Testimonials for The Phoenix Centre

People Tell Us...

About What it's Like to Work With Wayne

As I navigate through life's adventures, occasionally a flash of what we discussed, or I experienced/felt, surfaces and becomes timely (or timeless!) The flash [as well as other insights] provides further material for deepening my understanding of a present circumstance, relationship, paradox... These awarenesses are treasures as I become less defensive and more curious!

I appreciate your body connection approach to spiritual / emotional / perceptual growth. The approach may have been a notion to me, but after the sessions and since, it's as factual to me as gravity. And I appreciate that as you mentor, you provide:

• humour which overcame my defensive reactions
• self disclosure which built trust
• compassion balanced with confrontation as trust develops
• wisdom: your continued self growth and skills growth as material for sessions
• adventure: integrating helpful tools and concepts.

~ Susan Gallagher

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For anyone out there contemplating whether or not to take the plunge into yourself...

I spent two years alone grieving the sudden death of my long-time best friend and husband. I don't mean without friends or family around me but I didn't have anyone in my life that I could fall apart in front of. I took care of things and other people, kept my chin up and held in my anger. I cried when I was by myself and I thought I was doing pretty well dealing with everything until I met Wayne.

The path that lead me to the Centre began at a week-end retreat for grieving women. I was having a conversation with one of the woman there. I mentioned to her that I was searching for something. I felt like I needed some counselling but not grief counselling. I had already 'talked' about my grief and I was still feeling so very lost. I needed someone in my life that would help my body do what it needed to do in order to get back in touch with myself. She was friends with Wayne Allen, and gave me his number. She commented that if I was looking for something 'different,' Wayne was definitely the ticket.

Turns out, she was right. First meeting was an introduction and chit chat. By meeting number two, he gave me an Bodywork treatment that I was admittedly reluctant to have. I think I had some idea that it might actually work. Yes, I cried like a baby and was quite embarrassed by the whole process. Wayne was very reassuring and kind and encouraged me to make as much noise as I wanted!

With that permission, I became a regular client of Wayne's for almost a year, working through many issues using various body therapies and counselling. He made me realize how much 'sludge' was still left surrounding my heart. I couldn't breathe in life energy because I had put a shield around my chest to keep out anything that might cause me pain again.

Wayne helped me learn how to breathe in life again, to release stuff in my own way (which means loads of sobbing, moaning and writhing about) and to not only accept, but appreciate, all the qualities that I'm made up of. Lots of sadness, pain, fear, passion, and joy. The sludge began to clear, my heart slowly opened up again, I could feel the warmth of loving and being loved and I was able to start living again.

I also participated in some of the workshops offered at the Centre and highly recommend the experience. Wayne and Darlene offer a safe, non-judgemental environment for learning and insight into oneself. Truly unique!

So...take the plunge!

~ Katharine Phillips

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Wayne,

Just wanted to drop you a line and say a quick thanks.  It's only been almost two years, but things are going very well. Thank you for giving me the guts (that I knew I had all along), to just say no and stand on my own two feet.  Life is very good.  Separation is still not legal, but pending ( the lawyers are getting rich), but I have learned to be happy now and everyday, and not wait for the divorce  to  be final, or for the kids to grow up or whatever. Life is too short to wait for it to happen.  I have met someone.  (You told me it would happen when I was finally ready).  I didn't know life could be so good. There are men out there that actually treat you with respect and want you just for you and not what you can do for them!!
Anyway, I  thank you and hope all is well with you.

Take care, Chris

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About The Phoenix Centre

I would like to describe the important role that The Phoenix Centre has in my life. After spending two months at Haven doing phase 1 and 2, I returned home full of enthusiasm and eager to improve my relationships and form new ones by using the communication method I had learned and practiced at Gabriola. If it had not been for Wayne and Dar, I would have given up on my intent after several failed attempts.

Meeting with Wayne on a regular basis has allowed me to have more insight into the process of me becoming who it is I want to be, and how to get there. Forget about bringing others along. That's their choice. I'm finally getting it! The Bodywork continues to release the blocked energy. I amaze myself as to how deeply into my energy flow I continue to access as a result of sessions with Wayne.

Remembering to breathe keeps me focussed and brings me back to the present when I distract myself.

The Sunday group sessions of 'Finding Your Self' also provide opportunities for getting insights into situations as they arose. I look forward to pursuing the journey as I now find it unfolding without expectations and entitlements.

