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Well, I just completed the PSI Basic, and, wow, what a scam.

I normally consider myself a pretty informed person, but for some strange reason I didn't do the research I should have done on this group before agreeing to go to the Basic. I went basically because my g/f had gone and had a positive experience (though she now regrets it too, and we are both trying to get our money back - thank God this didn't destroy us as it has so many others).

There were a few interesting points throughout the course, I have to admit, but I don't think it was anything I couldn't have found on my own. A lot of it was stuff I'd heard about on shows like Coast to Coast AM.

What really began to sour me on the whole thing was the several hour long sales-pitch for PSI-7, the leadership courses, etc. When I saw what they were charging for these things, 4, 5, 6 thousand dollars for this and that, I mentally checked out. And then I saw how what they had basically done is this: gotten us to look at our lives, to admit that they weren't the lives we wanted to live because of our "programs", and then offer these expensive courses as the only way to show that we were ready to live the lives we wanted to live. I saw the facilitators applying all kinds of manipluative pressure to people who were obviously hesitant and vulnerable.

I genuinely feel sorry for the people who agreed to find several thousand dollars to give to PSI, when throughout the weekend these same people talked about unfinished projects and goals that they could have obviously used the money for instead. PSI might have been ok, I guess, if they were convincing people to follow THEIR dreams - but it turns out that, in the PSI view of things, what they offer should become your dream, progressing higher in the PSI ladder. Only the wealthiest participants could afford to both pay PSI for all this training AND pursue their actual goals that they had in mind before even showing up at PSI.

I am also repulsed by all of the New Age nonsense. We kept hearing that PSI "wasn't about religion", and yet the facilitator would constantly undermine all religions by implying that they all were basically imperfect versions of PSI.

Monetary Loss: $495.

Location: Westminster, California

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Guest

Hello DANI, PLD Seminars enroller - message for you: The problem is not selling seminars.

The problem is how the facilitators imply there is nothing else, even religion of the ages, that is better or more powerful that that Large Group Awareness Training nonsense in PSI Seminars.

Other LGAT seminars are Klemmer and Associates and its spin off Council on Leadership by Steve Hinton.

LGATS like Council on Leadership have CULT like tendencies such as KLEMMER and ASSOCIATES, as you will soon EXPERIENCE.

Cult like as in blind to other "Points of View", the facilitator is the end all and be all "Brian Klemmer", "Tim O'kelly" and that the loyalty to the facilitator and the company comes before family, spouse, children and friends.

Not all the time, but read the threads - its happening enough.

Just sharing so all are aware of the viral mental infection that can happen with these LGAT seminars like Klemmer and Associates, PSI Seminars and Council on Leadership.

Guest

New Potential Scam Alert! Steve Hinton with Council on Leadership - ( he is the president) is now hawking his own LGAT seminars in collaboration with a church.

Steve Hinton used to hawk Klemmer and Associates Personal Mastery classes to direct seller, DSWA, church groups, Bob Harrison Fans, etc starting with Klemmer as the keynote then upgrading them to $5K seminars.

Wonder how many of those Champions and direct selling types are making now after attending a Champions workshop from Klemmer and Associates?

Show verifiable proof please - USANA, Avon in San Luis Obispo...watch out...Steve Hinton is back with his own LGAT . From PSI Seminars -> Klemmer Personal Mastery -> Steve Hinton's Council on Leadership Base camp.

When will the preying on innocent and naive people stop?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1381560

Aren't most of these LGAT and the little step sons and orphans of PSI Seminars considered SCAMS? They wow you and love bomb you and turn you into nightmarish recruiting monsters on a mission to grow their business while promising you more growth as you enroll and enroll like an ever ready bunny !! As if enrolling is the only way to personal growth....these fools must have menial or boring jobs or businesses to seek growth in "enrollment" - what a bunch of crock !!

Guest

PT Barnum once said : "A fool and his (or her) money are soon parted". The administrators of these programs (PSI, PDL, etc) and those behind the scenes running the whole scam have taken this quote to heart and prey upon the easily-manipulated, usually at weak points in their lives.

If someone is at such a point, I might suggest they go see a shrink, find some supportive friends/family members, and/or possibly read the Bible to find some great lessons and support that will help them through the tough times.

