Mythic Roundtable
Fairy Tale Interpretations Groups
Dreamwork Groups
Film Discussion Groups
Theatre Trips and Discussion Groups
New Groups
Disclaimer

In order to describe Mythic Roundtable, I must first address the question: "Why study Mythology?"

The characters and energies found in mythology are recognized in outer behaviors and emotions experienced by all peoples. Mythic stories gather around basic, universal themes encountered in life, such as birth, courtship, marriage, parenthood and relationships, death, separation, eternal return, journey.

Mythic Roundtable was conceived when the post-play discussion at Stratford of the musical Into the Woods reawakened me to the psychological richness of fairy tales and why we study them. The thoughts and contributions shared by the participants were a reminder that the principles expressed in these timeless stories resonate within as we struggle with day-to-day experiences and decisions along life’s path. Synchronistically, several friends who had attended Stratford that year ran into an acquaintance of theirs’ who spoke of an interest in Mythic Journey. The reflective comments of the participants and the enthusiastic energy generated inspired me to offer a new series, MYTHIC ROUNDTABLE, where we would come together two or three times a year to study and explore a variety of symbolic material. As always, in this type of discussion, we would begin to ask ourselves what could be the psychological meaning of those images in our lives.

The word "mythic" may be used in all its standpoints. The word "roundtable" reminds us of circle, a symbol of completion or wholeness; and of course, we are reminded of Arthur and the quest for the Holy Grail. This quest is the on-going search for the reemerging feminine, or, in other words, the search for psychic relatedness and wholeness.

See the calendar for current events.

FAIRY TALE INTERPRETATION GROUPS

The study of Fairy Tales has been important to Jungian thought, as these are considered a direct reflection of psychological principles and conflicts expressed in a form which far predates academic psychology. Therefore, Fairy Tales provide a direct link to what Jung defined as archetypes, i.e. universal patterns of behavior and emotion representing the typical life experiences of humans.

Kathleen offers both large and small group discussions amplifying and applying psychological principles as presented in such fairy tales as Elijah’s Violin, Vasalisa, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood.

FAIRY TALE ENACTMENT provides a more intensive group experience. This involves a group of 12 individuals studying a fairy tale of particular interest to them. The tale is then role- played in a group setting, both as traditionally told and with an alternative ending, as the group determines. PSYCHODRAMA TECHNIQUES are used to help participants draw out bodily and emotional reactions to specific scenes or characters within the tale, and to use these awareness to promote changes in one’s daily life and relationships.

See the calendar for current events.

DREAMWORK GROUPS

In ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY, dreams have traditionally provided an emotionally rich way to bring the individual into relationship with his or her unconscious. Approached from the Jungian perspective, the ASSOCIATIONS which the INDIVIDUAL DREAMER makes with images, scenes, characters or interactions within the dream are of critical importance, more so than how someone else "interprets" the dream. The analyst thus becomes a catalyst for helping the dreamer ask the proper questions, focus upon the most potent images or feelings, and draw out the associations most useful toward applying this now conscious knowledge with daily decisions. The analyst also uses knowledge of archetypal motifs and mythological patterns to assist the dreamer in AMPLIFYING what a particular dream image or story may represent.

Dreamwork in a small group setting, facilitated and managed by the analyst, allows additional amplification via others’ knowledge or associations. The analyst assists the dreamer in determining which of these associations may add to his/her understanding of the dream. This occurs when group members share similar life experiences, or because dreams tend to produce archetypal themes and images which resonate for all.

Dreamwork Groups are drawn together in the following ways:

• When a number of individual analysands wish to add to their dreamwork experience in this way.
   
• When a group of individuals wishes to pursue this experience and contract with Kathleen to provide this service. Typically, the fee is $100.00 per hour, to be divided evenly among the participants, with a minimum of 8 participants.
   
• When participants in an INTRODUCTORY DREAMWORK SESSION wish to continue meeting.

Kathleen is also available on a limited basis to provide presentations to small groups on the nature and process of working with dreams. As dreaming is a universal experience, individuals are often interested in phenomena such as RECURRING dreams, ANIMAL dreams, dreams of being CHASED, dreams of FLYING, and dreams where ANXIETY themes are present.

See the calendar for current events.

FILM DISCUSSION GROUPS

Cinema also offers potentially rich insights into the human psyche. Upon request, Kathleen offers small group discussions of both "classic" and current or recent films. A film is viewed by the group with the discussion following focused on individual and group reactions to IMAGES, INDIVIDUALS, or RELATIONSHIPS as depicted on the screen. Archetypal patterns are observed in family and relationship dynamics, and participants assisted in determining how these dynamics may appear in our own lives.

Often, characters in the film will be viewed, in discussion, as ASPECTS of one individual’s psyche. Participants learn how to better identify and relate to inner figures which, in traditional Jungian terms, may reflect such energies as SHADOW or ANIMA/ANIMUS.

Kathleen chooses both well-known and lesser-known films which amplify psychological, emotional, interpersonal principles, and provides questions prior to viewing which encourage participants to focus on characters or issues which may be of particular importance to them.

Films discussed in past group experiences include: Kieslowski’s "The Decalogue", "Chocolat", "Damage", " Broken Silence", "House of Cards", "Female Perversions", "American Beauty", "The Red Violin", "Dangerous Beauty", "Adaptations", "The Bridges of Madison County", "Vanilla Sky", "Rabbit-Proof Fence", "Life As a House", "Everything is Illuminated.", "Waitress".

See the calendar for current events.

THEATRE TRIPS AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

Since 2000, Kathleen has offered group experiences involving trips to The Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada. Participants make their own arrangements for transportation and lodging allowing for individual freedom in schedule. A group of 15-20 participants experience a high-quality theatre production followed immediately by a discussion of images, characters, or plot dynamics which elicit strong reactions. As in the FILM discussions, Kathleen provides questions ahead of time which help participants identify areas of emotional or interpersonal potency. During the discussion, archetypal energies and patterns are identified and amplified in a way which enriches our understanding of the play and performance itself, as well as bringing these images and energies alive within ourselves to encourage personal growth.

Group members often meet informally to continue discussion, or simply to enjoy the fine food and atmosphere provided in the city of Stratford.

As part of this program, Kathleen often offers a group discussion, at her home, several weeks prior to the trip. This allows participants to learn historical and/or psychological background which greatly enhances understanding of that year’s play.

In the past Stratford productions viewed as part of this program include:

• Medea (2000), The Trials of Ezra Pound (2001), King Lear (2002),
• Agamemnon (2003), Macbeth (2004), Into The Woods,
• Measure For Measure (2005),
• The Odyssey (2007), and
• Hamlet (2008).

Kathleen has also offered similar discussions or group experiences with local or regional productions. These have included the Royal Shakespeare Company production of "Medea" in Ann Arbor, the Indiana University Purdue University-Fort Wayne Theater’s production of "Medea" and the production of "Underneath the Lintel" and "The Merchant of Venice" at First Presbyterian Theater in Ft Wayne.

See the calendar for current events.

NEW GROUPS

IF YOU HAVE INTEREST IN A PARTICULAR TOPIC AND WISH TO GATHER YOUR OWN GROUP, please contact Kathleen with your idea and she will work with you to generate a program.

DISCLAIMER

Discussion groups are educational experiences, and are not to be mistaken for therapy or counseling. If you question whether a program may be too psychologically challenging, consult with the presenter prior to participating.