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)
COST: Donation to cover expenses
Description of upcoming group TBA: “Reclaiming Soul – a group exploration"
This group will be part book-club and part support/personal development, facilitated by Dr. Marlene Winell, who has been teaching, leading groups, and in private practice for 30 years.
The object is to provide a means for a small group of adults to come together and explore ways to survive and thrive as human beings in the midst of challenging times. Most of us would agree there are aspects of our culture that do not support us – materialism, individualism, alienation. We lack structures that facilitate community and affirm our core values. Some people find groups such as churches acceptable but many do not. We need quality friendships and loving, reliable connections.
This group will be an experience of looking at some of our deepest needs and dilemmas – meaning, responsibility, connection, mortality – and explore the ways we can honestly face and deal with them – both individually and collectively. There are no answers or formulas. However, from an existential-humanistic point of view, we must engage these questions in order to have satisfying lives and be fully human. How can we have the kinds of relationships with each other that contribute to a loving, compassionate world? We have many options for response. People have amazing ideas, resources, and creativity. The process is much easier when shared with others.
In facilitating this group, I will consider everyone wise and learning to share that intuitive wisdom. In other words, this is a group exploration rather than my being a guru. However, I will provide readings and provoke you to explore. My goal will be to help you forge a cohesive set of relationships that will inspire you to advance to a new level in your life. Depending on the participants, we may also use experiential processes geared to help focus and gain awareness (eg, art, movement, imagery). Expect to meet interesting people, have deep conversations, learn about seeing and listening and giving, be truly heard & allowed to be authentic, and be appreciated for who you really are. Let’s look at how we extend this in our lives and in the world for a more sane society.
Potential authors: Thomas Moore, Rollo May, Victor Frankl, Irving Yalom, Scott Peck, Anne Morrow Lindburgh, Susan Griffin, and more. (Group members may also make suggestions). We will start with an informal potluck and discussion for anyone considering joining the group.
While the group will certainly promote personal growth, it is not meant to take the place of intensive psychotherapy. Potential members will be interviewed by Marlene before joining. Membership will be by invitation.
WHERE AND WHEN:
Meetings will be at the same address in Alameda, starting in September. The group will decide the time and frequency of sessions. Members will be asked to make a 10-session commitment, beginning with one full-day session to get the group off the ground (possibly on a boat).
COST: $30/per person per session, $50 for a couple. Financial need will be considered if this is a hardship or becomes one.
More about Marlene Winell, Ph.D.: I'm an educator/writer/philosopher as well as documentary filmmaker, with a long career in human services. I was formerly in full-time practice as a licensed clinical psychologist and I now consult part-time with groups, couples, and individuals on an educational basis. I'm the author of "Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion." I've lived overseas for many years, been married, divorced, and have two children. My doctorate is in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State. You can find out more at www.marlenewinell.net.
Reach me at: 510-292-0509 or mwinell@gmail.com
If interested, send an email to Dr. Winell at mwinell@gmail.com.
• Please tell me a little about yourself and why you are interested, and also what your schedule is like. Are there times when you absolutely cannot attend a regular group? Please include your phone number.
• Which potluck would you like to attend, and what can you bring?
• Can you arrive early to help set up or stay late to clean up?
• If you are good with organizing, would you like to assist with logistics to defray the cost of the group? (we can discuss details)
Hope you can join us!
Marlene
