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Association for theAdvancement ofPsychosynthesis
AAPE-NewsJuly 1, 2011 Keeping in Touch with our Members
In this issue: “Psychosynthesis Today” Retreat & Foundations
Course // Quote of theMonth & July Meditation Keyword // Future
of Psychosynthesis in North America //Strategic Directions //
Hedwig Weiler on AAP Advisory Board // New book: Psychosyn-thesis
Made Easy // Events // Announcements
Thirty colleagues participated in making the greatturn to the
future and the world we live in today. We allexperienced a renewed
sense of being in communityand of belonging to a higher purpose. In
one sense, wewere encased in a hologram of psychosynthesis
col-leagues in all of North America, and perhaps
evenworld-wide.
One of the highlights of the Retreat was linking upvirtually
through anymeeting.com, both audio and vi-sual, as well as texting.
Several not present participatedin this. In a similar mode, the
entire Course was re-corded for future use.
Psychosynthesis Today:A successful Turn to the Future and the
World as it is Today
by Judi White
lution of self and Self conscious decision-making thatclearly
demonstrated a development of the “me to we”theme, born during the
2010 Conference in Chicago.An important theme which was woven in
and throughthe images was the empathic heart to heart connectionin
the style which is particularly unique to psychosyn-thesis. Social
responsibility came through the imagessuch as a need to respond to
environmental crises, male/female co-creative relationships, and
honoring of thediversity of cultures. These “seeds” of social
responsi-bility “sprouted” Saturday afternoon in informal
reflec-tions on how to package psychosynthesis for audiencesother
than the psychotherapy community, such as envi-ronmentalists and
corporation leadership.
Vincent Dummer adjusting settings for anymeeting.com
Twenty colleagues journeyed through the weekend,beginning Friday
evening, “Sacred Circle of Reality”.Participants answered the
question, “Given what ishappening in the world today, both creative
and de-structive, how can psychosynthesis contribute to ahealthy
future for the planet and its inhabitants?” Thevisual drawings and
accompanying poetic descriptionswere a well-spring of Spirit
flowing in and through eachheart. Each creation reflected that we
have many ways– methods, techniques, processes – to facilitate an
evo- Results of Friday evening, session 1
Retreat faciltators:Peter Stonefield, Judi White, Ellen Faith,
Inessa Mil’berg
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Saturday morning, “Realizing the Possiibility ofRenewed
Community”, all participated in a Constel-lation process. Because
it was the highlight event of theretreat, results are presented
separately below. Briefly,the constellation unfolded to reveal deep
needs for re-newed common purpose by (a) staying connected toour
roots as we contribute to a wider public audience,and (b) explore
ways to acknnowledge Roberto Assagiolias we do. A more detailed
Constellation report by InessaMil’berg can be found on the next
page this Newsletter.
Saturday afternoon, “Imaging the Future ofPsychosynthesis
Community”, three groups rolledup their sleeves, to create
strategies in response to theseneeds. They worked on three
strategic directions: sim-plifying language to convey the
uniqueness of psycho-synthesis; bridging psychosynthesis and right
relationsin group work, and course training accreditation.
PeterStonefield’s write up can be found on page 5.
At the end of the day, everyone was sent out toreflect on the
experience and to form the promise theyindividually would claim for
the future of psychosyntheisiscommunity.
Saturday evening, “A Ritual of BeginningAnew”, most participated
in the ritual of claiming theirpromises, followed by a circle dance
to reflect non-verbally on the experience of the retreat. We all
leftwith a renewed sense of being a purposeful community,carrying
on the advancement of psychosynthesis – onethat began in 1995 with
the beginning of AAP.
The new Basic Psychosynthesis Foundations Coursewas an
overwhelming success. Twenty participantslearned or reviewed basic
psychosynthesis principles.Presented by the Professional
Development Team(PDC) who have been working on it for some
yearsnow, the course also included perspectives that havegrown from
psychosynthesis. It was presented master-fully through brief
explanations and experiential exer-cises by those pictured
below.
Back row: Brad Roth, Deborah Onken, Janet Messer, Vincent
DummerFront row: Molly Young Brown, Judith Broadus, Mary Kelso
Tree is at the edge of the labyrinth at Mercy Center.The tree
was a master teacher for many of us who
stopped to dialogue with it. One person remarked that thetree
was a channeling source for dialogue with Assagioli.
