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

Leaving one's faith often creates intense feelings of confusion, grief, anxiety, and anger. The effects of authoritarian religious training can last a long time and run deep; full recovery can be difficult if the issues are not clear and you feel alone in the struggle.

This workshop is designed to support you in the process of healing and growth. The weekend is a powerful group experience of sharing personal history, examining key issues, and exploring new liberating concepts and skills. In addition to discussion, we will use experiential methods including art, guided visualization, movement, and role-play. There will also be time for shared meals and relaxation as we build a lasting support system beyond the weekend.   A resource list of readings and websites will be available.

COST: $320 for the workshop, $125 for room and board. A deposit of $100 will secure a space.  $25 discount given for full payment by Feb. 10.  Financial need considered and options available.

To register or for more information, send an email to recoveryfromreligion@gmail.com or call 510-292-0509.   Register soon to save a place.  Group size is limited to 8. 

Comments from previous participants:

“A wonderful retreat.  I will never be the same.”

“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.”

“Wonderful weekend! The tools, especially the monster/child/adult metaphor, and how to integrate and deal with it were very helpful. I enjoyed all the others: a talented, loving, real and compassionate group of people…I have been enriched.”       

“This retreat is a great way to connect with others and reaffirm that you are not alone in your healing process. We were able to identify our own hidden issues through others stories. Marlene provides a supportive, nurturing environment to validate and affirm each participant, regardless of their stage in religious recovery.” 

“Enjoyed your sense of humor. Really felt your connection with us. You created a safe environment for us with your unassuming approach and kind demeanor.”

“You understand, you love us through it, you give us real tools to use, you accept non-judgementally, thank-you!”                           
“Marlene is skilled, intuitive and informed. She has a gentle but firm way of guiding a person through the healing steps and skill building needed for coping with the negative aspects of religious upbringing.”                   
“You were very empowering. I want to feel empowered rather than helpless and so many other programs (12 steps) make you feel helpless.”               

“I would come again without hesitation.”               

“Retreat is worth it. Lots of guidance and nurturance will be provided if you can just get yourself to the retreat. Get yourself to the retreat and much else will fall into place.”

“I have since realized that my life is filled with promise and potential and that I have the necessary resources to make it (whatever it is) happen.”

"Marlene Winell is a gifted workshop facilitator.  I recommend this workshop to anyone who may be feeling alone in their struggle to sort out the religious abuses and indoctrinations of their life experiences.  You'll find here a great community of support for your process."  - Debra Thornley, M.A., certified applied poetry facilitator

"If you were once serious about your faith, but felt betrayed and left desolate by its empty claims, this is the retreat for you.  We've all been there too." – Michele Lyerly, author of From Rapture to Revelation

"Marlene provides a supportive, nurturing environment to validate and affirm each participant, regardless of their stage in religious recovery."