Carmen from Texas: "I really felt like 'I was there'. Excellent use of the cameras, I never felt like I was missing out on something. With the live chat the experience was greatly enhanced. I will definitely participate in another workshop and invite my colleagues as well..."

Patricia from Texas (attended online with two colleagues): "I was apprehensive to attend an online class – but it was very 'user friendly' ... Dottie Higgins Klein was very personable and knowledgeable – Really enjoyed the presentation of the various techniques and modalities within the framework of different schools of thought. Handouts very good. Thank you for including online people – It is so helpful to have quality training for people in rural areas."

Trudy from Texas: "Hope you have more online as it was terrific!! Today was the first time I've ever done anything like this online training...I loved it ! Hope to participate in future trainings. Today was terrific – being able to participate as if there! Chat room was great! No suggestions, Kudos to Luke, your tech. Guy!!" (Discounts available if attending from the same site)

Susan from Texas: "I enjoyed sitting in the comfort of my supervisors's home and not having to deal with travel/hotels, etc. Conference was wonderful!"

Patty from Nevada: "I really enjoyed this long-distance training. The way you used the cameras was so helpful. I was very pleased with the iLOC experience and will definitely do this type of training again! Thank you all."

Melissa from North Carolina: "I do have to say that the iLOC is awesome and it is a great way to attend long distance training."

Dorothy S from Pennsylvania notes she is grateful to be able to take seminars live online, as she is unable to attend seminars in person: "What an incredible way to learn. This virtual world has made me feel like I am in the room with everybody. Luke u r an incredible tech!”

Domenica from Pennsylvania: "It was very, very helpful to be able to do it from home. Excellent History. Luke (the technician) was amazingly valuable, helpful and thoughtful. Luke you were the BEST part of this course!!!!"

Tony from Berwyn, PA: "Nice to vary teaching space and learning activities (eg. Lecture, film, role-play, small groups) This kept the learning process active and enjoyable....As a recent graduate from a demanding but nurturing program, Tony writes, “I was concerned that I would miss the 'nuturing community' of my grad school experience. However at the Family & Play Therapy Center I feel as if I have actually found that nurturing community that can/will carry me forward both personally and professionally. Thank you." (Tony's first course here was the Jan. to June 'Genogram Journey')

Mary Theresa from Philadelphia: "Eileen and her helpers were perfect. Very nice and organized. I wish I could stay forever and look forward to future workshops/courses here."

Janet from Boyertown, PA: "I liked the use of the outdoor and indoor space – perfect setting! Also the special 'touch' of am and pm snacks – a nice surprise treat."

Nancy, onsite from Maine: "Great space, registration was easy, Eileen was very helpful. Enjoyed the courtyard for gathering and sharing with other participants."

Milena from Philadelphia: "Today's atmosphere was very warm and relaxed. The place is wonderful. Snacks were delicious and I loved the wide selection of teas."

Elise from Ardmore, PA: "The setting is very comfortable and feels like home. Thanks for all of the snacks!! I appreciated when we could be outside especially too." (On two of the three mornings, it was cool enough to sit outside for the first half of the morning.)

Sharon from Blue Bell, PA noted that "the mindful environment mirrored the training... The space, atmosphere, organization... What mindfulness looks like in practice and its complement and contribution for achieving depth healing." Sharon also appreciated "your constant reminder that mistakes are part of the journey to mastery and to allow and expect this." (E.g., when viewing taped sessions, Dottie may say, "I wish I hadn't said that and had said this instead... or had been more quiet.") "I appreciate the pace, content and range of topics you covered in this workshop."

Rebekah from Philadelphia: "Helpful to have an overview of different techniques. It will be good to examine those and see which models work for me. I also liked each one's philosophy on the tapes, especially the ones that showed the play. Nice atmosphere, lovely neighborhood."

Jenna from Philadelphia: "I like everything about today! Particularly I enjoyed learning more about different theories and techniques. Videos and experiential learning (role plays, seeing playrooms) were most beneficial. It is helpful to process theory and see it in action. Learning about different theories and perspectives and finding what is meaningful for me was valuable. I like the space and environment, so peaceful and welcoming."

Robin from Wyndmoor, PA: "I liked listening to Garry Landreth and the older theorists (e.g., Louise Guerney, John Allan). It really makes theory come alive!"

Heather from Philadelphia: "I liked when you did the role plays during the discussions of specific theories. I felt like that really helped me to understand the theory better. I also liked the videotapes as well."

