Testimonials

Workshop Participant Testimonials

“This program has had a profound effect on how I relate to food. I no longer have banned foods or have non-hunger food cravings. Eating feels normal for the first time in my life! I would absolutely recommend this workshop. This program covers new ground. Tools are very usable and available when they are needed. Practical information easily understood. Great job!” -Anita Cook, Santa Rosa

“Barbara, you’re great! Overall, I loved the series! Visioning exercise was excellent! The mindful eating and the abundance exercises were some of the best! Sensing Belly-Heart Connection—best week! Enlightening.”—Roberta Coker, Santa Rosa, CA

“I can’t begin to tell you how much this workshop has meant to me! I have lots of comments; I will email later!”—Carole Bodsky, Ukiah, CA

“My consciousness shifted. I have an awareness that has changed my practices in a loving versus judgmental way. I learned a lot aboutmy eating patterns through hunger attunement and deciphering between symbolic and stomach hunger. Using my non-dominant hand was very insightful! These exercises are wonderful! I am looking forward to continued contact. This was an amazing class! When every woman released something or claimed something, I felt the same way! Very powerful!” –Tina D., San Francisco, CA

“I found all of the elements of the class very valuable—big plus on the enhancement of my own spiritual growth. The handouts and written materials are excellent. [Barbara] has a wonderful gentle authentic style. The Decoding Food Cravings process was very powerful and life changing —the single most transformative element of the class for me. The Decoding of Body Talk process was also surprisingly revealing—I had issues I was not aware of—didn’t realize the depth of the war with my body. Closing meditations helped me to feel more connected with the group. Presentations were wonderful. The ceremonial rituals were awesome! Thank you Barbara for your amazing work!! Josephine was a wonderful contribution as well.—S.S., Novato, CA

“[Barbara’s] workshop has released my anxiety around food and increased trust not only in myself, but in my daughter’s eating. Excellent handouts! The release ceremony was deep and touching. I would absolutely recommend this workshop to my friends. I see the changes in my own thinking and eating habits every day!”—J.M., Sebastopol, CA

“The decoding of food cravings was very helpful. I was able to work effectively with self nurturing tools after the fifth week when I broke my sugar habits and could feel my feelings finally! I loved the ample supply—a great exercise to allow myself to create such abundance without concerns for the financial outlay. Food bag is a part of every day that I leave the house for more than a quick local trip. The “Belly Meditation/Sensing Heart and Belly Connection [from the Self and Body Acceptance workshop] were very powerful exercises! I have a wealth of insights from these two, and great notes to help me revisit. It was very helpful to hear Barbara’s personal story—she seemed so “perfect” and sweet that it is hard to believe she had a struggle or walked in my shoes so to speak. I loved [the writing exercises] and I am still marveling at the primal understanding and bond I experienced in witnessing the ritual of release and empowerment. We really struggle with the same stuff locked up inside us as we run around in the world smiling at one another as if all is well and we’re not suffering. Bless us all. I would recommend this class highly—what would be better than to learn to trust your own voice about your own body? THANK YOU!!”

--K.C., Sebastopol

“I loved Barbara’s humor, spontaneity, depth and warmth. I wish I had a tape of all the classes, especially the meditations and visualizations so I could practice more at home! The personal stories in the class were always powerful and inspiring and I appreciated [Barbara’s] authenticity and vulnerability (and creative solutions to her own problems)! It gave me more understanding of how this came about and it was very inspiring to me. It helped me to go deeper with the sharing that night. Thanks for this class. It's helping me to be more conscious about my eating and my reasons for eating. I would definitely recommend this workshop. It was fascinating, challenging, inspiring, and supportive. I had some good laughs. I learned a lot. I loved the 7-step method—practical and specific! Thank you!” --D.D., Petaluma, CA

