art by Henry Raynor Williams
Re-Membering with the Goddess through Dreams:
An eight-week dream circle series for women.
Feminine intuition is an under utilized natural resource that when properly heeded has the potential to improve emotional, mental, and physical well-being. This women’s dream circle series aims to strengthen intuition and self-agency. By undertaking a relationship to the dreaming self, we will build a relationship with the archetype of the ancient Creatrix Goddess, our own internal wisdom and knowing. She is a symbol of a woman whose intuition and instincts are fully intact and empowered through action. The psychic impact of (a) over-domestication, (b) the vulnerabilities of being a minority in a patriarchal society, and (c) the resulting obstacles to the development of self-determination and the individuation process for women will be addressed.
By exploring fairytales and folklore, dream and image journaling, active imagination, and processing dream material, each participant will have the opportunity to realign with her natural intuitive nature and cultivate the courage to act on these inner promptings. Upon completion of the series, one will have the tools needed to create an on-going relationship with their dream life (Please see below for costs and screening under general group information).
by Henry Raynor Williams
GENERAL GROUP INFORMATION:
Each group is made up of 4-5 participants. The groups are purposefully small to ensure every participant has the opportunity to share and work with their dream material in the group setting. Additionally, there are weekly readings, journal prompts and image making activities to be done and enjoyed at home. We meet for two hours weekly over the course of eight weeks. Often times, groups choose to continue meeting on a month-to-month basis to deepen their individual and group work while learning more advanced skills and techniques relating to the dreaming Self.
Each member is prescreened by Karalee, via a half-hour, no obligation phone or in person consultation, designed to determine placement and compatibility to the work. This also gives one the opportunity to ask questions and discover if dream work is truly right for them. To schedule your free consultation, please email Karalee Karalee@souldevelopmentcenter.com or call 310.802.2075. Be sure to indicate a the best time to schedule your preliminary half-hour session.
Cost: $100 per week, paid monthly. Your first payment holds your place in circle. Upon receipt you will receive your welcome packet and your first home readings and activities so we can hit the ground running at our first meeting. The same series of dream training and counseling can be conducted on an individual basis, at the cost of $200 per 75 minute sessions.
Participation Expectations:
An ongoing commitment to attend sessions in a timely manner is required; there are no refunds for missed sessions. In order to create a safe environment for all participants, there is a code of conduct followed within the circle that will be explored in-depth in the free screening call or in- person session. Generally, we are conscious to create an honest, open and respectful discourse, holding all information disclosed within the circle in strict confidence. Each person will be required to sign a contract outlining these principles. To schedule your free in-person or by phone half hour session, please call Karalee at 310.802. 2075, fill out the form below or email her at Karalee@souldevelopmentcenter.com
FAQ Dream Work, Depth Psychology and Expressive Arts
What is self-agency?
Self-agency" or having an “internal locus of control” are both psychological terms used to describe a person who has authority over their own life, choices, and reactions to those aspects of existence that are beyond one’s control. In other words, it means to be the architect of one’s own life and having the ability and confidence to make the decisions that are best for you. While we all have people we rely on for input and advise, self-agency lets us govern our own beliefs and actions with confidence and clarity.
What is the Creatrix Goddess?
The Creatrix Goddess is an archetype derived from ancient societies that sustained a culture characterized by a dominance of woman in society and worship of a Goddess incarnating the creative principle of Source and Giver of All. Marija Gimbutas’ and other feminine scholars have presented compelling evidence that these cultures were matrifocal and probably matrilineal, agricultural and sedentary, egalitarian and peaceful. The existence of ancient peaceful cultures governed by feminine principles allows modern women to celebrate their inherent wisdom and to become the font of their own inner peace. I utilize this archetype in all of the women’s dream circles to symbolize self-agency and wholeness.
What do you mean by expressive arts? The expressive arts are a clinical tool used in therapy to explore one’s thoughts and feelings through imagery. No artistic ability is required because the goal is expression not aesthetics. So if you cannot draw a straight line with a ruler, this is for you! Therefore, you are the only person who needs to understand your art. This type of work opens up an inner dialogue and aids in communicating those feelings that you cannot yet put into words. It is also a way of creating a concrete expression of what you have learned and the ways in which you have grown. This is one of the tools utilized in therapy, if conducive to the client.
What is dream therapy?
