I am glad Landmark Education is receiving attention for their questionable tactics. My brother would be here today if it wasn't for his attending a Landmark Forum two years ago. Read on...

James Rowe attended a Landmark Forum July 24-25th in Denver, Colorado. He was living in Crestone, CO at the time. He called my mother and me after the forum and sounded very strangely on the phone. He was first and foremost a believer of Landmark and all they stand for. He told me that he found "the answer" and urged me to attend a forum myself. He started laughing and told me that we create our own reality, and said, "do you know what this means?!". He then started crying and said he felt so connected to me. I immediately became suspect of the seminar he attended and asked him more about it. I told him to call me soon, to be in touch, because I was worried. This was the last time I heard my brother's voice. He disappeared July 30th, days later.

According to James' friends, they noticed a marked change in his demeanor after the forum. He had very strange behavior. He shaved his shoulder length hair and took out all of his jewelry (he has gauged ear disks and piercings). He abandoned his vehicle 20 miles outside of Crestone, with his camping and hiking gear inside, and hitch-hiked back to town.

He asked a friend for a ride to the trailhead so he could go for a hike to clear his mind. His friend obliged. James showed up in his friend's backyard later that day, barefoot and confused. He said he was having a hard time telling reality from illusion. His friend asked him if he was okay, James said "no". He then walked into the woods. This was July 30th, the day of his disappearance.

A missing person's report was filed with local police, and the woods surrounding Crestone were searched via air and land. No trace was found. There were unconfirmed sitings in nearby towns shortly after his disappearance, it seems he (thankfully) left the woods.

The next time he was supposedly seen was the day before Thanksgiving, in 2005. He was seen at a truckstop in Hainesville Georgia. We are fairly certain this was a true siting.

My family is extremely angry at Landmark Education. We received a call from one of the higher ups after James' disappearance, and he had no explanation for James' behavior, which was obviously related to the forum he attended. We feel strongly that James disappeared due to a mental breakdown he suffered because of the Landmark Forum.

To read more, visit:
James' website: [www.findjamesrowe.4t.com]
James' myspace profile: [www.myspace.com]
Voice for the Missing Blog: [voice4themissing.blogspot.com]

My brother's story is a strong example of the dangers of Landmark Education. He is not the first to suffer mentally and emotionally at their hands.

Media inquiries are welcome, it is time to shut down Landmark Education.

Thank you,
Laura Hebert (James Rowe's sister)

[b:ec272521e6]I feel sad and angry reading your story; I always wish for more to say (or actually something to do) in moments like this. I have no idea what this experience is like for you; take care of your Self, including doing more of what you've done here (some say pain shared is pain lessened).[/b:ec272521e6][/color:ec272521e6][/size:ec272521e6]

Ya know...for some reason....that guy looks familiar... :?:

Laura,

Thanks for posting here. The cause of the tragedy in your life seems all too clear.

Looking at it from the outside, it appears that James might have 'snapped'. The book "Snapping - America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change" by Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman maps out very well what the stresses of LGATs can do to people, leading to them snapping.

And therein lies the problem. LGAT teachers are not psychotherapists or sufficiently trained to delve into the areas they delve in. While some people are able to handle the stresses, others don't. That is why the Rick Ross message boards and the Landmark Group Information database are filled with stories of problems caused by Landmark and similar organizations.

It is also one of the reasons why this industry is desperately in need of regulation and standard-setting.

Hopefully with the increasing focus on Landmark at present because of the Voyage of the Gurus documentary, and because of Landmark's attempts to have it removed from the Internet, and because of the Department of Labor's investigation into Landmark, a more intense light will be shone upon this organization, and I hope a by-product of that will be further exposure for your story about James.

Best of luck. I hope you're able to make some progress in your search for James.

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lhebert
I am glad Landmark Education is receiving attention for their questionable tactics. My brother would be here today if it wasn't for his attending a Landmark Forum two years ago. Read on...

My brother's story is a strong example of the dangers of Landmark Education. He is not the first to suffer mentally and emotionally at their hands.

Media inquiries are welcome, it is time to shut down Landmark Education.

Thank you,
Laura Hebert (James Rowe's sister)

My G*d - that is terrible. But this organisation - like Scientology - is HUGE. Closing it dow will only mean it pops up elsewhere. But the web is democratic and I for one will ensure that millions will hear about what it does to people. Sh$t - I nearly got sucked into Landmark myself, but someone warned me off. Then I stupidly booked an MKP weekend. Luckily I found this forum and got my bank to cancel the deposit. I have needs for emotional healing but NOT with landmark or MKP.