It will be much cheaper in the long run and you will come out much stronger and sure of yourself. Spare yourself from the fake friends and so called 'leaders' you will meet in these cult-like programs.

Guest

I am also repulsed by all of the New Age nonsense. We kept hearing that PSI "wasn't about religion", and yet the facilitator would constantly undermine all religions by implying that they all were basically imperfect versions of PSI.

wow. that is very arrogant of them to imply this.

Guest

I'm Dani and I don't have an account. I'm not attempting to hide my identity by posting anonymously.

It's really easy to look down on a course you've never experienced.

The company is in the business of selling seminars. Of course they then give a sales pitch during the seminar. This is normal for every company that sells seminars. Does that in itself make it a bad company?

When you go buy a new home do they not attempt to upgrade you? When you buy a new car they attempt to sell you a warranty. When you buy shoes they ask you if you want socks. It's normal business to sell try to you more.

Why would they be different. You valued the experienced UNTIL they tried to sell you more. Do you go on scam sites and post when you buy shoes and are asked to buy socks? That in itself does not warrant a comment on a scam site.

How is a company trying to expand their business like any other company a scam? Every person has the right to say yes or no. Simple as that.

The advanced courses are extremely valuable. I've seen people that could barely speak up for themselves become very strong individuals that are able to use the skills to expand their lives.

Has marriages ended. Yes. But which side of the story are you getting? The person that ended the marriage or the bummed out person that was dumped?

Usually the dumped person. You then find out they were an abuser and was dumped because the PSI graduate got the skills to stand up for themselves. You only see one side of the review.

However they teach skills and they will be the first to say what they are teaching is nothing new. However the system they created is what makes it powerful.

Just like any education course what you do with it is up to you. You can go get a harvard degree if you don't get out an apply the knowledge are you going to be successful? Of course not. It's a COURSE on personal development and awareness.

It's not a cure. It's highly PERSONAL. What you do with it is up to you. I'm very strong willed I attended the basic and did not sign up for the course.

However after several months of successfully applying what I learned from the basic I wanted more and I went back for the advanced courses.

I got more alot more.

It's very unfair to call a company out on a scam site for simply doing legitimate business.

Guest

Oh. Another thing, my friend and I decided to fly to Phoenix to volunteer and do the basic again and be team leaders. It was a lot of work but again I had a blast and was not pressured to do much of anything more nor was I asked to pressure anyone else...

Guest

This is so bizarre. I went to the basic and to the ps7 (seven days on the ranch).

I'm not saying that what you all have written is false, but I had a blast!

I'm very strong willed yet never felt manipulated in any way. I was in it for myself and focused on my own experience. Also, whatever the trainers may have said, or guessed about me, the group, or anyone in it, I recognized as their own opinion and nothing more.

Did they call people out, yes, but I never felt humiliated when they did it to me.

It was another opportunity to look at myself.

Not once did I feel pressured to recruit or give $. Being in sales, I recognize some of the sales techniques and I also know that without selling, they'd have no income. Just like any business.

It sounds like some if the higher ups involved in psi are crooked. I didn't experience this myself. Everyone seemed reasonably respectful.

I had fun, pushed a few limits, faced a few fears and feel my life is better for it.

Now I wonder if they didn't want me in their organization and that's why they didn't try to *** in at all or...

Who knows. I went in as a strong person determined to get my $s worth and I feel I did.

Guest

I went to PSI in the 70's. I was vulnerable soon out of a painful divorce.

I grabbed hold of PSI thinking it would catapult me in a place where I was not in pain and have it 'all together'.

I went through all the courses available in PSI, then was an assistant and then traveled to assist in many cities on my own dime. I was not treated well by Willhite and her 'buddy'. The only time I was treated kindly by 'her buddy' was when after 7 days of the Womans Leadership, I was courted into a very nice room and asked for money, four figures in the '70's, which I gave.

Later, much regretted.

Yes, I was manipulated. Asked to recrute others, which was very painful for me, but couldn't 'graduate' unless I did.

You can get this same information from many sources. But they made it feel like there was something magical about and how they were doing it.