In addition to traditional talk therapies, Dream Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes dreams as clinical material aiding in the process of healing and self-actualization. Our dreams contain wisdom and guidance not always accessible to our waking mind. Even if one does not currently remember their dreams, other forms of myth, folklore etc. can be used to begin the process and open up one’s ability to remember the contents of their dreams. There are various techniques that can substantially increase one’s dream recollection.
What is an image journaling?
An image journal is similar to a regular journal except it is not limited to the written word. The expression “ a picture says a thousand words” is very true. So in addition to writing, one is encouraged to pull images from magazines, the Internet etc. to express how they are feeling. One should also include the contents of their dream material; they may even draw, paint, color or use symbols to express themselves. The purpose of this type of exercise is not to create beautifully aesthetic art but to create a personal expression beyond words in which YOU define the meaning.
What is Depth Psychology?
Depth Psychology is a soul-centered approach focusing on what lies beneath personality and culture for a deeper meaning. This tradition incorporates the arts, literature, religion, and mythology to approach how we make meaning of our lives and relationships. Soul is regarded as a perspective rather then a “thing” and symptoms are honored as messengers; informing individuals when they are out of alignment with their soul and/or their authentic self. From this perspective, every individual has great gifts and talents hidden within. The work of therapy is to identify, integrate and manifest those aspects of one’s true nature into their daily lives, careers and relationships.
What is the individuation process:
The individuation process is the conscious realization and fulfillment of one’s unique being.
What is active imagination?
Active imagination is a clinical tool utilizing the power of imagination to access inner wisdom and feelings that lie below the surface. For example, you may have a recurring dream image that is perplexing to you. With the therapist’s assistance you may close your eyes and have a “conversation” with the image to see what’s up. Though at first it may feel a little silly, once mastered this can be a powerful tool of discovery.
What is an archetype?
The word archetype refers to universal motifs and themes common to all of humanity. For example there is the archetype of the mother or father or parent, which holds true to all cultures. Then there is the experience of having a mother, father or parent, which are not always the same. Some other common recognizable archetypes are, the artist, the rescuer, the victim or the magical child. Depth psychology regards the archetypes as foundational building blocks of personhood.
Me and dreamwork
During my time at Pacifica, I had the privilege of studying imaginal and archetypal psychology as well as the profound tradition of Jungian analysis. I received guidance and wisdom from esteemed pioneers in the Depth tradition, including James Hillman, Maryanne Woodman, and Christine Downing. In fact, I even wrote and published my thesis in the academic database Pro-Quest; Re-Membering the Goddess Through Dreams.. The focus of my research was on strengthening intuition through dream work, mythology, and the principles of depth psychotherapy. My intention was to develop a therapeutic approach that empowers clients to access their natural intuitive nature and wisdom, ultimately allowing them to embrace authenticity, self-agency, and gain clarity around their purpose.
My exploration of this theme has taken me to fascinating places, I spent over three years attending monthly feminine energetic circles, and intensive twice weekly one on one dreamwork sessions and training with a graduate of The Four Winds Society lasting five years. This culminated with me traveling to the islands of Malta, where I immersed myself in the rituals and ceremonies of the summer solstice within ancient Goddess temples.
My dedication to creating community and fostering personal growth began back in 1998 when I co-founded The Silver Circle Center for Arts and Awareness. This organization aimed to empower individuals through free community circles and workshops in New Bedford, MA. Later, in 2002, I became a co-founder of Sisters Walking in Faith Together (SWIFT), a collection of faith-based and self-directed women's circles. SWIFT provided a nurturing space where women could explore their spiritual autonomy, find support, and cultivate deep connections.
For over twenty years, I have been actively involved with A Window Between Worlds (AWBW), a non-profit organization based in Venice, CA. AWBW uses the transformative power of art to support women and children in domestic violence shelters across the country. I have contributed to AWBW's fundraising efforts, particularly in collaboration with V-DAY, Eve Ensler's global movement to end violence against girls and women. Additionally, I have been involved in training workshop facilitators for both the women's and children's programs, equipping them with the tools to create healing experiences through art. I offer expressive arts opportunities in therapy and am curently part of a piolt program spreaheading community durantional art.
With my extensive background and deep commitment to personal growth and community empowerment, I am here to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from my expertise in depth psychology, dream work, and the integration of art in therapeutic processes, I am dedicated to helping you navigate your inner landscape and create meaningful transformations in your life.