Thanks Wayne and Dar

~ Donna McDougall

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I heard of your booklets while I was web surfing and what a nice surprise to find your site. It is really very helpful it helped me personally. You shocked me first with the simple fact about oneself -- and then I feel comfortable to realize that I am as I am and I have to accept myself and other facts of life as it is and yet be satisfied. Thank you for giving me new spectrum of life.

Reem

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About Into the Centre

I just signed up for this e-zine not too long ago...I'm trying real hard to change my attitude in life so that i can be happier, calmer, at peace...taking an antidepressant, seeing a therapist and reading and rereading your e-zine...your excerpt on confused people hit too close to home but it was what i needed to hear...how come no therapists at all (for years) could even come close to what you have stated? I mean i know it takes a lot of work but the way you write is so damn clear! I guess I just want to say, thank you, thank you for being you, thank you for being on the net otherwise I might not ever hear your words. And thanx a lot for being human and having no bones about it!
many blessings and love to you,

Laurie

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I emailed you a couple of weeks ago regarding the incredible timeliness of  your "Into the Centre" weekly discussions...I was certainly not disappointed this week! I have been deconstructing and doing the fear-filled back pedal shuffle for years...this week, I finally decided it was time to really get to work on this and made an appointment with a very powerful Bodyworker who I had mentally "waltzed" with for a long time...fooling myself that "he was too expensive", "he moved 30 miles away...I want someone closer"..."he's weird"...etc., etc. In reality, of course, it was all my own doodoo about being terrified to move forward and grow...ohmygod...I might have to change my familiar, sniffy, powerless outlook and become the real unfettered me ... knowing full well that I WON'T KNOW WHAT'S AHEAD and what unknown parts of myself I may have to face; also knowing that the biggest leap is the leap of faith and to trust that the future of being truly free will ultimately be better than anything I could ever imagine. Whew. The session, incidentally, was phenomenal, and I am hungry for more... Life does reflect to us what's inside of us, and in the case of "Into the Centre" its a wonderful mirror...You have a marvelous ability of putting into words what the process entails and it lets me know there are others on what seems, at times, to be a very lonely journey.

Dana

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Thank you for your insightful and timely articles each week. I find it so amazing that each week's letter is addressing exactly the issue I'm working on...one that has been brought up for me to look at during the past week. I love living the mystery!
Thanks again...Dana

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I just wanted to say thank you for writing such great articles that get my brain thinking. Today I was having a "not so good morning" and I couldn't concentrate at my work at hand. As a means of escaping, I began to read some of your back issues from the beginning of January and a revelation appeared. I was over analyzing the problem from this morning and trying to find ways I could blame someone else for the way I was feeling. Well after reading your January 8th issue I realized that the way I was feeling was all up to me and my previous actions and the only person who was going to change that was ME!! Your articles have given me so much insight into a part of me, that I knew was there, but was hidden quite deeply. Many times after reading your articles, I find myself at peace with myself and understanding that I need to do to continue feeling that way. (Especially today!!)
THANK YOU!!
Anne

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Did I laugh when I read the most recent newsletter?... Yup! I've been going through 4 months of physical therapy due to tennis injury...torn calf muscles which caused a cascade of stuff ...UP.. my body ... elbow, shoulder, scapula, neck. Anyway... I've often wished I could find someone to do the type of Bodywork you do here in Burlington, Vermont... the laugh was a good belly one, as I've been concentrating SO hard on maintaining and trying to stay in the pelvic tilt... I met your description!! LOL Jeez... now I have to concentrate on relaxing another muscle group while tilting (at windmills?) Thanks for your, as usual, provocative and often inspiring work.
Carol

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Many of your ideas were feelings/intuitions that I have been living on but you have provided much clarification and roadmaps to try and delineate and learn even more about me...its great.!!!!I was always the one going to a different drummer and now with your writings truly understand that my drum beat is great and I will stick with it and continue with my fortitude.
Ann

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What I have read so far, I do like what you are suggesting. Thank you for your insights, and keep up the good work.
Ali

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I am a new subscriber and first want to say that I am enjoying your weekly articles very much. I may not agree with everything but each article makes me think and that is what it's all about. Appreciate so much your weekly newsletters which are REAL and not airy-fairy -- always something that a person can actually comprehend and apply if they so choose. It's truly a privilege to receive such counsel FREE! Thanks.
Evelyn