And you were bad if you didn't didn't go along with them. I lost my best friend in a sequence where you you had to go to everyone and said whether I felt I was 'better than' or 'less than' the other person. We both said we felt we were 'better than' and it cost us our friendship. People who refused to participate (the smart ones) were bad.

They were the real leaders. And it was a Woman's Leadership 10 day.

Tom Willhite showed all his jewelry, took us up in his plane (to face our fears) and pushed his wealth, like a carrot. He humiliated the students as Jane does even better.

There was a split in PSI and I was asked to testify in court. I said I would, but was going to only tell the truth.

I was dropped like a hot potato. 35years later, I can tell you, there are many other ways to self worth, without being used and manipulated. I later became a psychoanalyst, and the techniques used in PSI are appalling. Want to get into an abusive relationship, here is the place.

They have survived out of people in pain and there are plenty out there.

Be mindful of what you are getting into. You may just be one of those people who is trying to 'graduate' by getting someone to sign up so they can get into into the next level.

Guest

Thank you so much to all your comments. I had no idea anything like this was out there.

About a month ago I had meet a guy who talked about growing his own business with the help of successful "mentors". Of course I wanted to hear more! We had decided to meet for coffee so he could tell me more. The coffee meeting was very interesting. He told me absolutely nothing! According to him, it would make no sense to me unless I went to the meeting. In addition, the secrets to success will be revealed in steps (the seminars). That coffee date was just an assessment of me...to sum up my personality, but to make me feel like this is some exclusive club.

At this point, I was starting to get an uneasy feeling so I started researching on the internet. To my surprise, there were so many PSI horror stories. Later, I found out a family member had spent $25K on these PSI seminars with nothing to show!

I told the guy I wasn't comfortable with the coming meeting at his house and he just kept encouraging me. In my final email, I asked whether this was a PSI seminar. He totally ignored my question and told me I was selling myself short! These people will try to play on your emotions to recruit you.

Beware of key words like "mentoring" and "helping you start your own business" or "making more money on your own terms".

Guest

Jane is a smart business person. She was best man to Bruce conching at his wedding to Janet Henze Conching McCoy and who knows how many other men., an employee of PSI, Bruce Conching did coke happily while promoteing psi seminars in Los Angeles, unknown or in denial by his wife Janet Henze.

Bruce started "stealing" from PSI semianr students to go to his recycled pop mumbo jumbo and Jane Fired him...Jane may be a pimp but she takes care of business !!!

Even if she was their best"man"!! Unconditional Love at PSI Seminars!!!

Guest

Cult alumini from Klemmer and Associates Dan Gibbons has crawled back to PSI seminars denver, Steven Hinton cult promoter for Klemmer and Assoicates is peddling Income builders Forum and found his natural level of beingness being a dirt bag rider in the woods - did anyone think classes peddled by Steve Hinton Penn Grove PEtaluma will have a credible reputation ??? And Janet Henze, ex-wife of PSI cult promoter , ex-coke addict is back at it with her own version of cult depgramming or programming through Janet Henze Enterprises LLC of Foothill Ranch - what can you learn from someone that has not mastered the mind body connection?

How to stay fat while pretending it does not matter!!

Brian Klemmer knew how to hire people, snake oil salesman in Steve Hinton, Gold coin and cult promoter Dan Gibbons and dysfunctional and relationships in Denial Janet Henze...way to go Klemmer and Associates the premier leadership training company...those WHO CAN - DO, THOSE WHO CANT TEACH and start CULTS ---!!Klemmmer Hawaii Grads, Klemmer Toronto grads - teachers or doers?? Oh did you so waste your money!!!

Guest

Hope Janessa Willhite turns out better than her parents or Aunty shirley Hunt, the evil manipulative conniving man hater behind psi seminars and holding /denying refunds.

PSI seminars has no taste and facilitators and leadership have no ability to discern character and integrity...why..?

