Why was Maya Kollman Wearing a Blond Curly Wig?

Maya Kollman and Barbara Bingham

Who were those striking strangers at the Dinner Dance? The tall “cutie pie” figure in a pink gingham miniskirt, leather boots, and an audacious blond wig looked kind of familiar. But what was her connection to Cruella DeVille, short dark bob, and elegant sheath dress, complete with cigarette holder?

Of course, it was Maya Kollman, Imago Master Trainer and her partner Barbara Bingham, showing us how they dressed when they led the first day of the Characterological Growth workshop. These outlandish characters were their “lost selves”, and the 40 attendees at the workshop also came dressed as that part of themselves that was lost during their upbringing.

“The Characterological growth workshop is an incredible format for self-discovery, healing, and improving clarity as a person in relationship and in therapy” wrote an attendee. “An especially insightful growth from Maya’s Three-Day workshop” said another. “Maya's Workshop facilitated my 'visiting a place', a personal, adolescent/early adult place that I had been terrified to visit. Despite the terror, I have emerged with so much 'peace'” is a comment which helps explain the energy we noticed as this group joined the conference after their time together.

“Beware of any enterprises that require new clothes” wrote Mark Twain. But he missed out on Maya’s workshop! I’m off to buy my blond wig today!