marlene's blog

Comments about Release and Reclaim retreats

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:46:43 -0500

Comments about Release and Reclaim Retreats

Comments about the program:

“Loved it. The exercises combined with the discussions really created a dynamic experience for me. The openness and the welcoming atmosphere made it easy and comfortable for me to share my thoughts and emotions.

“Thanks again for a wonderful retreat. I will never be the same.:-)”

“Very helpful – did not expect to go through this weekend with such an intense reaction.”

Two Upcoming Retreats for Recovering from Toxic Religion

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:31:04 -0500

Leaving your Religion?

or still feeling the effects?

It's not the end of the world!

Join us at a recovery retreat in August, 2008, in Berkeley, CA.

Release and Reclaim I, Aug. 8-10, will be a supportive retreat for those who are beginning to let go of toxic beliefs and recover from an authoritarian religion such as Christian fundamentalism. (details below)

Release and Reclaim II, Aug. 15-17, will be an advanced weekend for moving beyond religion and reclaiming a life of joy, creativity, and connection. It will be open to those who have already attended a retreat or have done healing work already. (details below)

Before you try to communicate

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:10:59 -0500

Do you ever feel like someone else doesn’t seem to have a grasp on reality? And in particular a partner you are trying to have a relationship with?

I do a lot of work with couples and I like to tell a story before we get started on any communication skills. I believe improvements in relationship involve behavioral changes but also some profound shifts in attitude. This story illustrates Step 1.

New office location in Berkeley and women's group starting

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:49:57 -0600

This is to announce my new location in downtown Berkeley in a lovely historical building on the corner of Berkeley Way and Bonita Ave. I'm in a spacious and sunny third floor office at 1918 Bonita Ave. As always, I'm consulting with individuals and couples and groups. A half hour initial consultation by phone or in person is complimentary.

A group called "Soulful Women" will be starting soon on Wednesday evenings biweekly. This will be for women seeking to expand their personal development and find ways of living fully and sanely in our complex culture. We will have readings and activities as well as discussion. Please contact me for more information.

"Release and Reclaim" retreat coming up

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:03:40 -0600

LEAVING YOUR RELIGION?
It's not the end of the world. Join us at a recovery retreat.

"RELEASE AND RECLAIM"
A workshop for letting go of religious indoctrination
and reclaiming your life.
Led by Marlene Winell, Ph.D.

WHEN: FRIDAY, Feb. 29, 7PM until SUNDAY, Mar. 2, 3PM.
WHERE: A beautiful house near the beach in Alameda, California, minutes from Oakland Airport.

Honor the Child: A different take on the holiday

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:14:20 -0600

The Christmas season is often busy and complicated with families and schedules and special events. There are standard criticisms of materialism and holiday angst. Yet at the center of it all there is a powerful image that speaks to all of us – the Child. It’s fascinating to me that once a year so many people stop everything, or at least pause, to acknowledge a Child.

But who is this Child of Christmas and why does the image have such power? We have religious and secular interpretations, and I would like to suggest a third – a soulful interpretation. <

Religious Recovery retreats available

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:28:49 -0600

Please contact Dr. Winell at recoveryfromreligiongmail.com for more information about dates and locations, and join the mailing list on this site. See the news story about a previous retreat at "Ex-fundamentalists find peace at retreat."

"RELEASE AND RECLAIM" Workshop Series
Recovering from authoritarian religious training can be very challenging and even more of a struggle if one feels alone.

Reaction to Matthew Murray case, from Debra Thornley

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:25:21 -0600

On Sunday, December 9, 2007, a young man entered a church in Colorado.
He was armed and dangerous, opening fire and killing two people before
a security guard wounded him. The gunman then turned the gun on
himself and ended his life. According to the reports, he was troubled,
possibly mentally ill, and angry at the church who had rejected him,
saying he was not social enough to be a missionary.

Colorado shootings and religious abuse

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:31:45 -0600

We don't know exactly what Matthew Murray was going through that led to the Colorado shootings. But he apparently wrote the agonized postings of "Nightmare Child," on ex-pentecostals.com. He was suffering a lot of pain and rage, partly about his upbringing in the church and his continuing frustration with Christians. (Some of this was in May, 2007, when I invited him to contact me for help.)

Tips for holiday pressure and affordable counseling

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:49:15 -0600

This is a time of year when expectations are high and so are fears - about relationships with family and friends, measuring up, pressure to have a good time, and more. So it's an important time to take careful care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. In celebrating (or tolerating) the holidays, it's okay to think about what you really want to do and not simply fulfill obligations. When there is too much pressure, it's impossible to do everything right anyway. So you can be realistic and focus on the things that bring you and others real joy. Tactful explanations can be made if you are suggesting alternatives for expensive gift-giving, for example. Or even going on a camping trip instead.

Weekend workshop coming up Nov. 16-18 in Oakland, CA

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:36:25 -0500

LEAVING YOUR RELIGION?
It's not the end of the world.
Join us at a recovery retreat.

"RELEASE AND RECLAIM"
A workshop for letting go of religious indoctrination and reclaiming your life.

Led by Marlene Winell, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Leaving the Fold, A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion

WHEN: FRIDAY, Nov 16, 7PM until SUNDAY, Nov 18, 3PM.

"Reclaiming Soul- a group exploration for personal and community sanity"

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:36:19 -0500

Please note if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area:

You are invited to an Informational Potluck to discuss the formation of a unique group.

WHEN: We are having two potlucks:
WED. SEPTEMBER 5 at 12 noon, (lunch, including homemade pizza) and
SAT. SEPTEMBER 8 at 11 AM (brunch)

WHERE: 1300 Grand St., Alameda (cross-street Alameda Ave.). Upstairs from Home of Truth Spiritual Center. (unaffiliated)

Upcoming "Release and Reclaim" Retreats

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 02:24:15 -0500

October 5-7 in Seattle, WA

November 2-4 in the San Francisco Bay Area

December 7-9 in Orange County, CA

January 11-13 in Tucson, AZ

A workshop for letting go of religious indoctrination and reclaiming your life.

Led by Marlene Winell, Ph.D., psychologist and author of
Leaving the Fold, A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion

Upcoming Talk in Mendocino, CA

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 01:17:56 -0500

Dr. Winell will be speaking in Mendocino, CA on Saturday, September 8, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Stanford Inn meeting room, Comptche-Ukiah Road.
The seminar will provide information and healing for those who have worked to free themselves of authoritarian religious systems, and may have struggled with anxiety, anger, guilt, and grief.

Release and Reclaim retreat held in Oakland, CA

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:41:54 -0500

by Michelle G. Lyerly

Rebecca Rosen, reporter for the Contra Costa Times, in conversation with retreat participants. See her article "Ex-fundamentalists find peace at retreat."

They say that a faith ridden with doubts is already on its way out, but add fear into the equation, and the situation changes.

Dr. Marlene Winell, psychologist and author of Leaving the Fold: A Guide to Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion, knows this situation firsthand. As the daughter of a missionary and former devotee of the evangelical faith, she understands the lasting consequences of breaking away from authoritarian religion. Dr. Winell uses her training in the psychology of human development to work with others, helping them confront the demons of the past and regain their footing.