I would also like to express sympathy about your brothers disappearance, and hope that he can be located as soon as possible.


Time and time again, we hear stories of people who attend the Landmark Forum, and then have mental breakdowns, similar to what has been described here. It is not an isolated incident.
The Landmark seminar leaders are not trained psychologists, and have no business engaging in that type of intense psychological manipulation, as it can have drastic negative effects upon certain people.

That is why Landmark forces people to sign a disclaimer, as obviously many people have had severe psychological damage from the Landmark Forum. But vulnerable people are not going to be in the proper mental state to make an accurate judgement when they read the Landmark Disclaimer they compel people to sign, in order to attend the seminar.
For this reason alone, the Landmark Forum should be shut down.

Does anyone have a link to the disclaimer Landmark compels people to sign?

You can get it at the Landmark website but you have to sign up and give them your email address.

I copied it from somewhere a while back. I believe it's been posted here and other places before.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notices - Page 2

Notice of Important Information, Health Warnings, and Legal Agreements

1. We are pleased that you are going to participate in Landmark Forum (the "Program"). Many people have found the Program to be an enjoyable and valuable experience. However, the Program is not advisable for everyone. The purpose of this Notice is to ensure that you are not one of the people for whom this Program may be inadvisable.
We take our responsibility and your safety seriously. Please read each section of this Notice carefully and completely so you can make the right decision for yourself. The recommendations in this Notice have been made by mental health professionals who advise Landmark Education.
Although the number of people who have experienced serious problems during or after the Program is quite small, you should be certain whether the Program is appropriate for you. If you have any questions, please contact a mental health professional. We will assume from your participation in the Program and from your declaration at the end of this application that you have a full understanding of each and every paragraph which follows and that you understand our recommendations and will comply with our instructions.
You and you alone are responsible for your choice to participate in the Program and for your own health and well-being at all times prior to, during and after your participation in the Program.
2. The Program is a unique course of instruction designed to support people in being more effective in realizing their own personal and societal goals. Through a series of philosophically rigorous and open discussions, voluntary sharing of your experience and short exercises, the Program provides an opportunity to explore basic questions that have been of interest to human beings throughout time and to examine many aspects of your own life. In the Program, people come to grips with what it means to be human - not as a mere classroom exercise, but as a rigorous inquiry. The Program offers a unique technology through which people create new possibilities for their lives.
3. In the Program, you will inquire into fundamental issues that have been of interest and concern to us as human beings. The experience of the Program is unique to each individual and there is no way to predict in advance exactly what you may think or feel. It is normal for some people to experience unwanted or unfamiliar emotions from time to time, such as fear, anger, sadness, regret, hatred, irritation and impatience. For most participants, exploring thoughts and feelings that they have not fully explored before is a useful and positive learning experience. Some participants have found that exploring life's issues honestly may evoke uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings. For others, the Program may occur as physically, mentally and emotionally seriously distressing. If you are unwilling to encounter any of these powerful experiences in yourself or in others, or if you have any concern about your ability to deal with such experiences, THE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHO ADVISE LANDMARK EDUCATION ("OUR ADVISORS") STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the Program.
4. Some people experience temporary and not seriously consequential stress during and after the Program. For most people, stress is a normal part of everyday life. However, people who have a history of mental illness or serious emotional problems personally or in their immediate family may be more vulnerable to stress and may experience additional and very severe physical, mental or emotional problems. In people who have physical, mental or emotional problems, even normal amounts of stress from any source may generate severe physical, mental or emotional problems. If you have any history of mental illness or emotional problems personally or in your immediate family, whether temporary, occasional or intermittent, and whether treated or not, or have concerns about your ability to handle stress, OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the Program. If you are uncertain about whether this applies to you, we advise you to discuss this with a mental health professional before participating in the Program.
5. While it is ultimately your choice, OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU SHOULD NOT PARTICIPATE in the Program if you:
1. have a personal or family history of bi-polar affective disorder (manic-depressive disorder), schizophrenia, acute or chronic depression or other psychotic disorder, whether or not you or they are being or have ever been treated or hospitalized;
2. are taking, have taken or been prescribed to take within the previous twelve months anti-anxiety drugs (such as Librium, Ativan, Klonapin, Xanax, Dormicum or others); anti-depressants (such as Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Cipram, Prothiaden or others); anti-psychotics (such as Thorazine, Haldol, Stelazine, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Dogmatil or others); any medication to treat bi-polar disorders (such as Lithium, Gabapentin or Depakote); any drugs or medicines, whether prescription or non-prescription, intended to treat or affect mental processes or mood or to treat a chemical imbalance; or anabolic steroids;
3. have an unresolved history of drug or steroid abuse;
