Maria Dolenc ~ Gestalt Therapist & Addictions Counsellor ~ Comments

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"Maria Dolenc facilitated an intervention for my family at a time of crisis. My limited knowledge of what would happen was reinforced with faith, and a trusted friend’s recommendation which resulted in Maria travelling from Sydney to Perth for a two day workshop. Maria has an ability to draw out critical points, while finely balancing inclusion of all participants and maintaining focus on healing and reconnection for everybody. What was achieved has made a remarkable difference in my life. I only wish we did not live on opposite sides of the continent."

" The Family Constellations workshop in the Blue Mountains, facilitated by Maria Dolenc gave me insight into the dynamics of my family that I had not been able to see before. It became an experience of immense importance in ongoing healing for me personally and within my family, and I am extremely grateful for that."

" My introduction to Byron Katie’s “The Work” came through Maria Dolenc. It was at a time when I really needed help and Maria was able to show me a way to find my own solutions to a much healthier emotional life. I will always remember the moment the light bulb went on. What a gift!!"

"I wanted to change things in my life, and when I met Maria I felt safe enough to start. I have attended several Weekend Workshops and regular group therapy sessions with Maria since then. With her intuitive facilitation I have been able to face and work through a lot of old pain and fear. I have begun to like myself for the first time in my life. Maria always seems to know when I need gentle nurturing and when I need to be challenged. Maria brings people together in a safe and trusting environment where I feel able to take risks and explore. What I've learned from Maria, I put to use every day in my life and in my relationships. It is almost impossible to express how grateful I am that I found Maria."

"I have known Maria for over six years. Over that time Maria has been my therapist via one-to-one sessions, group work and weekend retreats that Maria facilitates. I always come away from my experiential work with Maria with a better understanding of who I am and how I operate in this world through the stories and belief systems running through my mind. This process of re-discovery, as I have learnt, has allowed me the choice to keep operating in the same way or to take a different path.

I have learnt through the tools that Maria has taught me that my primary addiction, gambling, does not have to be seen as something "bad" - needing to be overcome and beaten into submission. Rather if I choose to listen and pay attention to the messages coming from within I can learn more about myself and hence what my addictive behaviour is trying to teach me. I have found that I can apply this technique to all facets of my life.

Without Maria's experience and guidance over the years I know I would not be where I am today - the ability to love myself and others as they are, at every single moment."

I met Maria in 2001 when I was admitted to South Pacific Private Hospital in Harbord. I was at a stage in my life where I had reached rock bottom and was almost ready to 'throw in the towel'. As I walked into the reception area of South Pacific I noticed a sign which read 'Expect a miracle' and for me, that miracle was Maria.

Over the next six weeks Maria gently guided me through the minefield that had been my life, and brought me to a place where I felt whole again. More importantly, she helped me discover the real 'me' and to realise that I am responsible for my own happiness and that I had choices.

I was so impressed with Maria's teachings that in the five years since leaving South Pacific, I have attended regular counselling sessions with her and have also attended a couple of her weekend workshops. I can honestly say that Maria has opened my eyes, my mind and my soul.

In the years since meeting Maria I have found the courage and tenacity to start my own successful business. I have also been able to guide my children with the wisdom gleaned from Maria's teachings and have witnessed first hand the miraculous transformation of my fragmented and dysfunctional family to a place of wholeness and healing.

It's not always been an easy ride and Maria has challenged me and 'pushed my buttons' on many occassions - which is exactly what I needed to grow.

I am now busy studying a 4 year diploma to become a Gestalt Therapist myself. My dream is to be able to give back to others what Maria has given to me!