offer a “practice gym” for relational skills—not just insight, but real-time application.
His approach recognizes a fundamental truth: we are relational beings who learn about ourselves through our encounters with others. In ARL, he cultivates the kind of sacred space where transformation becomes possible—not through insight alone, but through lived experience.
What Makes ARL Unique?
In a world full of advice and quick fixes, ARL offers something different: a commitment to real, embodied practice in a supportive community.
Experiential > Conceptual
You learn by doing, not just theorizing.
Presence > Performance
Focus on embodied truth, not polished communication.
Small Cohort Intimacy
Deep relational safety and trust are fostered.
Somatic & Improv Crossover
Local Roots, High-Caliber Depth
Not a franchise, but deeply personal, professional facilitation.
Grounded & Soulful
Honors your humanity, not corporate or overly clinical.
Who attends ARL?
ARL attracts adults from various walks of life, united by a common desire for deeper, more authentic connections. While currently offered in Durango, CO, the principles are universal.
Many are middle-aged professionals, some are former therapy clients, others come by word of mouth. All are welcome. This training is for both individuals and couples. All couples will be having individual experiences while here. This is not a course exclusively designed for couples.
Voices from the Lab
Hear from recent participants about their experiences in the Authentic Relating Lab.
"Working with Aaron in the Authentic Relating Lab changed my whole worldview on relating and I am not the same person I was before I entered the lab. Being able to show up authentically and being met by the group right where you are, is such a powerful experience. Feelings of nourishment, contentment, connection, and a hunger for more were expressed by the group as we concluded our last session. I could not recommend the ARL more to anyone who is interested in learning, developing and practicing skills to foster rich, meaningful connections with themselves and others"
- Dr. Kristen Chimileski.
"ARL was an entirely new experience in relating to myself and another person in a deeply meaningful way. The practice helped me forge authentic connection and listen, learn and respond to another with feeling language — not so easy in our modern world. Aaron's enthusiasm for this work is contagious. He's a great teacher -- adaptable, supportive and wise. I highly recommend this (or any) program he offers."
- Ellen Stein
"If anyone is even remotely considering this class I would strongly encourage them to take the leap. This experience was different, and so much more impactful, than anything I was expecting."
- Josh C.
"What began as a gathering of seven strangers blossomed into a genuine, heartfelt connection that bore witness to the power of authentic, present moment relating. Aaron created a safe environment for each of us to touch into what was real and connect from a place of truth and vulnerability. Relating in this way is a precious gift and will undoubtedly change the way you relate to yourself, others and the world."
- Brooke G. Safford
"I am grateful, humbled, and fascinated by our first month’s gatherings. I received a new perspective about confidence in communication and openness to taking initiative—both which are already integrating into my daily life experience.”
- Isaac K.
Evolution & Vision
ARL is a living, evolving practice. Future developments include:
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ARL Level 3: For those ready to deepen their practice, focusing on more fluidity, real-world requests, increased complexity in relational dynamics, and enhanced embodied capacity. Coming soon!
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Daylong Immersions: Opportunities for deeper dives and integration.
Long-term vision:
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Ongoing practice groups.
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Multi-day Immersions
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Online offerings
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In a world where we talk more than we connect, perform more than we relate, and ache quietly behind curated screens, the Authentic Relating Lab offers something rare: a practice of contact, honesty, and human closeness—in real time.
Ready to Connect More Deeply?
Reserve your spot for the next Authentic Relating Lab now.