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Well, Wayne, here I sit with tears streaming down my face, after I just let you slap the stuffing out of me (on paper, of course) with your wisdom in "Lesson #4." "Wake up! Listen up!", you said with such compassion..... Wow! I know I'm just rambling, but you have just turned my world upside down..... and I'll be forever grateful! No telling what else will open up for me now in the way of insight. Thanks, Wayne!! I'm glad you were born.
Bobbie

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Hi! I just finished re-reading an article that I had filed away from the Dec/99 issue, called "Finding Your Way - A Question of Intent". I have to tell you that I knew it was a "keeper" when I read it the first time. These days, I am ready to finish a masters in counseling and I find it even more powerful and helpful than I did before! Thank you for a newsletter of such quality and purpose!
Eileen

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Thanks for your newsletters. They've helped me over the last several months as I struggled through the final stages of a divorce, career decisions and changes, re-evaluation of EVERYTHING, and much painful (but productive!) learning.  I find your approach sensible and easy to comprehend, and grounded in sound psychological theory.  It's a far cry from some of the fluff I've found on the Internet as I searched for help and inspiration.

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About our FREE Booklets

My friend/professor told me about this and says it has changed her outlook and relationships. An interesting perspective that I would like to read about.

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I came across your website as I was surfing through the net and I just have to commend you on your brilliant three booklets!!! I have always had an interest in human relationships, especially since I am in a long term relationship myself. Your booklets are simply brilliant!!! I admire your thoughts and mostly how you seem to nail difficult issues right on its head. You tackle issues of relationship like no other author I have seen. No fancy language, no extreme philosophical thoughts, no beating around the bush, simply - here are the issues, lets be honest and tackle it!!! I have learnt far more from your three booklets than I have reading books like
"Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus"
"Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say"
Other books by "Dr. Phil"..........
and many many more.........
You speak from the heart and your thoughts are genuine and superb! an excellent, excellent work! Till then, take care and thank you once again for your thoughts - your thoughts of wisdom and the unique way you "see" relationships! I can feel myself growing wiser just through reading three booklets!!;) You definitely set my mind thinking!!!

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You may not recall, but I met you once a couple of years ago while attending a session with [a friend of mine who was a client of yours] as a quiet witness of your Bodywork. It was quite an intense session, and I was very honoured that she asked me to attend and that you didn't mind my presence. One activity she has shared with me is the infamous List of Fifty. This act of positively exploring my needs and desires was very rewarding. I have shared this idea with many of my friends and family, with many positive results and constructive conversations.
Not surprisingly, this List was a key component in discovering that the person I wished to share my life with was in fact a very close friend of mine. He too completed a list of fifty, and through some soul searching we realized that we were looking for each other. Though neither of us had considered the act of marriage before, the idea of creating a symbolic union naturally appealed to us.

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I have downloaded your booklets, and thank you for the offer of the bonus download in this email, I have also done that with referral to a friend. I hope to share your site with many people. What do I think of your booklets and articles? They are awesome. I really do appreciate them.
Susan

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To practice good communication skills as required in any relationships, I apologize (grin) for not having expressed to you my appreciation of your booklets. No feedback is one of the stumbling blocks in relationships. I especially liked your information style and humour!
Anna B

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 I have to tell you, I love your work. You speak to issues in such a reasonable, responsible and provocative way... music to my ears, and eyes and feelings. Wish everyone I knew had access to your site! Thanks and ...MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Carol

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Thank you very much for the relationships booklet. Very solid counseling. I am re reading it and working on it! Thank you very much for the "List" I have read it through to the end--I think it is excellent--and will now go back to do the exercises.
Heather

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Your booklet was very insightful. Certainly one I will keep in the archives for future reference when things get confused!!
Larry

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What a wonderful and perceptive intellect you have! I really enjoy your work. I'm also a published author.
God bless,
Betsy

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First- thank you for making your booklet available. It is great- I like the content and delivery. Simple, straight forward, practical, no nonsense and workable.
Olga

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I felt this [Relationships] booklet was incredibly insightful. I know that I will need to read it over again to gain the most from it. I believe it will help me in many aspects of my life, as relationships, whether intimate or cordial, are life-long present. Thank you for making something so beneficial available.