Quote of the Month & July Meditation KeywordListening
Whoever has learned how to listen to trees no longer wants to be
a tree.He wants to be nothing except what he is. That is home. That
is happiness.
– Hermann Hesse, Wanderings (1917)
AAP invites you to participate in monthly medita-tions on the
first of each month. You choose the dura-tion of the meditation,
and how long to meditate, andhow to meditate. Know that others will
be with youin space/time.
You may choose to meditate on Listening as a deepen-ing practice
throughout the month.
The Course is a major strategic direction, relatedto the
practical vision and underlying contradictions thathave been
created from the input from members andcolleagues of AAP. There
will be an article dedicated tothis course in next month’s
Enews.
Everything is not happening in chronological order,a clear
reminder that AAP has made great progress intaking psychosynthesis
to North America and stayingconnected to its growth world-wide.
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Stephanie West Allen has put on-line some short video clips she
took of the beautiful settingin Burlingame, California, where the
Psychosynthesis Today event took place.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PL3EDD4ADEC5C63DA0
Systemic Constellation onthe Future of Psychosynthesis in North
America
continued next page
by Inessa Mil’bergThe systemic constellation method, developed
byGerman psychotherapist Bert Hellinger, offers a toolthat can
depict complex interconnections within systemsin a clear and simple
way. Groups have unconsciousness.During the constellation process,
the unconsciousnessbecomes visible.
In the words of Bert Hellinger: “An awareness of thebasic orders
of life helps us to support love and helpthat love to grow and
thrive. These orders are notinvented, or imposed, but rather
discovered... When Ispeak of orders of love here, it is essential
to look ascarefully as possibly to see whether these things
areactually true, and this examination must be made evenwhen it
seems to offend our sense of how things are.Reality doesn’t always
match our wishes and hopes...Our knowledge and awareness are like
life itself, aflowing, changing experience that grows bit by
bit”.
I chose Molly Brown as a “client” to represent
thepsychosynthesis community. When asked, what is notgoing well
with psychosynthesis today, Molly stated thatthere is not much
interest in PS in the general population,the centers are closing
and she would like to see PSalive and vital. This was an original
point of departure –how do we move from Psychosynthesis today to
thePsychosynthesis of Molly’s vision, and what can wediscover along
the way? What would help? What arethe obstacles?
In the initial set up of PS Today, PS of the Future, and
Public, the whole group saw very clearly what weprobably already
know – PS Today looked at the Publicbut was reporting feeling very
weak, lost and confusedand needing support. It also wanted to move
towardthe Public, but couldn’t – it felt stuck. PS of the Futurewas
looking into wide open Space. And the Public waslooking at PSToday
but was generally unsatisfied,something was not right.
This was a picture presented to us – and doesn’t it
soundfamiliar?
I will not describe the process of the constellation itself,for
it is almost impossible to describe – those present inthe room
experienced for themselves the palpable andpowerful field that we
operated in. As representativesof different concepts entered the
field, we all saw –frame by frame – the truth unfolding right
before our eyes.
I would like to summarize an important finding of
theconstellation which points the way from PS of Today toPS of the
Future:
1. A connection to our ancestral roots. It became veryclear and
explicit that honoring our lineage andconnection to Roberto
Assagioli is an importantmovement toward PS feeling strength and
vitalityagain. It was expressed by a deep bow from PSToday in the
constellation, as well as by introducingthe Public to Roberto and
Roberto to the Public.That allowed PS to turn around and say, “Now
I
Psychosynthesis Today Retreat – June 10-11, 2011
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Systemic Contellation (continued)
can look forward. And Roberto always has to bewith me”.
2. Deep suffering of the Public needs to beacknowledged and
addressed.
3. Public is reached by making a conscious connection,where PS
clearly states that it sees its suffering andexplicitly points to
how it can address its needs.
4. Hope/Spirit connection is very important in bringingit all
together.