"Barbara, your workshop has opened my eyes even more to how I relate to my body & food. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this educational process and research. It has also changed how I consciously (and subconsciously!) parent my daughter in this area. I am so grateful for this! In addition, I truly appreciate how you incorporated honoring the spiritual into the workshop. This key piece is often left unacknowledged in programs centering around weight/eating." –C.L., Santa Rosa

“The 7-step process was extremely useful. Glad we went over them again and again! Barbara’s obvious caring, combined with knowledge and personal transparency has made her a very strong facilitator. This is very powerful work! [Barbara] is really onto something. I’m glad you are planning to continue with us for a year because I know I’ve barely begun to scratch the surface in learning to care for myself—I need lots of assimilation of new patterns to form and settle. Thank you!!”—T.F., Sebastopol, CA

“I loved [Barbra’s] courage in sharing her story! Thank you! I could see my barriers released in the room. I feel that I have gained new insight on my eating and I find myself doing the exercises and telling many of my friends about this wonderful class and research. Thank You!” --G.B., Sebastopol, CA

“I thought everything was amazing! In the beginning it was all the information and then it is more participatory, once we were more comfortable with each other. Barbara, I told my nursing research professor that I was participating in your research workshop and she told me how lucky I was to be involved in anything you do. Thank you for your honesty and love. Your light shines bright! This workshop has real information, lasing value. It opens the door and shows the way that once was hidden from us, now with a truer, clearer meaning” –A.D., Sebastopol, CA

“Awakening the Intuitive Eater [process] was a wonderful thing to become aware of—something I was definitely mostly unconscious about. And now it’s like a skill I’ve learned. I’d say what I learned here was akin to riding a bike—I’ll never completely forget. I feel now I’m much more attuned to knowing when I’m getting subtle, true hunger feelings—and addressing it more immediately rather than ignoring and pushing back until I’m so starved I’ll eat anything. I was very excited about the Food Decoding Process and would have liked much more of this! I loved the movement exercise of the heart-belly connection. This is another great skill I developed from this class. Barbara’s personal story was very entertaining! And interesting to hear how she developed her program. I feel that this workshop gave me really valuable and useful, personal tools that are learned in a deep way and felt deep in the body. It created a new body consciousness for me. I know I can currently act and be unconscious, but it is not hard to remind myself when I am either starving or tend to overeat to practice the intuitive self care that I’ve learned about”—Anon.

“Barbara~ Great job! Loved it! I look forward to the monthly meetings! –Deborah, Winters, CA

“Barbara has a wonderful presence, and I loved her approach of allowing the change to come from within.” P.A., Petaluma, CA

"Barbara, the class was terrific. Your story was perfect. The ending circle was perfect. I wondered how I would fare considering that dieting has never been a part of my life. But, as you know, being extremely thin when you are young is painful, in spite of what others may believe. I grew up thinking there was something wrong with me and the end result has been a life long struggle with confidence and self-acceptance. As I move so close to my 60’s I have had a very hard time adjusting to the body changes, the ever-thickening waistline and the little pot belly. The class has been a big step forward in my attitudes toward my body, reminding me that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. And my eating habits are changing slowly simply by the process you taught us of thinking about it and visualizing when I am ready to eat. There are always salad fixings in the refrigerator now, and my body feels good about that! So, thank you for your kind words, and again for all the hard work you have put into this and all that you are giving to us. It will be exciting to watch the rest of it unfold. We accept your gifts on various levels, but I cannot imagine that there is not a woman in that room who isn’t being changed, in some subtle way at least, by these weeks together. When it comes time for your PhD confirmation you can have a big cheering section in the crowd! I hold you in my heart." –S.C., Santa Rosa

“Barbara did a great job in this experimental workshop! This is meant to be—she has something authentic to offer. Barbara strongly realizes the important connection between eating and a balanced body, mind and spirit. I highly recommend this workshop because she has authentically managed her own eating disorder and wants to serve others by helping them with their own. Please keep this practice!” D.T., Petaluma

