By Chris Walker

I found Pathwork at Sevenoaks in 1978 or 79, soon after completing graduate school. (Eva had just passed away.) A good friend invited me to attend a free introduction. I remember it vividly, like yesterday—sitting on pillows at Oak House listening to Susan talk about the lectures and the mission of Pathwork. I immediately fell in love with Sevenoaks and its mission. It felt like home. I stayed intensely involved until 1985. I immersed myself in all aspects of Pathwork at Sevenoaks. I enrolled in weekly Helper sessions with then Kay McKnett (now Kay Slaughter, former Mayor of Charlottesville), and soon began Training Classes, which met twice a month at Sevenoaks.

I recall that there were several classes going on simultaneously and that the Center was full-on those weekends. It was always fun seeing everyone. Classes shared meals and a core-energetic class led by Susan. Our core energetic circle filled the Center Building dining room as we would stomp, vocalize, or use whatever technique Susan was leading us in. I fondly recall meditations and process groups in the corner of the Center building. The room would be transformed for parties, weddings, or other special occasions. I also fondly recall the many beautiful rituals under the Oaks, and visits from John Pierrakos.

I regret that my memory is quite fuzzy about the details of this six-year period, but I feel a warmth radiating inside when I think of Donovan and Susan, and good friends during that time period. Among them were Leni and Keith Covington, Carol Hunt, Jean Thorburn, Jean van Germert, Helen Villalon (now Destrempes), and Charles Blair. I also remember Bill Prindle, Bill and Ann Griever, and Karen Millneck. Allan Hill was one of my TC teachers. I remember Allan and his wife, Bonnie, gracing many special events with their elegant dancing. I also recall fondly sweat lodges and skinny dipping in the pond.

“It shaped me!!" It shaped who I was then and who I am now! It was my introduction to the metaphysical world, spirituality, and deep experiential work. It was my family. It was the center of my world. It helped to relieve significant amounts of dissociation, think more clearly, and be more present in the world.”

I moved away from Pathwork in 1985 because of pregnancy and traumatic events that followed. I put Pathwork completely aside for decades, to raise my daughter and focus on my career. During the intervening years, I developed an adoption program at Albemarle County Social Services for which I received an award from the Virginia Commissioner of Social Services. Subsequently, I established a private adoption agency, worked towards my clinical license, and established a psychotherapy practice in Charlottesville.

It was my study of the new developments in neuroscience and its integration with attachment theory (a passion of mine), and trauma research, that inspired me to reconnect with the Pathwork Community. This study exposed me to the latest in somatic psychotherapy, birth psychology, and once again, deep process work. This clinical material validated much of what I had been taught and experienced in Pathwork and planted the desire to reconnect. A chance encounter with Donovan and Susan increased this desire. I reached out to Susan, and have slowly been finding the right way for me to now be connected to this wonderful community. I feel grateful and nourished by our monthly alum village, and once again, I am working with a Helper.

My study of other spiritual pathways has also deepened my appreciation of Pathwork. Pathwork combined my passion for trauma work and spiritual growth in one Path.