Mastering the Meaning of Mandalas
Sponsored by the Art Therapy Program of George Washington University
“…I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing, a mandala, which seemed to correspond with my inner situation at the time. With the help of these drawings,
I could observe my psychic transformation from day to day. ... my mandalas were cryptograms… In them I saw the self–that is, my whole being–actively at work. To be sure at first I could only dimly understand them; but they seemed to be highly significant, and I guarded them like precious pearls. I had the distinct feeling that they were something central and in time I acquired through them a living conception of the self...”
C. G. Jung in Memories, Dreams, and Reflections
This three-day course trains participants to explore in depth the dynamics of the mandala. The main focus is on the therapeutic use of the mandala drawing based on the pioneering work of the visionary art therapist Joan Kellogg. Building upon her clinical experience, Kellogg incorporated states of consciousness research with Jungian theory and cross-cultural studies to develop a system based on form, symbol, color, and movement for understanding patterns and shapes in the images of mandalas. Her theoretical model provides a symbolic way to map stages of psychological growth from before birth to after death, incorporating psychosocial, physiological, and spiritual aspects of human development. Participants will learn how to apply Kellogg’s life cycle theory when assessing the meaning of mandala drawings. What to ask clients to encourage dialogue will also be taught as a way to enhance skills in interpretation. Appropriate for practitioners in the fields of mental health, expressive therapies, and pastoral and spiritual counseling, this course includes lectures, slides, meditation, music, and experiential mandala art.
INSTRUCTORS: Carol Thayer Cox & Alysa Muller
DATES: February 27- March 1, 2009
Friday, February 27: 10am – 8:30 pm (with hour long break for dinner)
Saturday, February 28: 9am – 8:30pm (with hour long breaks for lunch and dinner)
Sunday, March 1: 9am – 3pm (with hour long break for lunch)
PLACE: Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD
COST: We offer both a commuter and non-commuter rate.
I. For those commuting to the training:
TUITION (workbook included): $395
FOOD AND ART SUPPLIES: $150
(Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and snacks for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday and Saturday dinners are also included)
TOTAL COST (for commuters): $545
II. For those who would like to stay at this tranquil retreat center (limited rooms):
TUITION (workbook included): $395
LODGING, FOOD, ART SUPPLIES: $250.00 (includes 2 night stay plus 3 meals Friday and Saturday and 2 on Sunday, snacks, and art supplies.)
TOTAL COST (for those staying overnight) $645
*** 22 NBCC CEUs awarded upon completion ***
TO REGISTER:
Email Carol at ctcox@cox.net or Alysa at DrAlysa@gmail.com for registration form.
Send the form along with $100.00 non-refundable deposit or full fee to:
Carol Thayer Cox
8 Bel Plains Drive
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Carol T. Cox
QUESTIONS:
Carol at ctcox@cox.net or
Alysa at DrAlysa@gmail.com
About Bon Secours Spiritual Retreat Center:
Bon Secours is a beautiful retreat center just south of Baltimore, MD. A restful environment with comfortable rooms and nutritious meals, this lovely oasis offers a labyrinth, hiking trails, Japanese Zen garden, large fishpond, indoor fitness center, library, bookstore, and more. To view, go to:www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org
About the Instructors:
Dr. Alysa Muller, Psy.D., FAMI, is a licensed clinical psychologist, and an AMI endorsed primary trainer of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. She has been teaching and supervising clinicians in Kellogg’s mandala assessment and life cycle theory for 10 years. Alysa specializes in transformational therapy in which she utilizes traditional methods as well as the Bonny Method of GIM, mandala drawings, mandala assessment (MARI), dream work, and other creative and experiential techniques. She has experience with a wide variety of populations and maintains an active private practice. Through workshops, supervisions, and consultations, she teaches and encourages clinicians and healers of all kinds to incorporate creative methods in their work with clients.
Carol Thayer Cox, ATR-BC, REAT, LPAT, has been a national spokesperson for Joan Kellogg’s mandala assessment and life cycle theory for over 20 years. Formerly assistant professor and assistant director of George Washington University’s art therapy program (1988-1998), Carol rejoined the faculty in 2008. She also taught for Vermont College of Norwich University for five years and is presently teaching in the spring/summer art therapy program at Pratt Institute. A frequent lecturer at various universities and conferences, Carol supervises and consults about psychological assessment through art. In addition to free-lancing, she has worked in various psychiatric and psycho-educational settings. Co-author with Barry Cohen of Telling Without Talking, she is also founder of MUSE, a performing arts troupe, and co-editor with Peggy Heller of Portrait of the Artist as Poet.
