Dr. Marlene Winell is a psychological consultant, educator and writer in Oakland, California, who works with individuals, families, and groups. Telephone counseling is available. Her background includes twenty-eight years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. She is the author of Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion. In her psychotherapy and teaching services, Dr. Winell is a specialist in the area of recovering from religious indoctrination, particularly Christian fundamentalism. Other areas of specialty are human relations training and clinical guided imagery.
Before you try to communicate
Posted in Psychology/Personal Growth 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. >>> Read More
New office location in Berkeley and women's group starting
Posted in Psychology/Personal Growth 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. >>> Read More
"Release and Reclaim" retreat coming up
Posted in Religious Recovery | Workshops LEAVING YOUR RELIGION?
It's not the end of the world. Join us at a recovery retreat. "RELEASE AND RECLAIM" WHEN: FRIDAY, Feb. 29, 7PM until SUNDAY, Mar. 2, 3PM. >>> Read More
Honor the Child: A different take on the holiday
Posted in Psychology/Personal Growth | Religious Recovery 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. < >>> Read More
Religious Recovery retreats available
Posted in Religious Recovery Please contact Dr. Winell at recoveryfromreligion >>> Read More
Reaction to Matthew Murray case, from Debra Thornley
Posted in Religious Recovery On Sunday, December 9, 2007, a young man entered a church in Colorado. >>> Read More
Colorado shootings and religious abuse
Posted in Religious Recovery 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.) >>> Read More
Tips for holiday pressure and affordable counseling
Posted in Psychology/Personal Growth 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. >>> Read More
Weekend workshop coming up Nov. 16-18 in Oakland, CA
Posted in Religious Recovery | Workshops LEAVING YOUR RELIGION? "RELEASE AND RECLAIM" 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. >>> Read More
"Reclaiming Soul- a group exploration for personal and community sanity"
Posted in Psychology/Personal Growth 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: WHERE: 1300 Grand St., Alameda (cross-street Alameda Ave.). Upstairs from Home of Truth Spiritual Center. (unaffiliated) >>> Read More
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