Barbara, I want to tell you how much your sharing your story with the whole room as witness to your suffering and now, as witness to your thriving, has made a great difference to me. No more secrets. Wow! What an impact you are making in ways that you can not begin to know. Doing the time line has opened the grand canyon of awareness. Now what to do with this knowledge; nothing to do—just keep chopping wood, carrying water and life goes on. Thank for your great courage. I am so touched by your willingness to let others in. To see you. To know about you. Maybe I will get more brave now too. Thank you!"--B.B., Sebastopol

“The spiritual, archetypal and symbolic meanings are the most fascinating theories—I’d like more time with these concepts. Loved the Ample Supply and Food House Imagery—part of my inner landscape now and has become a measure of inner knowing. Also loved the non-dominant hand drawing and writing—using it now! The visceral, experiential parts of the workshop are very important and moving. [Barbara’s] personal story and other’s personal challenges were very important, grounding and centering. Overall, I think the most important thing I take away is the ability to “eat from the neck down”, having learned how to listen to my body regarding hunger and food.”—Anon.

“The guided meditations were very helpful and interesting to see what came up for me. It was good to hear what others were struggling with and what they were doing well on in practicing the steps. Hearing Barbara’s story was highly effective and it taught me gentleness and compassion. Dancing and drumming was great. It’s easier to release and embody change with movement. Thank you! The ceremony of ritual release and empowerment was well done; contribution, support and witness listening are important! I would highly recommend this workshop. What a wonderful blessing this workshop was for me. I shifted—I let go of my resistance. It was gooooood! Thanks so much!”—Anon.

“All of the 7-Step Process was effective, but for me the most effective and moving meditation was the Decoding Food Cravings—this was the best! It really helped me get in touch with my emotional eating problem. The Decoding of Body Talk process was the second most effective meditation for me. The non-dominant hand drawing was interesting. I loved the Belly Meditation and Movement to sense the heart-belly connection. It is good to feel present in my body. Barbara’s personal story was highly effective and she should have her story in the very beginning of the class!” –Anon.

“I would highly recommend this class because its something that everyone needs to move sooner or later—just to evolve the connection between spirit and matter! Thank you!—Anon.

“Barbara, I just can’t write the value of these eight weeks! Just everybody take it!” –Anon.

“Barbara was absolutely a pleasure. Highly recommend this workshop.”—Anon.

“There was a book’s worth of information in a handful of handouts. Loved the body meditations!”—Anon.

“The Self and Body Acceptance was the most powerful process for me! This workshop has a great deal of powerful information. I am slowly uncovering hidden feelings and voices that are beginning a new level of healing!” –Anon.

“The Decoding of Food Cravings session was powerful; it alone could be an 8-week workshop. The non-dominant hand writing and drawing exercises worked well. Especially the conversation between body and mind. I did that several more times and I am incorporating it as an on-going tool. The masculine/feminine archetypal integration and movement exercise was my favorite.” —Anon.

“This work is like breaking the 4-minute mile for runners (back in “the day”). Back then “everyone” thought it simply NOT POSSIBLE, and then one runner did it and “everyone” was amazed—now at any given college meet, every runner runs a sub-4-minute mile. “We’re” the first, and all my internal tapes are run over by the “everyone” who says it’s simply not possible. [Barbara’s] organic experiences that led [her] to this workshop and to teach us was probably a long, complex process I imagine. My comments are recognition of the complexity in condensing [Barbara’s] much longer process into “bites” I can swallow (after visualizing it’s the perfect food in the perfect amount!) [Her] personal story is a validating, important part of this work—there’s an old statement from the days of the women’s movement, ‘the personal is the political’, which meant that its only in knowing each woman’s personal story that we connect and experience the power of us all. Barbara, Consider the strength of telling your story at the beginning of the workshop, after all, what Einstein is to the Theory of Relativity, you are to Intuitive Eating. “Its” there and you’re the one who “gets it” right now, even though we all experience “it’, you can put us in touch with something that will center our existence. I give you credit for that—.”–Anon.

