A Workshop for Second-Generation Former Members

Friday 3:00 p.m. April 17, 2009 to Sunday 2:00 p.m. April 19, 2009

Workshop Location: Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, 1601 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, FL 32765 (407-365-5571)

The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) has run workshops for former members of high-demand, “cultic” groups for many years.  In recent years increasing numbers of people born or raised in such groups (i.e., “second generation adults” - SGAs) have attended these workshops.  These ex-members have special needs, which can be most effectively addressed through a workshop that focuses on them.   SGAs do not have a “pre-cult identity” to which they can return.  SGAs raised in fringe subcultures have to learn the implicit rules and expectations of mainstream culture.  SGAs frequently have educational and other skill deficits that interfere with adjustment to mainstream culture.  Having grown up in high-control groups that are often based on irrational belief systems, SGAs tend to struggle with issues of dependency, self-esteem, and social conflict.  Because many SGAs were physically or sexually abused, they often have to deal with anger, resentment, and other emotions related to trauma.

This workshop will address the needs of SGAs through a series of brief didactic presentations (supplemented by written handouts) followed by discussions, to which attendees may contribute according to their comfort levels.  Specifically, the workshop will address:

·         critical thinking

·         socialization, culture shock, and acculturation

·         psychological development, child abuse and neglect, parenting styles, boundaries, and trust

·         long-term psychological, educational, and emotional effects of growing up in a culture of abuse and neglect

·         relationships with families and others

This workshop has been made possible by special donations and the willingness of facilitators to volunteer large amounts of their time. Without the dedication of these people, registration fees would be much higher than what is listed below.

The donations cover a substantial portion of the total cost. Therefore, the fees listed below reflect a significant discount. Because many SGAs struggle economically, additional financial assistance is available for those in need. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please contact us.

 

FEES  - Register Online 

 

Fees include sleeping accommodations (Friday and Saturday) and meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch).  Double occupancy (please tell us your roommate’s name or request that we assign a roommate): $250 per person.  Single occupancy: $350 per person. 

REGISTRATION - Register Online

Please send us (see top for contact information) a note indicating your interest in attending (SGAs ONLY!) and your name, address, phone(s), and e-mail along with a check (made out to ICSA) or Visa or MasterCard number and expiration date.  Or, use the registration form on the back. 

Contact us if you would like to apply for financial assistance.

SPACE IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE REGISTER ASAP.

 

Registration Form - Register Online

Name(s):
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Country:
Phone(s)/Fax:
E-Mail (Important):
Payment:	[     ] Check     [     ] Visa     [     ] MasterCard
CC Number:
CC Exp. Date:
No. People:
Double Occupancy:	[     ] $250/person
Single Occupancy:	[     ] $350/person
Contribution:	$
Total Due:	$

 

Use the table above to calculate the amount due.  All rates are per person and include meals (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch) and Friday and Saturday accommodations.  Directions and other information will be sent after you register.  If you have questions, contact ICSA at (239)-514-3081 or mail@icsamail.com

 

Double Occupancy

If you have a roommate, please tell us his/her name?

Do you want us to assign you a roommate?   Yes [   ]     No [   ]

Group Info

What is the name of the group you belonged to (for each registrant)?

How long have you been out of the group?

 

THE FACILITY

Canterbury (http://www.canterburyretreat.org/) is a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. In the fall of 1982, Canterbury opened its doors to accommodate groups of many different sizes. Starting with 2 buildings, 30 lodging rooms, and 2 meeting rooms, Canterbury has had the opportunity to grow and prosper.

Currently, the facility includes 45 lodging rooms, three meeting/conference rooms, St. Augustine’s Chapel, with the capacity for 130 people, and a boardwalk with gazebo. Nestled on 48 acres, our guests enjoy a peaceful setting surrounding Lake Gem.

Each of our lodging rooms has a private bath, room for single or double occupancy, and two chairs with a writing table for any necessary work. We are also fully handicapped accessible.

Canterbury’s three meeting/conference rooms, located in two different buildings, can accommodate groups of various sizes. We also provide A/V equipment for your conference including: TV/VCR, microphone, overhead projector/screen, dry erase easels, easels with paper and markers, and portable stereo.

Canterbury’s meals are served in our beautiful lakeside dining room. Meals are prepared by our professional staff and served cafeteria style. Along with the three regular meal times, the option of a continental breakfast, snacks, barbecue, reception, or banquet are also obtainable. Outside the dining room, a patio with tables and chairs, over looking Lake Gem, gives you the option of eating or relaxing.

Along with our indoor activities, Canterbury has several outside activities surrounding Lake Gem. A one mile nature trail allows you to experience the different trees, bushes, and wild life around the lake. Lakeside events include canoes, pedal boats, and fishing (bring your own gear). Also available are volleyball, and a challenge course.