Here are few comments from participants:
“I found the entire constellation process quitepowerful and
dramatic, somewhat like theancient Greek theater where the actors
becometheir part once their mask is on. It was a stretchfor me... I
nominally accepted the premise thatany individual could “receive”
the energy of theconcept or role they played. This becamepoignantly
apparent when Value [what Publicneeded] sank to his knees then sat
cross-leggedon the floor, looking down, voicing pain, sufferingand
aloneness. The message: what Public neededwas an end to suffering
even though he didn’tknow much about that... I was so impressed
withthe openness of the players to the energies of theirrole, as
sometimes they had to express what couldbe construed as
uncomfortable ideas. They did itanyway, remaining true to their
experience...While this process seemed so slow, in actualitywithin
two hours a fundamental need wasuncovered that we in
psychosynthesis have thetools to meet... I’m glad I stretched.”
“...When Roberto was added, the energetic shiftwas tangible.
There was an electricity in the air,and the sense that his presence
had been missing,particularly for Old PS, was amazing”.
“He [Needs of People] faced New PS and said“I’m suffering and
don’t know what to do.” Shesays “I hear you ... you have a place
here”.
“Public was looking for the added value of PSto have more
interest in PS. Representing the“Added Value” changed into the
state of sufferingand pain, that the public was not in touch
with,just the need to survive. Totally disconnected fromeverything,
no hope, self-contained to survive”.
“The Constellation Work was for me the mostimportant and
powerful time and energy of theRetreat... It is not such an easy
task to uncoverunconscious dynamics, but given the premisesunder
which Constellations form, this form gaveAAP and psychosynthesis
the gifts of bringing tolight that which needs our attention. First
of all,it was masterfully led, sensitively and respectfully,not as
a mere exercise, but as a ritual of callingon the Ancestors for
help in identifying what PSis needing to make more conscious at
this time.This intention elevated the energy of the entiregroup to
open to the superconscious qualitiesneeded”.
“What JOY when RA came into the scene,bringing with him the
confidence, dignity,directness, and Presence that PS Today so
muchneeded – to be able to move.”
“This work still needs to be grounded in AAP –we need the
qualities of courage, fearlessness,and the recognition of
possibilities to go forwardinto the future serving the common good,
andrecognizing the Living Reality that drives theory!”
“As we came into circle it felt complete, healing,wholeness was
happening!”
The main purpose of constellation work is to reveal whatis
already true. We learned a lot from it. And now it isup to us to
carry these insights forward.
A blog was created at
http://futureofpsychosynthesisinnorthamerica.blogspot.com/ for the
specificpurpose of sharing, among our community, how we can carry
the insights from the Constellationforward. The blog also has a
more detail description of the Retreat. Please visit the blog
andparticipate in the discussion. See the specific constellation
findings above and offer a comment:what does it mean to you? how do
you see us as a community implementing what was learned?
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The overarching theme of Strategic Directions sessionevolved
into the need to reach out and empathicallyconnect with the public
using elevator pitches, stories,articles etc. via the website and
social media to attractpeople to Psychosynthesis. Several people
indicatedtheir intention to begin drafting these items after
theretreat. Others were planning to engage the websitedevelopment
group.
Group 1 SummaryThe Simplify Message / Love GroupOur feeling was
that to simplify our message would makepsychosynthesis more readily
available to individuals,groups and ultimately to society, and that
the coremessage is Love. We believe the some of the coremessages to
be mindful of are:
1. Connect with heart2. Respond from heart3. Participation
invited4. We are here for service to the world
To do this we propose:1. Identify needs of individuals, groups
and society
A. Suffering of various types: addictions (alcohol,drugs, food,
sex, work, etc.), parenting issues,relationship issues, general
stress, food & bodyissues (bulimia, anorexia, etc.), financial
issues,
healthstress
2. Identify simple but specific and concrete words todescribe
what psychosynthesis offers
A. To the general community/individuals. Preliminary simplified
messages identified:
Holding the Vision draft, Contribution to Worldproducts,
underlying contradictions draft, 2010priorities, and constellation
work in a creative tensionwe then self-organized co-creative groups
to addresssome of the issues.