“I’ve come away with greater sense of respect for my body’s intuitive wisdom regarding food. I’ve let go of my judgments about the foods I do eat and I am more present when eating. I no longer eat “unconsciously.”—Anon.

“Barbara’s excellent! This workshop taught me what I need to know, what I do know, and how to use it. My spiritual growth was enhanced by encouraging more mindfulness and blessing of food. I’d do the workshop again—incredibly valuable!”—Anon.

“This was the first time I have felt that I can gain control over my eating and health. Barbara is kind, nurturing, and above all, knowledgeable. She is awe-inspiring. She’s a marvel at explaining the approach and making sure that everyone feels included and heard. The specific steps and visualizations were very useful! I had never been in touch with spirituality or my own self, but I feel that from Barbara’s class that there is much growth in this aspect of my life.” –K.B, Sonoma, CA

“I am thrilled that there is someone like Barbara here blessing us with this intuitive approach to eating. Her presentation and work resonates with me and I am glad to have the opportunity to take this workshop. Barbara’s energy is very supportive and positive. I loved the guided meditations and all of the materials. Barbara encouraged me to become conscious and to check in with myself, to feel my feelings, to be aware in the moment. I realized how important is to practice, practice, practice! Really a true affirmation of my spiritual awakening in this area of my life.” S.T., Santa Rosa

“Barbara has a wealth of information, great manner, good humor, and in her gentleness, is non-judgmental. I learned to look within, trust myself and partner with Spirit.” –C.A., Santa Rosa, CA

“The meditations were very helpful. A wonderful experience going within and listening. I am leaving knowing that I can do a lot of work in this area on my own, and yet have the support when I want. It was an inspiring class. Barbara is a very effective presenter, well prepared and wrote excellent handout materials.” –C.F., Napa, CA

“This workshop had lasting effects of helping me to think about and be conscious of my food intake at all times, just as I had hoped. I loved the visualization, eating from the neck down, and the blessing of food. Practicing self (and body) acceptance has changed my life! I would love to have tapes of the sessions! Barbara is knowledgeable and sincere presenter. I felt very comfortable in her presence. I am recommending this class to many people.” V.B., Sonoma, CA

“I feel much growth in the area of a new connection felt between food, body, desires, and feelings. The meditations were great!” T.R., Santa Rosa, CA

“I am so much more willing to take better care of myself and have a greater love for myself as a result of this workshop. Barbara was wonderful. She brought so many new ideas and great guided visualizations. Wonderful experience!”—J.W., Penngrove, CA

“The guided meditations and the comprehensive notebook of materials were very helpful in creating sustained changes. This class gave me useful practices for mindful practice. Barbara was knowledgeable, she acknowledged all input, and was very encouraging and supportive. Thank you! Thank you!” --R.B., Santa Rosa, CA

“Barbara was effective, powerful, knowledgeable, inspiring, down to earth, classy and beautiful. What I got the most from this experience was an inner awareness and tools for living and living well! Barbara’s personal story was touching, and her materials were very useful.” –T.C., Santa Rosa, CA

“This workshop not had good ideas, they are useful! The visualizations made the concepts personal and involved my own thinking so I could internalize the process. I realized that the answers truly are within. This was one of the best classes I have ever attended (and I have been in lots!) Thank you!—J.W., Santa Rosa

“I learned that I can trust myself and don’t need to rely on something “outside” myself. I now know when to stop and ask myself to check in, so that I may begin to connect emotional state to cravings and perceived hunger, and thus began my healing. Barbara was very effective, wonderful tone of voice, soothing, non-judgmental and encouraging. I loved the class!” –Anon.