Maria from Philadelphia: "The videos were valuable in broadening the material in the
handouts. The group discussion and hearing feedback from the attendees was extremely helpful."

Michelle from Philadelphia: "It was helpful to have different types of play therapy explained and compared to each other. I really enjoyed the videos of each different technique."

Tony from Berwyn, PA: "What was most valuable was discussing theory and then seeing videos to demonstrate which helped to reinforce the ideas of specific theory."

Janet from Boyertown, PA: "Enjoyed the rotating of videos with Dottie sharing her experiences – helped keep it interesting. I loved seeing your playrooms!"

Amy from New Jersey: "I would recommend this class. Thought it covered a lot of material in the three days and I feel now that I have a much better framework for working with children and families. Also feel more knowledgeable about play therapy and different ways of working... The Sandtray demonstration was one of my favorite parts of the training. It literally came alive in front of us... What a great place to have a training! You were all very welcoming and nurturing and I hope to return soon. I especially loved the sandtray work and the focus on development so I will be taking more classes in the future."

Lauren from Philadelphia: Re: Theory on limit setting "I love group work, so for me this was very helpful, especially to be in a group with people of all different experience levels. I learned a lot from my group members."

Anonymous -- or forgot to sign paper: "The three videos were a core piece of the week for me. I felt deeply moved by the child's process and was able to deepen my understanding of how metaphor and the multiple layers of meaning work in play therapy. I also so appreciate how you stop and comment throughout and how you humbly and honestly note what you would do differently now. The sandtray demonstration. This was a moment of 'temenos' - being in the presence of something sacred. It was profoundly personal and profoundly universal at the same time... I would definitely recommend this course, I benefited from nearly everything."

Darshini from India (an onsite graduate student who will return to India next year and continue training online): "I really felt that in these four days I learnt so much, and that on the other hand there is still so much more to learn and grow as a person." (She mentions that she regained some passion for learning and wants to bring this work back to her country. Darshini's first class was the genogram class, offered once month for 3 hours from January - June.)

Sharon from Blue Bell, PA: Re: Limit setting and practice sheets: "Very helpful examples and framing responses to include: acknowledging wishes, feelings of child while maintaining executive stance and allowing/facilitating collaboration through offering alternatives."

Michelle from Philadelphia: "The whole process of watching the tapes (3 full sessions of one girl over ten months) and processing with the group was so helpful. It allowed me to remember to focus on the metaphors more and to realize the play can be happening on multiple levels. It can have various meanings, not just one. Watching Dottie in a session and seeing actual examples of tracking, reflecting, listening, getting cues from the child – it was a
great learning experience... The practice sheets for limit setting were great. ...that there is no right, perfect answer; just knowing what is like a formula - acknowledge feeling, be clear in your language and offer alternatives."

Tony from Berwyn, PA: Sandtray demo was an "amazingly solemn and provocative process. Emphasis on respect, reflection and the process of the individual. Beautiful!... wonderful that Dottie was able to self critique in videos... The parent meeting was specifically helpful on how to conduct a feedback session and how to mindfully and respectfully broach sensitive topics... Great to explore with other professionals in a safe and supportive environment. Thank you."

Kelly from Hawaii (online): "I was allowed to experience the concepts I had previously only read about. I really enjoyed the emphasis of the different themes and age level descriptions. Nothing negative. Loved it.” (Kelly humorously suggests we present on Hawaii time! Thanks for joining us at 2:00AM! -- twice this week!)

Lauren from Perkasie, PA: The three videos of the girl adopted from Russia "were extremely helpful in observing and recognizing the value of mindfully being with the play therapy. And being able to feel more comfortable being silently present... The limit setting exercises were useful and often not addressed as clearly in other play therapy trainings... I would definitely recommend this, I found it to be more comprehensive and detailed than other play therapy trainings I have attended. I felt as though it solidified and clarified what I have learned as well as challenged and expanded my understanding of play therapy. Everything was very easy and personal, I have no suggestions"

Milena from Philadelphia: "The theory of limit setting was very useful for me as I have been struggling with appropriate ways of limit setting and the practice sheets were definitely a great way to learn... I am definitely going to recommend this class to my friends/coworkers. I loved the attachment exercise and would like more of this."

Riz from Philadelphia: (Riz made a great suggestion for the limit setting exercise.) He wrote, "One thing I would add is having each person in the group read what they wrote as if they were talking to the child. Words are one part of it, but I feel non-verbals may be an even bigger part.” Great idea, thank you!