4. are or have in the past year been depressed and/or considered or had ideas of suicide, self-harm or harm to another;
5. are currently in therapy and your therapist sees a health reason why you should not participate in the Program; or
6. are uncertain about your physical, mental or emotional ability to participate in the Program.
6. From time to time, during or shortly after participating in the Program, a very small number of people who have no personal or family history of mental illness or drug abuse have reported experiencing brief, temporary episodes of emotional upset ranging from heightened activity, irregular or diminished sleep, to mild psychotic-like behavior. An even smaller number of people have reported more serious symptoms ranging from mild psychotic behavior to psychosis occasionally requiring medical care and hospitalization. In less than 1/1000 of 1% of participants, there have been reports of unexplained suicide or other destructive behavior. While we know of no independent studies to suggest that people who are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy are at risk in the Program, certain persons have claimed that the Program has caused or triggered in them a psychosis or psychotic event.
7. The Program is designed for people who clearly understand they are responsible for their own health and well-being before, during and after the Program. It is not therapeutic in design, intent or methodology and is not to be used as a substitute for medical treatment, psychotherapy or health program of any nature, regardless of what you may believe or have heard from anyone. We advise you that the Program Leaders, staff and people who assist at the Program are not mental health professionals and there will not be any mental health professionals in attendance.
8. If you experience any symptoms or suggestion of mental distress in the Program sessions, during the breaks or at the end of any session, or between sessions, you must immediately inform the Program Leader or the Program Supervisor. In such event, you and the Program Leader will discuss the matter and you will determine what is the appropriate thing for you to do. If you experience any symptoms or suggestions of mental distress outside of the Program, we strongly recommend that you immediately inform a physician or mental health professional.
9. While there are breaks in the Program approximately every 2 to 3 hours, we do not promise that we will always break at precisely that interval. You are, of course, free to leave the Program room at any time. Each day there is one meal break in the late afternoon or early evening, usually lasting about an hour and a half. We suggest that you eat a meal before arriving at the beginning of each day, and have a third meal or snack after you leave in the evening. You are welcome to bring snacks to eat during other short breaks in the Program. If you have a medical condition requiring you to eat or care for some special need more frequently than the regularly scheduled breaks, or need special seating or must stand and stretch frequently or have any other special needs, please notify the Program Supervisor before the Program begins so that appropriate arrangements can be made for you.
10. If you have not been feeling well or if you have been meaning to see a physician or a mental health professional for some complaint, symptom or concern, or if you have had difficulty sleeping lately, or been depressed, it is imperative that you consult with a physician or mental health professional prior to your participating in the Program. Upon request, Landmark will provide you with information required to enable you to make an informed decision about your participation.
11. Although the schedule of the Program usually (but not always) accommodates sufficient time for sleeping, some participants have stated that they did not have sufficient time to sleep or were unable to sleep at night before, during or after the Program. Some people have entered the Program without having had sufficient sleep. For some people, lack of sleep can become a serious problem and may be symptomatic of a mental or emotional illness. If in the past you have become (or think that you may become) ill or seriously distressed because of lack of sleep, OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the Program. If you do not have sufficient sleep or if you have a sleep disorder during the week before the commencement of the Program, OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the Program. If during the Program, you feel that you have been unable to sleep or have not had sufficient sleep, you must notify your Program Leader or Program Supervisor at once.
12. If, after your consulting with your medical or mental or health professional, your health professional needs any additional information about the Program in order to resolve your ability to participate, please contact the Registration Fulfillment Manager at the Center delivering this Program who will provide you with such information.


AGREEMENTS

The following Agreements are intended to have legal significance. If you have any questions about their meaning, please feel free to consult an attorney.

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
In order to promote and respect the confidentiality of our participants and our intellectual property, please read and sign the following: I understand that The Landmark Forum (the "Program") is limited to people who have registered in the Program. In consideration of and as a condition for permitting my participation in the Program, I represent, covenant, warrant and agree that:

1. I have registered in the Program under my own name for the sole purpose of participating in the Program;
2. I will not publish, broadcast or disclose or assist another person or organization in publishing, broadcasting or disclosing the identity, likeness or actual or paraphrased comments, of other participants in the Program, Staff or people who assist during the Program; and
3. I will not film, videotape, audiotape or otherwise record, by electronic, digital or any other means, all or any portion of the Program, and I will not record or take pictures, or assist another person or organization in recording and/or taking pictures of any kind or nature, of all or any portion of the Program or of any participants in the Program, Staff or people who assist in the Program. I will not take into the Program room a tape or video recorder, movie or still camera, or any device, electronic or otherwise, intended to record the voice or likeness of any person in the Program room.


