Hello everybody,

I hope you are well and having a pleasant beginning of Fall.  

This newsletter is to let you know about two upcoming weekend retreats.  The first one is the more advanced “Connections” which follows up on “Release and Reclaim”  offered last spring.  If you attended that or have been working with me, this would be appropriate for you.  If not, you can still have a phone interview with me to see if it would be a good fit for your needs right now.

The original “Release and Reclaim”  will be offered again Nov, 17-19 of this year.  This workshop is focused on the material in my book, “Leaving the Fold,”  and provides an group setting to do the healing and growth exercises.  I’m happy to help you decide if this is the workshop for you.  Call 510-292-0509.

Marlene Winell

Coming up mid-October
Now registering:

A weekend intensive for moving beyond religious indoctrination and reclaiming a life of joy, creativity, and connection.  Led by Marlene Winell, Ph.D.

This workshop is for “recovering fundamentalists” or anyone who has left an authoritarian belief system and would like to accelerate their personal growth.  I believe these belief systems foster separation – from the self, from others, and from the world.   After leaving, a major task is to heal and strengthen these connections.  Recovery requires developing a healthy relationship with yourself, which includes respect for your own worth, trust in your own intuitive wisdom, and expression of your own creativity.  New frameworks and new skills are also needed for deep connections with others, as well as engaging with the world in the here and now.  “Spirituality” needs to be reexamined.  

The weekend is a powerful group experience of sharing deeply, exploring liberating concepts, and supporting each other in trying new things. 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, relaxation, and fun.  Because we are staying together, we will have the chance to get acquainted and begin a lasting support system beyond the weekend. As a special bonus, we will have massage treatments available.

WHEN:  FRIDAY, Oct. 13, 7PM  -  SUNDAY, Oct. 15, 3PM.

WHERE: BERKELEY, CA
        

COST:  $320 for the workshop, $120 for housing and meals.  Total:  $440  
A deposit of $100 will secure a space.
Early registration discount:  $20  (Full payment by Oct. 1)

To register or request information, send an email to mwinell@gmail.com with your contact information and a bit about why you want to attend.  You will receive more details and a registration form.  You can also call 510-292-0509.  Register soon to save a place.  Group size is limited by design.

A telephone interview is requested prior to registration

About Dr. Winell:  Marlene Winell is a psychologist and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies.  She grew up in a fundamentalist missionary family, spent some years as a "born-again" Christian, and then went through her own recovery and growth process.  She has worked in human services for 30 years and specializes in helping clients who are recovering from religious indoctrination.  She is the author of Leaving the Fold:  A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion.  Her private practice in Berkeley, CA. includes counseling individuals, couples, and groups.  She also consults by telephone.   
 www.marlenewinell.net
            Tel. 510-292-0509

RELEASE AND RECLAIM

A weekend intensive for letting go of religious indoctrination
 and reclaiming your life.      Led by Marlene Winell, Ph.D.

The effects of authoritarian religious training can last a long time and run deep, seriously impacting your ability to enjoy life. The process of leaving one's faith often creates intense feelings of confusion, grief, anxiety, and anger. 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 this process of healing and growth. The weekend is a powerful group experience of sharing personal history, examining key issues, and exploring new liberating concepts. 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, relaxation, and fun.  Because we are staying together, we will have the chance to get acquainted and begin a lasting support system beyond the weekend. As a special bonus, we will have massage and acupuncture treatments available, and guests are welcome to stay another night.

WHEN:  FRIDAY, Nov. 17, 7PM  until  SUNDAY, Nov. 19, 3PM.

WHERE: Berkeley, CA
        
REQUIREMENTS:  1) Telephone discussion with Marlene Winell to determine appropriateness for you, 2) completion of pre-workshop written exercises.

COST:  $320 for the workshop, $120 for room and board     Total:  $440  
A deposit of $100 will secure a space.
Early registration discount:  $20  (Full payment by Nov. 1)  REBATE for completed written exercises:  $40  (email or bring writings to workshop; rebates will be given at the workshop)

Workshop objectives are to help you:
・ Release the hold of dysfunctional religious teachings.
・ Reclaim your own thoughts and feelings.
・ Discover self-love and learn to trust yourself.
・ Recognize and draw from your own inner resources for wisdom and strength.
・ Explore new avenues for meaning in life.
・ Appreciate the freedom and power when you take personal responsibility for your life.
・ Practice enjoying life now instead of waiting for the next; reclaim your right to pleasure.

A Resource list will be available with recommended books and readings and websites.

To register, send an email to mwinell@gmail.com with your contact information. You will receive more details, a registration form, and written exercises.  A telephone interview is requested before final registration.

Register soon to save a place.  Group size is limited by design.
For more information, write to mwinell@gmail.com or call 510-649-1256.  Also, if you want to take part in a weekend but this one does not work for you, please ask to be on the mailing list.

“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.”