Why even bother taking classes from PSI seminars? They do not practice what they preach...from integrity of refunds to hiring littley dosanjh and turning a blind eye to LB semianrs practices is atrocious. The people at the top behave strangely, Jane willhite was best "man" for Bruce Conching and Janet McCoy - two cult promoters in Los Angeles that work for PSI. Then Bruce conching, PSI semianrs Area director for las vegas and Los Angeles and Orange county started his on again , off again coke habit..His now ex-wife Janet Henze was oblivious ( so much for awareness of others Janet Henze !), Bruce visited Betty Ford, then Jane gave him a chance to work at the Ranch leading Men's Leadership (MLS) way to go men !! Following a coke addict like Bruce Conching daimyo and running around the woods swearing allegiance to their silly eagle ring..boys will be boys. Bruce then siphoned off some japanese Graduates from his "best man" and boss - Jane willhite, to feed his own also ran seminar on maui, and ended up in a nasty lawsuit with PSI seminars. These women do fight for wants"theirs graduates" now Bruce is banished to Maui contemplating his return with his loyal follower Margaret Zimmer. Such forgiveness and win win in the PSI seminars philosophy ( ant its a thought ) that together with the lies Shirley Hunt tells to protect PSI Teflon image...(understanble but not natural you get it shirley??) and hiring a string of addicts and sexual predators like Tim O'kelley ..makes taking seminars a joke. Stay home and watch a psi opera...its a joke and they just want your money..Just look at thow they treat their employees. and oh..Bruce conching is now starting his own hawaiian seminar and working with this ex-wife Janet Henze and Greg Kawamoto all ex-psi seminars of coaches for Klemmer and associates,another cult of samurai as well !! Janet Henze coaches for Klemmer and Associates, a person in perpetual denial about Bruce Conching's drug use, her weight and anger, and sues the best man at her wedding to bruce for back wages and commission..now isnt that leadership? Denial, flawed leadership, bad contracts, marrying people with addictions...dont you want janet henze of Henze Enterprises foothill ranch to coach you?

How did PSI screw up the Los Angeles leadership with Jan Kempton, Greg Kawamoto, Janet Henze and Bruce conching ( grandaddy of self sabotage and BS )???

Does it make you wonder the DYSFUNCTION you are paying for ? does it make you wonder about the leadership and facilitators?? AND YOU PAY MONEY FOR THIS *** from PSI ????????????

Guest

Hope Janessa Willhite turns out better than her parents or Aunty shirley Hunt, the evil manipulative conniving man hater behind psi seminars and holding /denying refunds.

PSI seminars has no taste and facilitators and leadership have no ability to discern character and integrity...why..?

Why even bother taking classes from PSI seminars? They do not practice what they preach...from integrity of refunds to hiring littley dosanjh and turning a blind eye to LB semianrs practices is atrocious. The people at the top behave strangely, Jane willhite was best "man" for Bruce Conching and Janet McCoy - two cult promoters in Los Angeles that work for PSI. Then Bruce conching, PSI semianrs Area director for las vegas and Los Angeles and Orange county started his on again , off again coke habit..His now ex-wife Janet Henze was oblivious ( so much for awareness of others Janet Henze !), Bruce visited Betty Ford, then Jane gave him a chance to work at the Ranch leading Men's Leadership (MLS) way to go men !! Following a coke addict like Bruce Conching daimyo and running around the woods swearing allegiance to their silly eagle ring..boys will be boys. Bruce then siphoned off some japanese Graduates from his "best man" and boss - Jane willhite, to feed his own also ran seminar on maui, and ended up in a nasty lawsuit with PSI seminars. These women do fight for wants"theirs graduates" now Bruce is banished to Maui contemplating his return with his loyal follower Margaret Zimmer. Such forgiveness and win win in the PSI seminars philosophy ( ant its a thought ) that together with the lies Shirley Hunt tells to protect PSI Teflon image...(understanble but not natural you get it shirley??) and hiring a string of addicts and sexual predators like Tim O'kelley ..makes taking seminars a joke. Stay home and watch a psi opera...its a joke and they just want your money..Just look at thow they treat their employees. and oh..Bruce conching is now starting his own hawaiian seminar and working with this ex-wife Janet Henze and Greg Kawamoto all ex-psi seminars of coaches for Klemmer and associates,another cult of samurai as well !! Janet Henze coaches for Klemmer and Associates, a person in perpetual denial about Bruce Conching's drug use, her weight and anger, and sues the best man at her wedding to bruce for back wages and commission..now isnt that leadership? Denial, flawed leadership, bad contracts, marrying people with addictions...dont you want janet henze of Henze Enterprises foothill ranch to coach you?

