Frequently Asked Questions
I've done lots of therapy. Is this Weekend just more of it?
Most women say the Weekend brings them a new and different insight into themselves that therapy never uncovered. On the other hand, the Weekend is not a replacement for therapy.
Most women say the Weekend brings them a new and different insight into themselves that therapy never uncovered. On the other hand, the Weekend is not a replacement for therapy.
I've never done any therapy work. Will I be out of place on the Weekend?
This Weekend is not about being "experienced" in therapy. It is about self-discovery, which women do time and time again. Whether this is your first look at yourself or not is irrelevant.
This Weekend is not about being "experienced" in therapy. It is about self-discovery, which women do time and time again. Whether this is your first look at yourself or not is irrelevant.
My partner, friend, therapist wants me to attend this weekend. Should I?
Only you can answer this question and we urge you to attend the weekend for yourself — not to please someone else. If you are willing and ready to look inside for answers to questions that you may have — about yourself, the choices that you currently make and your life — then the weekend can provide the opportunity to do so. This program is for you, and you alone need to decide when you are ready to come. No one can decide for you when the time is right.
How is Circles of Women South Central related to Woman Within International?
Woman Within International Ltd. licenses five organizations (which make up the Woman Within Network) to offer the Woman Within Training. Woman Within International maintains the program and supports the regions by training leaders, providing marketing support and other administrative assistance. Each member of the Woman Within Network handles all the logistics and registrations for the weekends they host. The program is the same no matter where you attend. Circles of Women South Central is the regional member of the network covering the South Central region of Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana.
I know someone that has attended the Mankind Project Training and they are encouraging me to do this weekend. Are you affiliated with The Mankind Project?
The ManKind Project is a 501(c)(3) organization with certified organizational centers in 27 different communities in the United States, Canada, England, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany. MKP is designed for men and Woman Within is designed for women. Although the two organizations are not "officially" affiliated and do not share protocols or sessions, they do share a mission of offering women and men an opportunity to discover more about themselves.
My husband/boyfriend/friend did the Warrior Weekend. Is this the same thing?
No, this is not a female version of a Warrior Weekend. This Weekend is by and about women. We do our work very differently from the way men do theirs. Your experience will be unique to you.
The ManKind Project is a 501(c)(3) organization with certified organizational centers in 27 different communities in the United States, Canada, England, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany. MKP is designed for men and Woman Within is designed for women. Although the two organizations are not "officially" affiliated and do not share protocols or sessions, they do share a mission of offering women and men an opportunity to discover more about themselves.
My husband/boyfriend/friend did the Warrior Weekend. Is this the same thing?
No, this is not a female version of a Warrior Weekend. This Weekend is by and about women. We do our work very differently from the way men do theirs. Your experience will be unique to you.
Is this program Christian-based?
This program is not based on any religion, and does not promote any one belief over another. The Woman Within Training is based on a fundamental belief of a higher power. What you call this higher power depends on you. The sessions blend a number of experiences drawn from many cultures and practices, and we invite you to honor your own beliefs. At all times you have a choice to participate in an activity or not.
What if I don't know anyone else doing the Weekend?
Are you a cult?
We are not a cult. We do not fit any of the prescribed signs of a cult which is to follow one leader and require certain attendance at functions. We honor each woman's decision to be present, and if the weekend does not fit for her, we do not coerce her to stay. We are a group of women dedicated to the healing of the world one woman at a time.
Why is the process so secretive?
The magic of the program is in the unfolding of the processes. Each process builds on the other. One session taken out of context would not make sense. To give you an outline of the whole program may defeat the "openness" you need to receive whatever gifts are waiting for you... one woman's experience may be very different from another's and thus set you up for disappointment or discouragement if you do not achieve the same result for a particular session. Each woman comes to this weekend with her own uniqueness, and her own issues. To gain the maximum benefit we ask you to "Trust the process." If you feel you need more specific information before you can feel safe to come, call your registrar and ask her for assistance.
I have heard that you use Native American rituals... why?
The Native American culture is one of many cultures we blend into the weekend. These rituals help us prepare, ground, and be open to the process at hand. We have also created our own ways of honoring the sacred feminine. You can choose to participate or not.
What if I don't know anyone else doing the Weekend?
The Weekend is about you and what you want to gain for yourself. Many of us didn't know anyone when we did our Weekend. Now, we have lifetime friendships.
Can I be with my friend, who is also doing the Weekend?