I further agree that the provisions of this Agreement shall be enforceable under the laws of Delaware and my breach of this Agreement shall constitute, among other things, a breach of contract and trespass for which Landmark Education shall have the right to full legal and equitable recourse, including injunctive or other extraordinary relief and damages. Any unenforceable portion of this Agreement shall not affect the remainder.
I recognize that my breach of this Agreement will cause Landmark Education and/or the participants in the Program irreparable and substantial harm even though it may be impossible to ascertain the full monetary extent of their financial loss.
Nothing in this Confidentiality Agreement is intended to limit you from sharing your experience of the Program with anyone.

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
I agree that any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of my participation in the Program (or any of its associated activities), including the interpretation, application, execution, performance or enforcement of any provision of this Agreement or concerning Landmark Education LLC, its officers, managers, employees, agents, people who assist and/or other participants in the Program (Landmark Education) will be submitted to and determined by final and binding arbitration. This Agreement to arbitrate includes claims that there have been any wrongful acts or omissions in my registration in the Program and the warnings and disclosure, content or delivery of the Program (or any of its associated activities) by Landmark Education. Any such dispute, claim or controversy shall not be determined by lawsuit or resort to any court process in any court of law or equity, except as applicable law provides for judicial review, confirmation and enforcement of arbitration proceedings and awards. Judgment upon any award rendered in arbitration may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction and an application may be made to such court for an order of enforcement.
Such arbitration shall take place pursuant to the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) then in effect in the City of Los Angeles, CA and shall be expedited and conducted on successive days before three arbitrators, in accordance with the rules of the AAA then in effect.
I agree that if either party institutes any legal action in any Court not authorized herein, the other party shall be entitled to respond by demurrer or other appropriate response, shall not be required to answer any complaint, and shall be entitled to a dismissal of such legal action. The other party shall be entitled to an award in its favor for the amount of its actual fees and costs of suit.
I understand that Landmark Education, LLC is a Delaware company and that this Agreement will be construed and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. This Agreement cannot be modified unless in writing signed by me and by Landmark Education.
I also agree that the time in which I may commence arbitration shall not be greater than ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event or events which is/are the subject of my claim or claims. I understand that if I fail to commence arbitration within said ninety (90) days, I may be forever barred from making such claim or claims against Landmark Education.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT IN WHICH I FREELY GIVE UP MY RIGHT TO A JURY OR COURT TRIAL.

Notice of Important Information, Health Warnings, and Legal Agreements

The section that follows contains a Notice of Important Information, Health Warnings, and Legal Agreements.

You must read this section carefully and completely.

By clicking I agree below, you agree that you have been informed of the importance of reading the following information.

INFORMED CONSENT
I have carefully read the Notice of Important Information and Health Warnings and understand the recommendations and instructions. I have been informed to my satisfaction by the person who introduced me to the Program or by a representative of Landmark Education about the general content of the Program and I have had an opportunity to ask questions about anything I do not know or understand. I recognize that it is not possible for Landmark to describe everything that may occur during the Program which generally consists of data presented by the Program Leader; the voluntary sharing of experiences by other participants; and guided exercises or processes. I acknowledge and understand that the Program was designed for people who clearly understand they are responsible for their own health and well-being before, during and after the Program and who wish to enhance their living skills. I represent that I am not participating in the Program to handle any physical, mental or emotional problems and I fully understand that no portion of the Program is delivered or supervised by health professionals.
I am aware and understand that some people have personally perceived the Program to be physically, mentally and/or emotionally stressful to them. I have been informed that certain persons with no personal or family history of current or previous mental or emotional problems and no history of use of psychotropic or mood altering drugs reported having experienced psychotic episodes following the Program.
I acknowledge and understand that I have been STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO PARTICIPATE in the Program if:

1. I have been diagnosed with an emotional or mental disorder or if someone in my immediate family has a history of emotional or mental disorder;
2. I am using or have used psychotropic or mood altering drugs which are listed in the Notice of Important Information and Health Warnings above;
3. I am or have in the last year been depressed, contemplated suicide, self-harm or harm to another;
4. I have concerns about my ability to handle stress;
5. I have or may become ill or seriously disturbed because of lack of sleep or less sleep than I am accustomed to;
6. I am unwilling or unable to experience powerful emotions in myself or others;
7. I am currently in therapy and my therapist sees a health reason why I should not participate; or
8. I am uncertain about my physical, mental or emotional ability to participate in the Program