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Thanx for the invitation to respond regarding the [Relationships] booklet. haven't had a chance to read it yet (I intend to begin this evening), but I did pass it along to a girlfriend, and she loves it. she told me that so far as she's read, the booklet tells how NOT to try to change the other person in the relationship, and that's information that my husband can use TODAY. What a wonderful Christmas Present! Thank you!

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As you probably already know I couldn't wait to download your newest contribution to creating lasting relationships. I scanned it briefly as I retrieved it from the printer, and can hardly wait until tonight when I'm ready to crash with a cup of hot tea..... and your booklet! Thanks for all you do for those of us who are sick and tired of re-doing the past and continuing to make the same old mistakes...... nevermore! I sent this recent mailing to friends who might be interested in your material..... whether they know it or not, they should be! Hope your holidays are peaceful, filled with love and pleasant memories.
Bobbie

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About our Web Site

Wow!!! After many months of flitting around your site, today I took the time to really delve into it. Wow!
How and why is it "wow"? For starters, I'm just overwhelmed by the sheer volume of projects you are involved in. Over and over I discovered exciting and stimulating information that you had developed. I took a look at the contents of your books...who needs "Chicken Soup" when you've got Wayne! Just wonderful stuff. 
I'm also just amazed by the energy, creativity, and enthusiasm that jumps off the pages. Remarkable really. Your life force grabs me as I read!
Further, the "nuggets" of information you present are really illuminating to me. I have done much work along my personal path, but reading your material reminds me that there are many paths I have not yet taken, and excites me about the possibilities of exploring some of them.
Finally, one question: could you please move to Toronto, so I wouldn't have to drive out to the boonies to see you?!
Thanks for sharing so much, and for turning on some more lights within me.
Kat

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In a moment I will be subscribing after having read things that are much in the same vein as my beliefs. But my Laughing Buddha is having an extra good laugh this morning, considering that I am here in tacky, Hollywoody LA and read that Wayne will consult on Tress Management. Actually out here, hairdos are indeed the central concern for how to do things responsibly.
(OOPS! - WCA)

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Now that my body is totally relaxed and energized at the same time, following your Bodywork pages around and simply recalling muscles to remember and breathing more deeeeeeeeeeply.... :-) [I practice a form of Tai Chi and have been an Art/Expressive Therapist for years - so your site is very familiar although new to me... must admit though this is some of the best NLP I've seen.] Lindy

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Bodywork & Breathwork

These things stand out for me since beginning body and breath work with you....

1) More direct and available humour (people are actually laughing at my jokes these days!)
2) New laugh (yes, the laugh you like so much is actually quite new and yet "feels" like my very own)
3) Better singing voice
4) More vivid dreams
5) Pelvis "heat" and increased sexual desire
6) More awareness of when "in head" vs. "in body" 
7) It seems I need less sleep
8) Tapped into creativity (i.e. newsletter idea)
9) All feelings more at surface/pronounced
10) More intimacy in conversations
11) Feeling the chi more when exercising or breathing

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About our Workshops

I wanted to connect and express my thanks to you both for providing me the opportunity and the safety to experience myself over the weekend.
- I have just connected to my heart as I am typing and am "leaking"!
I am painfully aware of where I am and where I have not been, hesitant and excited to continue ......
Back to the Thank you ....
I am grateful of my experience and the opportunity to witness others.
Wayne, I found you to be gentle, intuitive, knowing, skillful, informative, caring and of course humorous! I enjoyed myself and know that past weekend is an important excursion on my journey!
Dar, I feel warm and smiling when I review the images in my mind of your demonstrations/teachings of "Chi" - a naked lady "dancing" like a bird to coax her "Chi".
My second intention in connecting is to inquire, Wayne, about beginning a process of "Bodywork" with you.
My heart and body thanks you!
Warmly, K.D.

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Thank you again for Sunday. It was a good day to just be. Dar is a doll and can't wait to see both of you again soon. I really enjoyed watching the 2 of you interact, especially during the clearing - I found it insightful to watch it in action.
I look forward to the next Finding Yourself.

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Thank you both for a wonderful day. You are skilled and caring workshop leaders, and I appreciated the clear explanations, assistance with Bodywork, and good teaching. Also the care for our physical comfort.

The Haven learning never ends. What I have already learned keeps on mellowing, and opening up new doors of what I don't know and would like to learn. Thanks for providing the opportunity in Toronto - not one of the world's energy vortex centres!!! Maybe we should do a workshop in Sedona....

 

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