After considerable discussion attendees were asked tobrainstorm
and then prioritize ideas or strategies to assurea bright future
for Psychosynthesis in North America.Higher numbers equal higher
priority. The list included:
1. Bridge Social Psychosynthesis and PersonalPsychosynthesis.
1
2. Identify requirements for website, including blogs,social
networking tools. 13
3. Yoda – direct the force and empathic presence. 4 4.
Understand and empathize with suffering of the
public – learn how to encounter and respond to theneeds. 13
5. Collaboration among Psychosynthesis thinkers. 3 6. Nourish
AAP. 1 7. Maintain rootedness to Assagioli. 4 8. Focus on
accreditation regarding the core concepts,
experiences. Sort out and enhance the relationshipsbetween the
centers. 14
9. Share Psychosynthesis techniques and bestpractices amongst
the community. 7
10. Walking the walk – Living it. Create an example.11. AAP –
remain with same name or change? 1312. Simplify message of
Psychosynthesis – love. 12
Three groups then self-organized around three of theitems:Group
1 – Understand and empathize with the sufferingof the public. The
emphasis was on learning how toidentify, encounter and respond to
the needs of the publicin a way that would draw the public to
Psychosynthesis.Group 2 Yoda – direct the force and empathic
presence.Group 3 – Focus on accreditation regarding the
coreconcepts, experiences. Sort out and enhance therelationships
between the centers.
Psychosynthesis Today Retreat – June 10-11, 2011
Session 3: Strategic Directionsby Peter Stonefield
continued next page- 5 -
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a. You are more than you knowb. A part of you is radiant and
perfectc. Even though there are parts of you that
feellonely/unwanted/unloved/undeserving, pleaseknow that all of
you/your parts belong and canbe welcomedd. There’s a way you can
come to accept all ofyour parts. The first step is to find and
discoverwho those parts aree. Challenges and what seem like bad
choicesindicate underlying needs and an attempt atsolution
B. To the psychosynthesis communitya. support for each otherb.
support for each other’s psychosynthesisoutreachc. to make
psychosynthesis accessible: each ofus accessible to each other as
comrades on theroad
3. Develop an ‘elevator speech’, a short (25 words orless)
sentence to describe what psychosynthesis offers.
A. Each of us to come up with our own personalsentenceB. Develop
a general sentence that could be on thewebsite
We imagined that as we simplify and solidify themessages,
infused with love and an offering of healingpossibility, this
organized messages could be used for:1. Theme, information or
articles for the AAP website,
blog, and social media sites2. Each of us could consider how our
own personal
website and media exposure offers simple solutionsto the
challenges facing individuals, groups andsociety
3. We would be aware of the gifts psychosynthesis offersin our
supportive interactions with each other
Group 2 SummaryThe Yoda Power / Empathic to Human Suffering
Group
Our discussion began with Molly wanting to “get” humansuffering
from the viewpoint of those experiencing it, bygoing to a local
family center and simply asking themabout it for example. The
following points emerged:1. Need to be empathically present to
suffering in self
and others.2. We are capable of dealing with suffering
through
psychosynthesis conceptual background.3. Creatively offering a
safe space using language they
understand, where people feel accepted and free tobe
themselves.
4. We have to do our own work ALL THE TIME.5. Sharing knowledge
about processes for working with
suffering.6. Therese Caveney shared her work. The diagram on
the board represents the polarity between anindividual’s need to
be distinct [a triangle] andconnected [a circle], an arrow
representing thetension between the two, both contained within
theSelf [a yin/yang style image], and the cause of thatdichotomy
which is the primal wound.
7. Public venues – family service centers, workshops.
Group 3 Summary
The team presented their report with a blank page. Thefocus of
accreditation at this time in history is tocollaborate with other
training centers to compile anagreed upon set of standards for
formal accreditation.The blank page appeared to signify that there
will beongoing dialogue among those who do training in orderto move
in the direction of realizing the vision elementof formal
accreditation in North America.
— Peter Stonefield
Strategic Directions (continued)
2012Psychosynthesis Conference
in Italy
http://www.psicosintesi.it/en/psychosynthesis-worldJuly 21 -
24
Let the beauty of what we love be what we do.There are thousands
of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
- Rumi
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Hedwig Weiler Becomes aMember of AAP Advisory Board
Hedwig Weiler has become a member of the AAPAdvisory Board. She
was added to the Board by aunanimous vote of the AAP Steering
Committee duringthe May 2011 meeting. Her bio, which follows
here,can be found on her website: www.centerforawakening.org
Hedwig (Hedi) M. Weiler, MSN, APRN-BC,LCSW has been a
practitioner and teacher in healthcare, mental health, healing,
personal transformation andactive in community building most of her
life. She foundedthe Psychosynthesis Center of Wisconsin and was
oneof the founders of the Center for Awakening (CFA).Along with
Carla Peterson she now coordinates the CFAPsychosynthesis Program.
