Workshops
Alchemy, Inc. workshops are designed to introduce to teachers, social workers, counselors, administrators, parents and others working with youth how to use myth with urban adolescents. Alchemy, Inc. also conducts in-service trainings for schools interested in our unique and proven philosophy and methods of engaging urban adolescents. Workshops are specifically designed to meet the objectives of target audiences.
A selection of our workshop training topics:
Follow
Your Bliss
This workshop focuses upon the second half of life, the period in which we take stock of our dreams and aspirations.
Participants are provided with the character traits necessary to secure the "Water of Life".
Working with
Urban Male
Adolescents
This training is designed to assist the participants in understanding the stage of adolescence from a depth psychological perspective. Its purpose is to uncover what is called the "infinite array of potential" that this stage presents.
Discussion will center on the nature of adolescence and possible remedies for increased communication between generations. Participants will take an epic journey to reexamine their experience during adolescence to better understand the present stage of their adolescent clients.
Mentoring &
The Mythological
Need for the Other
As one journeys through life, one searches for meaning. Within this search, one normally is provided assistance that comes in the form of a guide, a mentor. This mentor is there to assist one in recognizing one's genius within. In myth we find that the hero never accomplishes their tasks alone, they always have assistance from some sort of guide, mentor.
Many youth (and adults) are left to wrestle with this tumultuous period alone, if not alone, then with others who themselves are cautiously tiptoeing through this unfamiliar terrain.
Through myths participants are given assistance in their personal journeys along with tools to ascertain what it takes to be a mentor and what specifically is needed in a particular scenario.
Workshop
for Fathers
A common theme in myth is the search for the father. A son looks for approval from his father. In some instances, this approval is difficult to obtain, not because the father does not want to give it, but because the father never received his own approval from his. The story continues. Even if the father “easily” gives his approval, it still does not seem to be enough, that’s how it is between father and sons. Let’s discuss it through a myth.
Workshop
for Mothers
Two distinct occurrences displayed for me the power of myth to assist in the mutual understanding between mothers and sons. It is a very delicate balance, a unique dance between mother and son. There is no love like a mother’s love, however, there is also no grasp like that of a mother. There comes a time when the mother must “let go” of her son. There is also a time when the son must “let go” of his mother. This workshop offers an opportunity to see how we all maneuver during this enlightening dance between mother and son.
Parent / Child Relationships
In the words of C.G. Jung, “The worse curse upon a child is the unlived lives of the parents.” While working at The University of Akron, Kwame coordinated over 50 parent/child workshops. With over 20 years’ experience working with urban youth and working through numerous myths dealing with the influence of parents, these workshops “hit home” in understanding both sides of a very complicated yet archetypal relationship.
This workshop is designed to identify past psychological wounds and provide solutions to improve communication and diminish potential conflicts between parents and children. Underlying issues will be brought to the surface (if willing) in an attempt to curb the harmful effects of past wounds.
This workshop will allow the participant to visualize and empathize with various other viewpoints and recognize the information needed to make sound decisions.
Corporations and Organizations Experiencing Change
Transformation, a common theme in myth, is what alchemy is all about. One should always ask what their goal is, what is it they are trying to accomplish. Once that is defined, our method believes the best person for the job should be sent. This is the person who should meet the gatekeeper. We rely heavily on the concept that it does not matter who moves the logs, what matters is that the logs get moved.
In corporations and organizations, several personalities, despite their differences, must unite for a common goal. Through a myth we will discuss concepts such as: humility; respect; arrogance; betrayal; sacrifice; asking for assistance; crying; listening; exile; the outcome of asking for assistance; time requirements; decision-making; and remaining focused upon goals.
Teachers Working with Urban Youth
Before I founded Alchemy Inc. my father was an administrator in Akron Public Schools for over 35 years. I have several friends who are principals, teachers and counselors in public schools. Two separate years I literally followed two principals around all day for about seven months of the school year. I saw situations I could not believe. Their days are never-ending with very little time, not even minutes, to “relax.” I understand many of their challenges.
Having worked intensely with urban youth for over 20 years, I also “feel their pain.” I’ve heard scenarios, daily, which only enhanced my belief in the soul’s ability to persevere, despite enormous odds. I also understand many of their challenges.
This workshop is designed to remind one of their importance as a leader of youth and to provide a sip of nourishment to continue when knowing our attempt to influence will often fail to reach its intended destination. It is also a workshop to reminisce about being a student ourselves. An ideal myth will assist the participant in the importance of coming together, teacher and student.
Retention Workshops: Understanding The Importance of a Mentor and Perseverance
This workshop will focus on the common motif of “The Mythological Need for the Other” with priority given to archetypes. We will tell and discuss stories with a focus on perseverance (i.e., retention) while creating a group environment in which it is safe for participants to explore issues related to their developmental stage. In addition to the “Mythological Need for the Other,” emphasis is placed on long-term gratification and the rewards of persistence, with the intent to ingrain in the minds and souls of participants the importance of staying in the fire and not shrinking back. This process is geared toward increasing retention in higher education and giving participants a new positive outlook and philosophy in relation to their archetypal journey—a journey one does not have to travel alone. This process serves as a guide. It has proven to be a total success within urban schools, with male high-school "drop-outs" and adult populations.
Watch to Learn More
Janet Taylor, MD, MP
Psychiatrist, Life Coach, and Self Care Activist
