TEACHERS TRAINING
CREATIVE WRITING TO HEAL POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD), DEPRESSION & ADDICTION
A hands-on experiential course designed for teachers of creative writing, special education teachers, and psychologists
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday January 20, 21 & 22, 7:00 — 10:00PM
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, January 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29, 7:00 — 10:00PM
$700 for the 8 sessions
At the Writing Studio, near the intersection of La Brea and Beverly Blvd., in Hollywood, CA
Trauma of war and violence is imprinted in the heart. Depression is a result of unfulfilled longing and a lack of belonging; it causes a disconnection from life and a loss of meaning and hope. Addiction is a survival mechanism.
In moments of great suffering, a part of our soul leaves the body. Along with it, our energy and love of life escape as well. It is possible, in recalling those moments in a safe and sacred environment, to put them into words, thus reawaken the fullness of our being. In indigenous cultures it is called soul retrieval and is done by a shaman, a medicine man. In my method, it is done by turning trauma into stories.
Family history, personal and collective trauma, and generational pain become the wood for the fire of transformation and art.
Each 3-hour session includes discussion about the experience of trauma, depression and addiction, and writing assignments that demonstrate the healing power of creative writing.
“My work with Elana did not just help me write my story, before I could write my story I had to remember it, I had to bring it together, to make sense of it, and to heal it through writing. This is what Elana Golden helped me do. In her warm apartment every Monday, I sat there and left the world behind as she led me into a meditation something I never thought I could do, and then she took me places inside myself I never knew existed, all of those places the dark ones, the beautiful ones, came together in the end of our sessions to create something beautiful. Elana Golden changed my life.” Vivien Sansour, writer, producer, photographer
For information and registration please call Elana at 323. 936. 2601
Elana Golden holds a BA in film from New York University and an MA in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica. For nearly twenty years she has been guiding hundreds of writing students, clients, teachers and psychologists in producing great writing as well as in the process of recovery from PTSD, depression and addiction. Elana practices meditation and mindfulness for 31 years, and is educated and experienced in the fields of spirituality, dream and shamanic work, and in the development of the human potential.
Screenwriting Retreat
FROM IDEA TO SCRIPT ~~ A HANDS-ON INTIMATE WEEKEND RETREAT with Elana Golden
Limited to 5 participants
WEEKEND WORKSHOP in Hollywood near the intersection of La Brea and Beverly Blvd
July 8 – 10, 2016
Friday 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bring a script that needs work, or just an idea, to this safe, nurturing workshop — you will leave with a clear vision of your screenplay, well-developed characters, a few key scenes written, and the inspiration and guidance to finish your script.
The weekend will include a thorough examination of screenplay structure using film-clips, and exercises that relate to the work of each participant. Writing sessions begin with short exercises that free the imagination. There will be private consultations with Elana, and a significant time for hands-on writing of your script.
Fee: $700 (includes vegetarian lunches, teas and snacks). $300 deposit upon pre-registration, non refundable after June 18. First come, first served. Reserve a space now.
“Attending a screenwriting class taught by Elana is like having the veil of mystery pulled off the screenwriting process. Beginning with viewing a well-known film, the student sees the process from Act to Act and can visualize theory as it occurs on screen. After this session, emphasis shifts to writing. Scene by scene writing. The scenes are read to the other students and Elana supplies other possibilities for story direction. The retreat is a great way to begin or tighten up an idea and make it into a working script in a nurturing, peaceful environment.” Caroline McSweeney, novelist, screenwriter
For information and registration please call Elana at 323. 936. 2601
Elana Golden, screenwriter, director, teacher. Elana wrote four narrative feature length films, the latest one is in pre production. She directed theater at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and worked on 40 feature films as script supervisor and script consultant. In her Writing Studio, founded in 2000, she has taught over 3500 classes and workshops in creative writing, and coached the writing of many scripts and novels. Elana has a BFA in film from New York University and an MA in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.