Sessions

“I particularly enjoyed the selection of exquisite literary texts paired up with narrative therapy essays. What I enjoyed most of this course is that it was everything but prescriptive. It has allowed me to develop my own bibliotherapy ideas, projects and vision for the future. I have already used many of the narrative bibliotherapy teachings and techniques in my current coaching business, supporting clients recover from chronic illness and helping them to open up to an expanded, “re-authored” version of themselves, as well as bringing a sense of excitement and aliveness to their lives.”

“Mariana’s generosity in terms of the planning and content of the sessions, as well as her feedback; communication: balance of theory and practice; resources. I think perhaps it’s too soon to say for sure how this course has impacted me, but it’s undoubtedly left me feeling inspired. I sense it shaping my thoughts and my interactions with others, particularly in the therapy room. Simply to say that I was very blessed to study alongside a super-impressive group of bright, informed and empathic women.”

“This course gave me the confidence and foundation to feel capable of practicing narrative bibliotherapy. It was truly life changing for me and helped me define for myself what and how I want to practice. Mariana as an instructor is fantastic, grounded, calm and with a reassuring presence that brought out the best in each of us. I felt the space was respectful of everyone’s voice and opinions. This course was transformational for me.”

I am deeply thankful to Mariana for the way she is able to guide us into tapping into all the knowledge we already have and building on it to bring an offering of meaning-making into our communities. I feel I wanted more of everything, but I wouldn’t have wanted less of anything, so I guess this means Mariana found a way to balance all the different practices that inform narrative bibliotherapy: theoretically informed, grounded in lived experiences and constantly dancing between literary texts and our own ideas.

“This experience has been very enriching. At first, I wondered how the question of the zoom would work since I had never met the other participants. This, however, was handled so well that I almost felt we were in the same room. Mariana, I want to thank you once more for this delicious opportunity. I have said this to you, but I am writing it down now. I have enjoyed every class. You have a very professional and yet caring style.”

“The group was wonderful, how you hold the space and ensure that we all felt we could contribute in our own way – no pressure to speak or contribute if we did not wish to. This is by far the best course i have studied – rigour without restraint, flexibility and fluidity BUT with clear signposting, explicit values and expectations of what the work requires of us in relation to skills, knowledge and relationships. Thank you for offering this wonderful course and offering the conditions for immersion and exploration of this important work.”

“Mariana’s Narrative Bibliotherapy training absolutely spoke to my beliefs and values around the possibilities of combining personal growth and fiction. The texts she provided, alongside excellent practical and theoretical underpinnings has refreshed my practice and given greater depth to the way I work. Each step of the process was communicated clearly, and I came away fulfilled and excited every week. I would 100% recommend this course. And to add to that the bonus is, although it’s over, there are plenty of ongoing resources, including supervision, to draw on.”

“I am sincerely grateful that I could be part of the first cohort of this course. Our Saturdays truly enriched and transformed me. An agentic, transformative, and deeply resonant experience that I will draw from for a long time. For me personally, it was the best education I have ever taken, both in content and in relationships. Thank you.”

Thank you, Mariana, for all you give to us through the workshops! Your selection of readings is always stimulating, and I particularly like how you lead the group. Sharing your library with us is so generous!

It’s been such a transformative experience to meet with Mariana! Each session is a safe haven in which I feel supported and gently encouraged to play with the harmonies that emerge and resonate back and forth between my own stories, and the texts Mariana (quite magically, it seems, I must say) suggests. As the process continues to unfold, I’m struck by the power that being truly, deeply listened to has, and by how deeply healing it is to engage with narratives (others’, my own) in a space held with such care. Our work together has also greatly helped me to reflect upon my own work with others as a teacher and facilitator. I feel I am developing a more grounded, compassionate presence, with a growing awareness of all the threads that come into play, and with a growing confidence in the tools that I possess and that are continuing to evolve in me, under Mariana’s guidance, to responsibly hold and guide spaces where people can engage with their ideas, feelings and one another.