How did PSI screw up the Los Angeles leadership with Jan Kempton, Greg Kawamoto, Janet Henze and Bruce conching ( grandaddy of self sabotage and BS )???

Does it make you wonder the DYSFUNCTION you are paying for ? does it make you wonder about the leadership and facilitators?? AND YOU PAY MONEY FOR THIS *** from PSI ????????????

Guest

Google French tv channel 3 investigation of Landmark why they left France....is LB seminars in Vancouver Next ???? Other LGATS from PSI seminar disciples are Living Choice ( Tim O'kelley described as a sexual predator), Samurai Camp from Klemmer and associate cult of samurai ( Janet Henze, ex-psi seminar, klemmer and associates coach)...Watch out..do your homework...mon'ami

Guest

What does PSI Seminars, scam and cult, have in common with Klemmer and Asssociates ( cult and scam )? They both feel a need to defind their cult and scam positions on their web site.

They both work with Dan gibbons and Janet Henze.

Janet is a facilitator that has health issues and stands on a strong soap box to preach to church going types how to be skinny rich loving and happy. She is in self denial now as she was years a go by marrying a 3 time Betty ford coke addict, who was running psi seminars in Los Angeles and didnt know about it? do you think Greg Kawamoto and Janet Henze are leaders to emulate?

Why would you hire Janet Henze, of foothill ranch, to be your coach? Because you would love to be skinny rich and happy when you are not, and likely never to be!!

Guest

Yeah, well, I saw people who were hesitating about squandering thousands of dollars for a trip to some ranch in N.Cali being pressured into signing on the dotted line - after a weekend of emotional and spiritual manipulation.

I also know someone who is further along in the program, and he is totally insufferable, constantly pressuring everyone he knows to sign up for basic and buy trinkets so he can meet his quotas.

Wake up. It's a scam.

Guest

I really don't understand why you are so shocked or upset that PSI wants you to continue their program. They pretty much forewarn you about it. I do not like the pressure tactics they use but i also dont personalize it. And frankly looking around the room when I attended the basic I can honestly say that their were a lot of lost people that need help in the categories psi specializes in and I applaud the psi volunteers for encouraging people to take a risk.

I have now been through psi basic twice and would definitely recommend it. I learned from those around me and I picked up some great tools around communication. I also became more aware of why I act a certain way in certain situations.

PSI may not be everyones dream seminar but overall it is a great course and worth every penny. Some of these reviews just sound angry and emotionally charged and lacking much logic.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-276277

I think you got it right when you said some of the reviews sound angry and emotionally charged, but lacking much logic? There is alot of people saying the same thing about these seminars so it is not just a few without logic people.

Let me ask you this. Did you have the money to take the seminar, and by that i mean did it hurt you financially? I am guessing no and from what i have seen that seems to be the pattern. Those who have the finaces to take the seminars get a lot out of it, because money is not an issue.

I think the problems come from high pressure tactics on people who can't afford it. They make it sound like you can have anything you want by taking their course. People who are struggling financially are certainly struggling emotionally and some one who is not poor and has never been poor does not understand this.PSI is a drug that promises great things but when it wears off you have no real friends , and even less money than you started with. They convince people that life will be great , but they keep tacking on more money.

The PSI volunteers are just that. They get volunteers because they don't want to pay anyone , why should they, they get people to do all of their work for free.

Tell me where does all the money go that people are paying for these seminars. Who's bank account is getting loaded at least every 6 weeks?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-276277

I agree. My experience with PSI was great and I'm a very penny pinching, skeptical person.

Its not for everyone, for sure- if you aren't willing to make changes you know are needed in your life and think independently then any kind of personal development work, or probably even counseling would be a source of fear and anxiety for you. I completely understood the need to promote their other seminars however I never once felt pressured or manipulated. It was certainly the best investment I have ever made in myself and my overall happiness and ability to cope with stress and take risks continues to pay dividends to myself, my new business and to my family every day. If you don't get anything out of a fun and challenging 3 day seminar then you probably need to find something that works better for you or you can always just keep doing what you're doing and hope your life magically gets better.

Living a meaningful and fulfilling life takes hard work and introspection. Some people are willing to do that work (and spend money through a seminar or counseling or books) and some simply are not.

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