The soul actively seeks experiences, including those that are difficult, to initiate us into deeper engagement with the ultimate mysteries of life. These initiatory experiences which pave the transformative journey both evoke and temper the soul's passions. At its best, the transformative journey is an ecstatic ordeal.

This experiential program is an introduction to the principles and practices that guide Transformative Learning at the Institute of Imaginal Studies. Potential themes for the day include:

  • Creativity, Play, and Surrender
  • Eros and the Mythic Imagination
  • Forgiveness and Generative Power
  • Disciplined Sacrifice and Initiatory Authority
  • The Soul's Passion for Beauty and Joy
  • Ritual as Imaginative Participation in Mystery
  • Collaboration, Interdependence, and Community




Program Leaders:

Aftab Omer, Ph.D. is President and core faculty at the Institute of Imaginal Studies. Formerly a faculty member in the Psychology Department at Sonoma State University, his research has focused on the emergence of human capacities within transformative learning communities. His work has included assisting organizations in tapping the creative potentials of conflict, diversity, and chaos. Born and raised in South Asia, he was educated at M.I.T. and Brandeis University.

Melissa Schwartz, Ph.D. is Academic Dean and core faculty at the Institute of Imaginal Studies. Formerly a faculty member in both the Psychology and Counseling departments at Sonoma State University, she is in private practice as a Licensed Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist. Her interests include the psychology of women, couples therapy, and the Enneagram in psychotherapy.

Program Information:

Date:               Saturday, April 30, 2005

Time:              10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:        Institute of Imaginal Studies
                        47 Sixth Street, Petaluma CA 94952

Fee:                 $75

Registration:Call IIS at 707-765-1836 to register.

Continuing Education Information:

CE Hours:   6.0

CE Fee:       There is a $20 CEU Certificate Fee.

CE Approval For:

  • MFT/LCSWs: This course meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. (Provider number PCE1391)

Institute of Imaginal Studies
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area -- 47 Sixth Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-765-1836 -- Fax: 707-765-2351 -- info@imaginal.edu -- www.imaginal.edu