Rebekah from Florida/Mexico (onsite): "I appreciate the fun we had -- the opportunity to laugh together and learn to accept our mistakes and move on. Thank you for being able to laugh at yourself and let us laugh with you!!"

Janet from Boyertown, PA: Re: Sand demonstration for teen/adults: "I know very little about sand tray. So I was trying to absorb everything. I witnessed how powerful it is for the therapist to wait and allow silence... Your style is very relaxed and you respond nicely to everyone. And I see how you are open to learning from others."

Mary Therasa from Abington, PA: "Most valuable was Dottie stopping the tapes at certain times and discussing what we are seeing. Vidoes were amazing and the group discussions were beneficial... Re: the sandtray demonstration for teens/ adult use: I liked that Dottie allowed the client to tell what her meaning was for the objects in the tray and did not analyze the meaning... I highly recommend this course to therapists. I gained great insight which I will carry with me."

Robin from Wyndmoor, PA: "Seeing the child's work in three different stages helped me experience the changes, recognize the progression, symbols and emotions of her play. To see the trauma worked out through aggression and later resolved was magical. Watching the therapist role helped me put into perspective what my part would look like... Using the puppet with the elective mute was a helpful tool."

Judi from Tennesee (onsite): "The videos helped me to have a greater awareness of the stages of Play-family therapy. They were invaluable in helping me consider the metaphors of what could potentially be happening at multiple levels... I will wholeheartedly recommend this class to other therapists. It has validated my approach and understanding of how to best work with children and families in therapy. The week has been chock full of information and opportunities for learning and networking. I have appreciated the welcoming presence of all at the FPT Center. I look forward to coming back for future trainings." (Judi is starting her second year on line of our Advanced Child Development Class with Mindfulness Based Play-Family Therapy - includes 20 hr.of supervision)

Darshini from India (onsite): "This was my first experience with sand play therapy and it was just a wonderful experience. I found it so much experiential and healing. I just loved the whole workshop. I just feel I have started this wonderful journey of sand play therapy."

Tony from Berwyn, PA: "Rie's knowledge and expertise -- her ability to clearly elucidate her points. I appreciated the opportunity to participate too. This was an immensely rich and enriching experience. Rie is delightful!"

Joanne from Bethlehem, PA: "Very enjoyable to sit together with Rie and discuss sandtrays that she has on the slides. Discussion/ feelings about trays/presentation of themes and progression of trays. I always love and enjoy coming here -- very much a quality learning experience!"

Moira from Bethlehem, PA: "The slides with examples of trays and the story of Jimmy was most helpful. Everything about this was useful. The last section was incredibly helpful to keep me identifying the themes. It was better than expected. One of the best I have ever attended. Thank you ." (Moira's first time at the center)

Judi from Tennessee (onsite): "Seeing the pictures of the progression of the Sandtray play was so valuable. Addressing the effects of age, gender, intelligence and mental health on the sandtray play was so valuable in understanding sandtray as well as the themes. This was such a fabulous experience! I have appreciated the warmth and welcoming attitude of all I have encountered this week. The humility of those more experienced is refreshing to experience."

Ruth from Syracuse (onsite): "Integrating didactic teachings with case examples. Discussion helped with integration. Rich and multi-layered presentation. Presented with passion, depth and intelligence. The caring environment -- welcoming gracious staff, nurturing food, attractive setting."

Leni from Philadelphia: "It was very helpful to see the multiple trays of children over their time in therapy. This was really helpful to connect the themes the the trays. Presentation was well organized. I was impressed with presenter's ability to compress so much information into the one day and make it so accessible. The honoring of the process an appreciation for the value of sandtray was fully present."

Jan from New Jersey (onsite): "Oh my, this workshop was excellent – because the content applies to several levels – beginners to experienced. Wonderful. Excellent! More! Thank you very much."

Cheryl from Philadelphia: "I enjoyed and learned from the presentation of the series of sandtrays across therapy, which illustrated growth and metaphors/themes. I also liked the discussion of the wounded and healing themes. The handouts are great too. The FPTCenter is a wonderful place. Thanks for all you do!"

Nancy from Delaware (onsite): Most helpful: "Applications of research, case illustrations and discussion, willingness to ask questions. Discussion of themes very interesting. Useful charting. Appreciate presenters wealth of experience, knowledge, and approachability!"

Rebekah from Florida/Mexico (onsite): Most valuable: "Studying specific cases, seeing various trays and understanding normal and traumatic trays is very helpful to see treatment progress. Facilities are very nice. Everyone very friendly and helpful – Thank you!"