She teaches psychosynthe-sis courses on all levels and advanced
seminars for mentalhealth practitioners. She conducts retreats and
teachesreflective, receptive and creative meditation.
A member of AAP since its inception, Hedi served,for six years,
from 2003 to 2009, on the Steering Com-mittee as Group Life Chair,
Secretary and for the lasttwo years as Co-chair. She has presented
at AAP con-ferences and continues to be involved in the
organiza-tion.
Although she finds inspiration from a wide range oftraditions
and philosophies, for over 30 years Hedi hasbeen a student of the
Ancient Wisdom Teachings writ-ten by Alice Bailey. Most recently
she felt called to jointhe Religious Society of Friends
(Quakers).
After living in Madison, WI for 33 years, Hedimoved to
Charlotte, North Carolina in 2005. She de-lights in learning about
living in such a beautiful part ofthe country. The exotic
fragrances of flowers like themagnolia, gardenia and mimosa
drifting through the airstill feels magical to her.
Hedi Studied with Tom Yeomans, Robert Gerard,Pierro Ferrucci,
and in England the Trust and the Insti-tute. She is widely
respected, in Europe and in NorthAmerica.
Since 1990, as a way to get psychosynthesis “outthere”, Hedi has
developed and taught courses on per-sonal and transpersonal
psychosynthesis, as well asled seminars for Licensed Professional
Mental Healthpractitioners She has conducted ongoing
introductoryprograms in all kinds of settings – including
Universityof WI - Madison, Edgewood College in Madison WI,and more.
She has been instrumental in community build-ing.
Hedi’s most recent project was a reading group onRoberto
assagioli's psychosynthesis, using the internetand phone discussion
mode. She is presently getting aconversation going on the
International Psychosynthe-sis Dialogue on ideas for short
presentations on psy-chosynthesis.
Welcome to the AAP Advisory Board, Hedi. Yourunique contribution
is of great value to the future of psy-chosynthesis.
New Members:Achalan Gene Bennett San Francisco, CAAlan Steinberg
Brattleboro, VT
Returning Member:Sheldon Kramer San Diego, CA
2011-12 Steering Committee
Judi White, Co-chairSharon Mandt, MembershipEllen Faith,
SecretaryAudrey McMorrow, TreasurerPatrick DufourDirk KelderInessa
Mil'bergDori Smith
Welcome tonew and returning members
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Psychosynthesis Made Easy, a psychospiritual psy-chology for
today, by Stephanie Sorrell, publishedby O Books, June, 2011
$12.95
This is an introduction to psychosynthesis as a com-plete
psychology for anyone who is interested in gain-ing an insight into
Roberto’s Assagioli’s work with aview to having counseling
themselves or consideringtraining as a therapist. It begins with
where psycho-synthesis stands in the historical arena of
analytical,cognitive, humanistic and transpersonal
psychology,together with the influences which shaped
Assagioli’sideas and pushed him into developing a psychologythat
embraced both soul and spirit. For example, hismother was a
theosophist and, being brought up inthe Jewish mystical tradition,
he was influenced bythe Kabbalah as well as receiving the
mandatoryschooling in Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’. Chapters in-clude
subpersonalities, the egg as a model of con-sciousness, the Will,
the power of relationship andthe use of symbols and imagery. There
is the inclu-sion of a hypotheticical counseling session to
dem-onstrate how psychosynthesis translates into the
cli-ent/therapist relationship.
Additionally, the end chapter describes Assagioli’sunique
inclusion of the natural world and his respectfor the natural
environment which is gaining morecredibility today. He writes:
Altruistic love is not limited to the members of thehuman
family. It can also embrace all living things inthe animal and
vegetable kingdoms of nature……….One might say an increasingly
conscious sense of thisuniversal brotherhood is behind the growing
trend to-ward the cultivation of harmonious relations with
theenvironment. This is the higher and broader aspect
ofecology.
