The Region - News from Dec. 7, 1986

A woman who claims she was forced to remain at a “Lifespring” personal effectiveness seminar despite her repeated pleas to leave, has sued the San Rafael-based organization, seeking $6 million in damages for assault and false imprisonment. Ellyn Bloomfield claimed she had to spend 30 days in a mental hospital after a Lifespring “basic training” seminar in March. Bloomfield said seminar officials threatened her with “severe and immediate physical harm” if she left the five-day program. The Los Angeles Superior Court suit also says Lifespring officials failed to warn Bloomfield of the “risks” inherent in their counseling and training programs. The suit is one of at least three filed against the personal-growth firm in recent years, including the case of a Portland, Ore., man who drowned while trying to conquer fear of swimming. “I certainly would say there’s no hazard involved with any of our programs,” Lifespring spokeswoman Ann Miller said.