Your friend will be with you on much of the Weekend, but not necessarily for each activity or in the same group. We find that women often get the most out of the Weekend when they rely on themselves for support and answers.
Your friend will be with you on much of the Weekend, but not necessarily for each activity or in the same group. We find that women often get the most out of the Weekend when they rely on themselves for support and answers.
I am in my 60's... do women of my age attend the weekend?
Absolutely. This program welcomes women of all ages. Women in their 80's have attended and been blessed by the gifts they received from the weekend. Women from the age of 18 (minimum requirement) and beyond have sat side by side in this healing circle.
What if I can't afford this Weekend?
We accept MasterCard and Visa. A woman who chooses to do a local Woman Within Weekend and cannot afford the Weekend fee may request financial assistance from Circles of Women South Central. The South Central region offers up to five (5) $300 scholarships per weekend. For more info, click here.
We accept MasterCard and Visa. A woman who chooses to do a local Woman Within Weekend and cannot afford the Weekend fee may request financial assistance from Circles of Women South Central. The South Central region offers up to five (5) $300 scholarships per weekend. For more info, click here.
What is your cancellation policy?
Circles of Women South Central will refund your paid fee (less a $250 non-refundable deposit) if we receive your cancellation notice in writing no less than 30 calendar days prior to the first day of the training for which you have paid. For more information, please click here.
I really need this weekend. I have to get into the next available weekend. How do I make this happen?
The Woman Within Training Weekend is not a "quick fix" and it is not a substitute for therapy. This "process" can compliment therapy, or be a catalyst, to enhance the healing path you are already on. Trust yourself and sign up for the first available weekend. In the meantime, trust yourself to find the support you need from a therapist or other support groups in your area.
I understand that there are circles of women who meet after they have completed the Woman Within Training. Is there a support circle near me?
Each region does their best to provide ongoing support circles after the weekend, however, it depends on where you live and whether there are active "WW grads" in your area. Before the close of your weekend, you will be given information about the possibility of support circles in your area. If you do not receive the information you need, contact the regional registration office for further details, or contact the International office at 800-732-0890.
Do I have to sleep on site? I live only a few minutes away....
Yes, the Woman Within Training Weekend is a residential weekend. Because of the nature of the program, the benefits of the program are enhanced by staying on the site.
Can I arrive late on Friday, or leave early on Sunday?
This is not recommended. All experiences build upon each other. Missing a session will reduce the value of the weekend for you.
What will I wear on the Weekend?
Very casual comfortable clothes. Jeans, t-shirts and sweater/sweatshirt are perfect.
Should we bring food? Will we be fed?
Meals and snacks will be provided from Saturday morning through the completion of the weekend at 4pm on Sunday. Please arrive on Friday having had dinner. You may bring food if you want, but women on a Woman Within Weekend are provided plenty to eat. We believe in nourishing your bodies too!
Meals and snacks will be provided from Saturday morning through the completion of the weekend at 4pm on Sunday. Please arrive on Friday having had dinner. You may bring food if you want, but women on a Woman Within Weekend are provided plenty to eat. We believe in nourishing your bodies too!
I take medications. Can I bring them with me?
Of course you can bring your doctor-prescribed medications. Naturally no alcohol or drugs are permitted on the Weekend. We ask that you refrain from taking any over-the-counter medications.
Is there a place to keep valuables?
Please leave valuables at home. You will not be able to wear any jewelry. It could get snagged on something or someone else. It is a safety concern.
Please leave valuables at home. You will not be able to wear any jewelry. It could get snagged on something or someone else. It is a safety concern.
What about insects?
Our site is outside the city in a natural surrounding where bugs and insects exist. If you have special allergies or concerns about being in nature, bring what you need to protect yourself.
Our site is outside the city in a natural surrounding where bugs and insects exist. If you have special allergies or concerns about being in nature, bring what you need to protect yourself.
Will I get enough sleep?
You will be given ample time for sleeping. We are aware that you need and deserve rest to experience the most benefit from the Weekend.
You will be given ample time for sleeping. We are aware that you need and deserve rest to experience the most benefit from the Weekend.
Can I bring my cell phone or pager?
If you feel safer on the road with your cell phone, please bring it. However, once you arrive at the site, please turn it off. We ask you to focus on yourself during the Weekend, free from the distractions of the outside world. We will give you a phone number for emergency contact.
If you feel safer on the road with your cell phone, please bring it. However, once you arrive at the site, please turn it off. We ask you to focus on yourself during the Weekend, free from the distractions of the outside world. We will give you a phone number for emergency contact.
