Testimonials
Ariana Salvo
“I participated in Karen's first Courageous Writer's Academy a little over two years ago with the goal of learning some practical somatic techniques that would help me to improve my focus in my writing practice and gain greater skill with editing my own writing. I took the toolbox that she helped us to build in and have been pulling resources from it when I need to calm/balance my nervous system and regain focus. The lessons that Karen shared with me about editing my own writing will also be invaluable to successfully progressing through the many drafts that lie between where I stand now and getting my novel published. I am grateful to know Karen and to be a member of the community of courageous writers she nurtures every day through her work. If you are considering joining her academy, I highly recommend you take the plunge. Your future self will thank you.”
Mollie Coles Tonn
“The retreat in the olive grove is like being in fable you can feel with your whole body. The land is so present and storied, you cannot help but feel the same. Karen nurtures this horizon line of earth-feel and flourishing imagination so well and provides both structure and wild instinct for the essential work and play of your creative process. The olive tree companions, the secret chapels of lit candles, the sea's swell always within eyesight-all of it supports the inner work and the words wanting out. Plus: gorgeous locally sourced and made food (with its own lore), dancing as necessary, and the camaraderie of others seeking immersion and permissions to be and to make as they are. It's a rare trip. I recommend jumping on it.”
Somae Osler
“On the island, there were six of us participants. We were/are all in major transitions or turning points in our lives. Too, we were also from vastly different backgrounds. Each day, Karen led us in gentle, deceptively simple exercises in self hypnosis and eye-to-brain self-connection work (the eye work was simply extraordinary, like nothing I’ve ever experienced. This is part of her work as a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist.) I count my time on retreat with Karen as a pivotal part of my healing and creative journey.“
Judy Derckson
“In the Olive Grove, we work with our creativity--and dis-ease. Exploring. Poking. Prodding. Even playing. Integrating the hurts and harms until they become part of the past, histories that can safely be carried. My anxiety lessens as I feel acceptance. The urge to share everything bouncing around in my hyperactive brain lessens. I’ve never experienced such unconditional love. Such acceptance of me exactly as I am.”
Doley Henderson
Kaz introduced us to the most extraordinary place, practices, and practical magic in the family grove on Lesvos. I’d never been to Greece before, had always dreamed of going, and it was the ultimate experience of that ancient and olive-tree-filled world. I adopted my own olive tree, lounged and wrote every day in a hammock, and swam to my heart’s content.
I went two retreats in one year, one for creative rejuvenation (I needed it!) and one for writing craft. The Olive Grove she let us ‘live in’ is one of the most beautiful, safe and unique places I’ve ever been in my life. My healing and my writing practice both accelerated . . . Thank you, Kaz!