I represent that:

1. I know of no reason that I should not participate in the Program;
2. I have considered the nature of the Program and have voluntarily chosen to attend and not as a result of coercion, pressure, a condition of employment or to satisfy anyone other than myself;
3. I am fully aware of what I am undertaking and that there may be risks associated with the Program. I agree that I am responsible for my own participation in the Program and for my own physical, mental and emotional well being, and that Landmark Education is responsible solely for the orderly presentation of the Program; and
4. I willingly and knowingly assume for myself, my family members, executors, administrators, heirs, successors, legal representatives and assigns all risks of physical and mental or emotional injuries which may occur during or after the Program. I agree to inform and discuss with the Program Leader or Program Supervisor immediately if at any time before the Program is completed, I experience any unusual physical sensation or pain or any mental or emotional discomfort. If, following the completion of the Program, I experience any unusual physical sensation or pain or any mental or emotional discomfort, I agree to notify the Manager of the Landmark Education Center which delivered the Program.

I hereby indemnify and hold Landmark Education, its officers, managers, shareholders, affiliates, employees, agents and/or people who assist, harmless from all loss, cost, obligation or damage arising out of my participation in the Program or in other activities or events related to the Program.
The failure of Landmark Education to enforce any of its rights shall not be construed as a waiver of any of it rights at any time thereafter. If any part or parts of this Agreement shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, then that part or parts shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and such severance shall not have any effect on the remaining portions of the Agreement.
I acknowledge that my representations and agreements are freely given and are true to the best of my knowledge and are intended to be an inducement to Landmark Education to approve my participation in the Program.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE NOTICE OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND HEALTH WARNINGS, CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, PROPRIETARY MATERIALS AGREEMENT AND INFORMED CONSENT.


SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Landmark Education is committed to providing an environment free from sexual or other forms of harassment. Any harassment is unlawful and will not be tolerated by Landmark Education. If you believe you have been unlawfully harassed, you should contact the Local Center Manager, or the Director of Human Resources at Landmark Education's World Headquarters in San Francisco (at 415-616-2401). If you have any questions about Landmark Education's Sexual Harassment Policy or would like a copy of the Policy, please contact either of these people.

www.landmarkeducation.com

Quote

From time to time, during or shortly after participating in the Program, a very small number of people who have no personal or family history of mental illness or drug abuse have reported experiencing brief, temporary episodes of emotional upset ranging from heightened activity, irregular or diminished sleep, to mild psychotic-like behavior. An even smaller number of people have reported more serious symptoms ranging from mild psychotic behavior to psychosis occasionally requiring medical care and hospitalization. In less than 1/1000 of 1% of participants, there have been reports of unexplained suicide or other destructive behavior. While we know of no independent studies to suggest that people who are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy are at risk in the Program, certain persons have claimed that the Program has caused or triggered in them a psychosis or psychotic event.

Now that is some pretty freakay stuff.

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ajinajan

Quote

From time to time, during or shortly after participating in the Program, a very small number of people who have no personal or family history of mental illness or drug abuse have reported experiencing brief, temporary episodes of emotional upset ranging from heightened activity, irregular or diminished sleep, to mild psychotic-like behavior. An even smaller number of people have reported more serious symptoms ranging from mild psychotic behavior to psychosis occasionally requiring medical care and hospitalization. In less than 1/1000 of 1% of participants, there have been reports of unexplained suicide or other destructive behavior. While we know of no independent studies to suggest that people who are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy are at risk in the Program, certain persons have claimed that the Program has caused or triggered in them a psychosis or psychotic event.

Now that is some pretty freakay stuff.

Good god - what is wrong with people??? (not you ajinajan). Who in their right mind would sign such a piece of paper?? Can you imagine any other 'education' system putting such a disclaimer on their sign-up list or enrollment form? The fact that Landmark needs to include such a statement to cover themselves is more than enough evidence that this organization is twisted.

People sign it because 1.) they generally don't read fine print and 2.) someone they care about is pressuring them to do so. I was also a lucky one--I found this site and the support and was given the courage to buck before I went. My weekend was paid for and I had a date, but I *truly* believed my company was *wrong* for pushing it down my throat and I took all the courage I had to stand up to them.

I truly hope your brother is found and that he is safe. I will pray for him.

Maggie