Events
Two-weekendBasic Principles Intensive
September 30, October 1 and 2& October 14, 15 and 16,
2011
Montreal, Quebec
Emphasis is on experiential learning. Methods in-clude imagery,
art, journaling, movement. Topics in-clude subpersonalities, false
self-models & the authen-tic self, the observer & the
centered “I”, choice & theWill, the higher Self, transpersonal
qualities. Inner pro-cess work and learnings will be complemented
and sup-ported by short theoretical presentations and small-
andlarge-group sharings and discussion.
Complete as a transformational experience in itself,
thisIntensive is also the prerequisite for those wishing toapply
for a Foundation Year in psychosynthesis.
Leadership: Olga Denisko, Founding director/headtrainer of
Psychosynthesis Pathways of Montreal(PPM), has been a
psychosynthesis practitioner since1978. She has conducted
professional training programsin Nova Scotia as well as in Montreal
and also offersworkshops for the general public.
Libby Parker, a graduate of Psychosynthesis Pathways,has been in
private practice since 1996. She is alsofounder of “Solutions from
Within,” which offers psy-chosynthesis-based courses and programs
dealing withpersonal development for women, and co-founder
(withSuzanne Pretten) of Psychosynthesis Renaissance, a newschool
being established in affiliation with Psychosyn-thesis Pathways of
Montreal.
Cost: $450. Place: Central Montreal
A brochure with an application form is available to sendout to
interested people.
To register or for more information, please contact:Olga Denisko
at (514) 484-5383 or [email protected] -or-Libby Parker (514)
222-1471 (cell) or [email protected]
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For an extensive listing of Psychosynthesis and related books,
visit http://two.not2.org/psychosynthesis/
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History Book Update
To all who have pre-ordered the History Book the AAPSteering
Committee apologizes for the inconvenienceof the unexpected,
lengthy delay in the publication ofthis important document.
Presently all chapters are be-ing compiled and transferred to a
pdf, and the designand graphics are being finalized. A printer has
been foundwho can do the job at a reasonable price and with thehigh
quality specifications desired. Hopefully, everythingwill go
smoothly now and the book will be publishedvery soon.
AAP E-News is a member service of the Association for the
Advancement ofPsychosynthesis. Copyright © 2011, All Rights
Reserved.To learn about AAP, go to our website at
www.aap-psychosynthesis.org.Contact us by e-mail at
[email protected].
Thank you to Dirk Kelder and Judi White for putting together
this issue of the E-News.
Dori Smith,Managing EditorVol. 4, Issue 5
Editor's note:
This newsletter message goes out to all AAP members.The
membership list is for our own use and is never sold.
Change of address: Please fill out the change of address form
atwww.aap-psychosynthesis.org/formcoa.htm
2nd Annual
Making Art in ParadiseA Caribbean Workshop inWriting & Clay
Sculpting
January 9-17, 2012St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Join Psychosynthesis Guide / Clay ArtistAlan Steinberg and
writer Fred Taylor for a relaxing,inspirational week of
making/being art in response tothe intense beauty of the Caribbean
tropical paradise.
For more info go to:www.brattleboroclayworks.com/maip
or contact: [email protected]
The Deep River Within:Living a Soulful Life in a Speed-Obsessed
World
Saturday, July 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Naugatuck,
Connecticut.
for more info / flyerAbby Seixas
http://www.deepriverwithin.com/eventsdeepriverw.html
News from Montreal, Canada
Olga Denisko, director & head trainer of Psychosyn-thesis
Pathways in Montreal announces that LibbyParker and Suzanne
Pretten, have established a newtraining centre, Psychosynthesis
Renaissance. She nowfeels she can go ahead with semi-retirement,
knowingthat the training conducted by Psychosynthesis Path-ways for
many years will be continued by two solid andskilled trainers.
Olga will lead a Basic Principles workshop with Libby(see
announcement in the EVENTS section of previouspage). Then,
Psychosynthesis Renaissance will gradu-ally be taking over the
three-year training program, withOlga's role shifting to occasional
guest leader of week-ends and mainly a consultant, as Libby and
Suzannerequire.
Olga Denisko(514) 484-5383 or [email protected]
We look forward to your contributions and suggestions for our
next issue.The deadline is July 17. Please send to
[email protected]. Thank you!
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