It was definitely worth coming all the way from Slovenija to attend the summer training in Malibu. As a Gestalt psychotherapy student with keen interest in working with children I had read both of Violet's books before coming and was enthusiastic about the way she worked. Getting a chance to try out her model of work in such a beautiful setting and with three wonderful teachers was a very important step in assimilating the theory. Also, I think it makes a lot of sense and difference if I try out myself what I ask children to do. I have used some of the creative media that I experienced during the training with children in the shelter where I work as a volunteer, always with beautiful results. With its hands-on approach, the training really gave me many practical tools to take back home.
- Leja Jecelj Habič, Solvenija
I just wanted to write to say a BIG thank you to you all for such a wonderful week of training! I am soooo glad I made the long journey to be there. I learnt so much and have come back to London inspired and excited and more clear about how to make contact with the children i work with and will work with. I feel more clear about how i'd like to work.
So thank you for so eloquently presenting Violet's work and I appreciated hearing about your own individual approaches and ways of working also.
I'm missing the sea and sun already!! what a place to learn!!
I feel excited about these international connections and community.-Georgie Spurrier, London England
This was definitely the best training I've ever done! I came away with a clear understanding of the theoretical framework for using Gestalt with children and teens, as well as solid practical tools to work with in the room. I've been really grateful for the amazing breadth of ideas and techniques we learned in such a short time. All of it-- from pounding on clay to working with parents and teachers, to a sense of what I am looking for and working toward with children has been tremendously useful in my practice.
I particularly love the way that each of the instructors presented their personal styles, giving us different angles on the same concepts. That, and the direct transmission of a puppet show by Violet gave me confidence and inspiration to really bring myself to this model and make it my own.
I've been amazed, talking with my colleagues (and parents/teachers!), at how natural working with children and teens using this model is, how much sense it makes, and how confident I feel using it.
Thank you again for this extremely useful and inspiring training!
-America Worden, Sonoma California