How to Play in the Dark with Anger

What is safe, embodied anger? And how do we even begin to express it?

Many of us carry complicated histories with anger. We’ve been taught it’s dangerous, destructive—or simply not allowed. Some of us have felt the sting of being on the receiving end, or the shame of expressing it in ways that didn’t feel aligned. And most of us haven’t been given spaces to explore anger with curiosity, creativity, or even a sense of playful discovery.

What if there was a place to do just that?
A space where anger isn’t feared or judged—but met, moved, and maybe even enjoyed?

We’ll begin by honoring each person’s nervous system and establishing the “rules of the playground”—clear boundaries, consent, and the freedom to say no at any time.

Then, we’ll explore:

• What anger feels like in your body
• What your relationship with anger has been—and what it could be
• How to move and express anger in safe, creative, and unexpected ways
• How to playfully stretch your edges, without pushing past them

This isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about reclaiming the parts of you that have been pushed into the shadows—and discovering what becomes possible when you welcome them home.

This is an embodied, co-creative workshop rooted in the principles of How to Play in the Dark. That means:

• You won’t just talk about change—you’ll feel it in your body
• You’ll engage in movement, expression, and emergent play
• You’ll be part of a collaborative group field where no two experiences are the same
• You’ll witness and be witnessed—amplifying healing, insight, and connection

Together, we’ll enter the unknown with courage and curiosity—making space for freedom, magic, and maybe even joy. Yes, even with anger.

It’s about reimagining what it means to live fully, authentically, and vibrantly—by reclaiming every part of yourself, even the ones you were taught to fear.

And yes… it’s fun.

FACILITATOR:
Danielle Rifkin, LPC, ATR is the owner of How To Play In The Dark. She is a Somatic, Art & Play Therapist, and Grief Ritualist. She has been running grief circles, art groups, and other experiential offerings for over a decade. She got her Master's degree from Naropa University in Transpersonal Psychology and has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings in her career. She has facilitated hundreds of groups where she emphasizes creating spaces that allow for authenticity and feeling safe enough to show all parts of themselves. She believes that the biggest moments of transformation happen in community and through experiences, when we are safe enough to surrender.

TESTIMONIALS:
"Danielle is a masterful and intuitive facilitator. How to Play in the Dark is a space of deep exploration, creativity, healing, and connection. I felt so deeply seen and held as we explored our edges and our darkness with curiosity, compassion, and of course - play! It's hard to capture in words, but this experience is sacred, healing, and, dare I say, holy. If you want to receive support around a challenge, in a way that feels honoring and authentic while also bringing lightness, joy, and transmutation, I highly encourage you to attend this potent experience. It's one of a kind." -Kimberly

“Danielle creates the safest spaces because she cares so deeply about feeling safe.” -Julie

“In my 55 years, I have never been a ‘group person’, feeling a private, vulnerable, not my cup of tea vibe, maybe protection. The experience I had, facilitated and held with such profound love and grace by Danielle, was like spiritual honey and homecoming. To gather in the dark, to transform the dark, in such a space of power and safety was like a long awaited and yearned for exhale. It was important. It was beautiful. It was nurturing and gently nudging that edge simultaneously. It was healing and transformative. And it was stabilizing. I am profoundly grateful to Danielle for creating and guiding this experience, the effects of which will Ripple and alchemize much more than I can even know now. Just beautiful.” -Laurel

FAQS:
Do you literally play in the DARK?
The word dark is metaphorical for when we feel in the dark about something. Although we could shut off the lights and put on some blindfloods if that was needed or part of the play, in this context the word “dark” refers to “struggle, challenge, mystery, unknown, wounds, fears, etc.”

What type of play do you do in the groups?
Since these are co-created and emergent experiences, every group is different. The play that we utlize is activated from the group field and the creativity of participants, which can take us in a lot of different directions. That being said, some examples could include psycho-drama, somatic processing, singing, dancing, parts work, etc.

Do I need to feel comfortable knowing how to play?
Absolutely not. This group is about coming as you are and learning. A lot of people that have come to these groups feel self-conscious and uncomfortable around play and it becomes an incredible opportunity to reclaim your relationship with play. We welcome you truly as you are.

Do I need to know what I am struggling with when I arrive?
Nope. You are taken through a process to uncover your needs and intentions as we land into the experience.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Danielle Rifkin, LPC, ATR