LEAVING YOUR RELIGION?
or still feeling the effects?

It's not the end of the world!
Join us at a recovery retreat.

"RELEASE AND RECLAIM"
A workshop for letting go of religious indoctrination and reclaiming your life.
August 15-17, 2008, Berkeley, CA

Do you feel alone in your struggle for healing? Come to a supportive and powerful weekend with others who can understand you -- an oasis from dogmatic teachings and judgmental groups. This program is for those wanting to let go of toxic beliefs and recover from an authoritarian religion such as Christian fundamentalism. We’ll rant and rave, tell our stories, discuss the issues, visualize, role-play, dance and draw – whatever it takes to think for ourselves and reclaim our lives. A joyful, empowered life is your birthright and you can start now.

Comments about Release and Reclaim Retreats

Comments about the program:

“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.

“Thanks again for a wonderful retreat. I will never be the same.:-)”

“Very helpful – did not expect to go through this weekend with such an intense reaction.”

Leaving your Religion?

or still feeling the effects?

It's not the end of the world!

Join us at a recovery retreat in August, 2008, in Berkeley, CA.

Release and Reclaim I, Aug. 8-10, will be a supportive retreat for those who are beginning to let go of toxic beliefs and recover from an authoritarian religion such as Christian fundamentalism. (details below)

Release and Reclaim II, Aug. 15-17, will be an advanced weekend for moving beyond religion and reclaiming a life of joy, creativity, and connection. It will be open to those who have already attended a retreat or have done healing work already. (details below)

Do 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.

This 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.

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

The 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.   <