Writings and TalksBefore you try to communicateDo 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. New office location in Berkeley and women's group startingThis 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. "Release and Reclaim" retreat coming upLEAVING 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. Honor the Child: A different take on the holidayThe 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. < Religious Recovery retreats availableReaction to Matthew Murray case, from Debra ThornleyOn Sunday, December 9, 2007, a young man entered a church in Colorado. Colorado shootings and religious abuseWe 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.) Tips for holiday pressure and affordable counselingThis 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. Weekend workshop coming up Nov. 16-18 in Oakland, CALEAVING 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. Ways to get helpOptions for getting help For yourself: 1. Introductory telephone assessment. Call me and make an appointment for a discussion of your situation. If you do not reach me directly, please leave suggested times for me to return your call. |
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