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

Authoritarian religious training can seriously impact your ability to live a full life.  Recovery involves reclaiming your right to your own thoughts and feelings.  But it's not easy and leaving one's faith often creates intense feelings of confusion, grief, anxiety, and anger. Moving on 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. We'll use dance, art, role-play, guided imagery. . .and we'll have fun too as we learn to enjoy THIS life now.


WHEN:  FRIDAY, May 4th, 7PM  until  SUNDAY, May 6th, 3PM.

WHERE:  OAKLAND, CA
The setting is a large wonderful house with space for group meals, massage, art, music, and dancing.
 
COST:  $320 for the workshop, $120 for room and board  ($45 for just meals)

A deposit of $100 secures a space. 
At the retreat, a  $20 REBATE will be given for written exercises completed before coming.
 
To register, send an email to
mwinell@gmail.com
with your contact information. You will receive more details.  Or call 510-292-0509.    Register soon to save a place.  The group size will be 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."

"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."

"You were very empowering. I want to feel empowered rather than 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."