 

Limousine Service from Orlando International Airport

Travel Aide or Escort/Airport Shuttle (van)

Hardy Jones

Oviedo, FL

Cell phone: 407 493-0609

 

THE FACILITATORS

Leona Furnari, M.S.W is a licensed clinical social worker in Boulder Colorado. She is a psychotherapist specializing in recovery from trauma, including recovery from abusive groups and relationships. Ms. Furnari is a former member of an Eastern/New Age group, and it was that experience that led to her commitment to help others recover from abusive groups. She has been a regular facilitator/presenter at ICSA's Recovery Workshops in Estes Park, CO for the last four years. She also works as a school social worker at the middle school level, and facilitates support groups for adolescents dealing with grief, family change and peer relationships.

Carol Giambalvo is an ex-cult member who has been a Thought Reform Consultant since 1984 and a cofounder of reFOCUS, a national support network for former cult members.  She is on ICSA’s Board of Directors, Director of ICSA’s Recovery Programs, and is responsible for its Project Outreach.  Author of Exit Counseling: A Family Intervention, co-editor of The Boston Movement: Critical Perspectives on the International Churches of Christ, and co-author of “Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants,” Ms. Giambalvo has written and lectured extensively on cult-related topics.  (affcarol@worldnet.att.net)

Lorna Goldberg, M.S.W., L. C. S. W., a psychoanalyst in private practice with children, adolescents, and adults.  She has co-led a support group for ex-cult members with her husband, William, for over 25 years.  She is on the Board of Directors of ICSA/ICSA and is Dean of Faculty, Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies, Teaneck, New Jersey.  She has written extensively for social work and ICSA publications.  (Lorna@blgoldberg.com)

William Goldberg, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., a therapist in private practice, has co-led a support group for ex-cult members with his wife, Lorna, for over 25 years.  He is Director of the Community Support Center and The Young Adult Center of the Rockland County (NY) Department of Mental Health. Mr. Goldberg is an Adjunct Professor in the Social Work Department of Dominican College. (Bill@blgoldberg.com)

Rosanne Henry, M.A., L.P.C., a member of ICSA's Board of Directors, is a psychotherapist practicing in Littleton, Colorado.  For the last fifteen years she has been helping those harmed by cults through the original CAN and ICSA. Her private practice specializes in the treatment of cult survivors and their families. She is a former member of Kashi Ranch. (rosanne@cultrecover.com)

Joyce Martella is the daughter of a leader of a pseudo-Christian cultic group, ISOT, in Northern California.  Born and raised in this group, she left after 25 years.  She has been cut off from her siblings and mother for over 15 years. She is currently working in a Batterer's Intervention Program and pursuing a doctorate in Depth Psychology.

Michael Martella, a licensed family therapist, was raised in a Bible-based cult for 20 years, leaving in 1980. He is a licensed counselor and an expert in domestic violence treatment in San Diego, California. Over the last three years, he has conducted seven “Cult Survivor Workshops” for ex-cult members, and he is currently writing his doctoral dissertation on “Cult Wounds and Cult Healing.”

 

Surviving and Moving On After a High Demand Group Experience:

A workshop for Second-Generation Former Members

April 17 – April 19, 2009

Agenda

  

Friday
4:00 pm	Check-in
4:30 – 5:00 pm	Welcome and Introductions – Carol Giambalvo
6:00 – 7:00 pm	Dinner
7:15 – 8:15 pm	Critical Thinking - William Goldberg, Facilitator
Saturday
8:15 am	Breakfast
9:00 – 10:30	Second Generation's Culture of Submission and Hidden Rebellion within High-Demand Groups, Michael and Joyce Martella, Facilitators
11:00 am – 12:00 pm	Dealing with Culture Shock, Michael and Joyce Martella, Facilitators
12:00 – 1:00 pm	Lunch
1:30 – 3:00	Healthy Individual Development is Fostered by Healthy Families, Leona Furnari and Rosanne Henry, Facilitators
3:30 – 5:00 pm	Resiliency! Leona Furnari and Rosanne Henry, Facilitators
5:30 pm	Dinner
7:00 pm	Social
Sunday
8:15 am	Breakfast and check-out
9:00 am – 10:30 am	The Harsh Conscience of Second Generation Former Cult Members. Lorna Goldberg with Bill Goldberg, Facilitators
11:00 am – 12:30 pm	Relationship with Families and Others, Lorna Goldberg with Bill Goldberg, Facilitators
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm	Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 pm	Wrap Up and Feedback, Carol Giambalvo, Facilitator

 

Note:    Check-out time on Sunday is by 9:00 a.m. -- there is a storage area for luggage. Meal times are precise. There is an extra charge if management has to keep the food out longer. Please be prompt to meals and back from breaks. Thanks!

Correspondence to:

ICSA

P.O. Box 2265, Bonita Springs, FL 34133

fax: 732-352-6818; Ph:  239-514-3081

E-Mail: mail@icsamail.com

www.cultinfobooks.com