“This class brought more spirituality into my eating and listening to my body/mind/spirit-intuition. I became more aware, awake and mindful of how and why I eat and how to bring the spiritual aspects in. Barbara was very clear, open, honest, loving and compassionate as a facilitator. The exercises were very insightful. Thank you!” J.S., Sebastopol

“It was awesome! Barbara was clear and it felt like she wanted to not only teach us, but enrich and deepen our lives. I learned to trust again my inner wisdom and the internal wisdom of eating what is right for me. I would love to continue in smaller groups! Thank you!" --C.S., Sonoma, CA

“Wonderful workshop! Barbara was very knowledgeable with a soothing manner. I loved the guided meditations. I am more mindful, I am blessing my food and I have more self-acceptance. Thank you! I believe I learned life-long strategies.”—S.B., Healdsburg, CA

“Barbara is compassionate, well spoken and combined a multitude of teaching techniques. This workshop opened up the world of intuitive eating that I never knew existed for me. It gave me a deeper understanding of how to eat and being more mindful.”—C.M., Santa Rosa, CA

“I got so much more than I ever expected! The guided meditations were particularly effective. Creating a buddy system was brilliant. Barbara has a calm, sweet voice and managed the group well. This workshop opened my heart much more, getting in touch with the light inside. Trusting the “negative” and not condemning what I now know has served an important purpose.” --N.S., Santa Rosa, CA

“I felt a deep connection with the infinite wisdom within. Wonderful workshop!” –T.K., Santa Rosa, CA

“Barbara presented in a unique way the difference between true hunger and craving. I learned to bring Spirit into my eating and food choices and that I am guided by Spirit even around food! Barbara’s manner, knowledge and materials are excellent.”-L.O., Santa Rosa, CA

“This workshop delivered may more than I’d ever imagined or hoped. Barbara has a marvelous presence that inspired me. I learned a spiritual and intuitive way to approach eating that I am applying in my life every day. I’ll be back for more!” –J.H., San Francisco, CA

“Barbara’s work is very enlightening and inspiring. She is a pleasingly wonderful presenter. I gained more satisfaction with my eating and my body. Please keep doing this work in the world!” --S.D.

“I enjoyed the variety of teaching materials and methods, meditations, and varied topics. This workshop changed my thinking about food and how I can tap into my intuition at any time to tell me what I need, and gave me a greater understanding of body acceptance. Barbara is an excellent communicator and uses a variety of teaching methods that keeps the topics interesting. I can’t wait for more. Thank you very much!”—M.D., Santa Rosa, CA

“This class was extremely effective overall. Barbara has a very engaging, caring and complete workshop. She is personable, receptive, accepting and very giving. The whole thing was heartfelt and spiritually connected. Especially useful were the guided meditations and group exercises, as well as the written materials to support our learning in and out of class. I learned the encouragement to stay mindful, present, and to use my intuition as my guide. I feel more loving toward myself. I look forward to more of Barbara!” –R.B., Santa Rosa, CA

“Barbara, I wanted to share with you my experience in one of our meetings. It was the "hip moving" thing. I was ENERGIZED the whole rest of the time. When we did the writing about our body, I wrote: "I am sumptuous, voluptuous. I am where pleasure lives. I am creative. I can create life. I am no longer firm and taut, I am so much more than that! I am laughter. I am joy. I am nature at it's finest. I am perfection." When I "got" that, I woke up to the fact that I have been running away from my own sensuality (not wanting to attract men because "they only want sex," stuff like that). This past week I made sure I "fed" my sensuality. I took long, hot, baths with candles. I looked through magazines for images that touched my heart. I was aware of what around me touched my sensuality and went towards THAT. Foods that I ate - sensual foods, like bananas and papayas. Foods that excited my taste buds -- not sweets, but REAL foods. My problem with weight has been my addiction to sugar. I used to try to not eat fruits because they contain "sugar", but now I realize that, starving myself of something that "fed" that yummy part of myself only made me crave it more, so I'm back to eating fruits. That's pretty much it (as if it wasn't a LOT). Thank you, so much, for giving us this opportunity to find those "lost" parts of ourselves, Barbara! –S., Santa Rosa