Testimonial

I am thrilled to have recently received an appreciation from a Mental Health County Agency for having made a difference.  Here it is to share and celebrate with you all.

WEST COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES

www.westcountyservices.orq

Strengthening Families

Counseling + Prevention Services + Adult Employment + Senior Services

Emergency Services * Youth Education and Employment

June 18, 2010

Carol Chase

Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication

Dear Carol,

I want to thank you for the Nonviolent Communication Training you have provided

to our Empowerment Center Program and tell you about the phenomenal impact it

has had on our staff and members. The Empowerment Center is a consumer-driven

mental health and wellness drop-in center for those who want to transcend serious

and persistent mental illness. It seeks to offer a safe and supportive haven for its

members to pursue how to make a healthier life for themselves. The skills learned

from you and your staff have made a huge impact on the atmosphere at the Center

and in the lives of its members.

Part of what many at the Empowerment Center are seeking to heal in their lives

comes from a history of trauma and abuse. These emotional wounds have made it

difficult to set appropriate boundaries with others, know how to communicate their

pain or anger effectively, or ask for their needs to be met. The tools they have

learned in the Nonviolent Communication group being offered to the members free

of charge have changed their interactions with each other and with staff

dramatically. They are able to identify and ask for what they need, address conflict

appropriately, and take risks toward healthy emotional intimacy. More than once, a

member has commented how they feel so much more capable to deal with the

situations and relationships in their lives. Members who, in the past, severed

relationships that manifested any form of conflict are now finding ways to resolve

that conflict and even have the relationships deepen as a result.

The Nonviolent Communication group being held weekly is the most well attended

group at the Center and is making a profound difference in the lives of many. I am

deeply grateful that you have brought this service to the Empowerment Center, its

members and my staff.

In gratitude,

Megan Rooney

Megan Rooney, MFT

Director of Counseling and Prevention Programs