Michigan
Michigan Seminar Testimonials
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“The seminar was not only helpful but made good sense.” – Virginia Bessinger, Social Worker, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“I attended this seminar as a parent and as a psychologist. I found the method interesting and look forward to applying it at home and work. Thanks!” – Pamela Savoy Weaver, Psychologist, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“This was an excellent seminar and I am appreciative of the valuable information I received. I learned some wonderful techniques to use in therapy with clients – children, adolescents, adults and families. Also will use in personal life. Wonderful course workbook. I really enjoyed not taking as many notes as I usually do at seminars. Izzy Kalman is a great presenter and I am thankful that I attended and will incorporate his wisdom in all that I do.” – Faye Hoffman, Counselor, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“The presenter was casual and professional. His knowledge and expertise was given as theory and in practical form. I really enjoyed this seminar.” – Denise Mansour, Psychologist, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Excellent speaker – very energetic and enthusiastic. I learned a great deal about human behavior, particularly the importance of humor.” – Maryanne Cavanagh, Social Worker/Case Manager, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Wow! This philosophy of anger and anger management makes the most sense. Good seminar. Entertaining as well as informative! I can use what I learned today at my job and in my home.” - Suzanne Desilets, Social Worker, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Very instructive and helpful. The techniques can be utilized in therapy for all ages and situations. Also, a new technique, for once!” – Donna Cangemi, Social Worker, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Izzy Kalman is an energetic, charismatic presenter. Enjoyed all the material presented and his style.” – Laurice Strausser, Psychologist, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Great seminar, speaker, excellent resources provided. Can’t wait to practice and apply!!” – Susan Husken, Counselor, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Very informative, entertaining speaker – enjoyed and appreciated very much self-disclosure.” – Miriam Seagle, Social Worker, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Presenter was wonderful! Presentation of information was clear, interesting – good change of pace to keep people’s attention.” – Tova Salinger, Social Worker, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“One of the most creative approaches to a chronically universal clinical problem that I have ever experienced! Role plays made the foundational learning very understandable. Resolution approaches to anger were relevant, easy to follow, and made sense for practical application across a variety of situations (personal and clinical).” – Sharon Campbell, Social Worker/Marriage and Family Therapist, Sterling Heights, Michigan (4.2.08)
“Izzy is an excellent presenter. He has unparalleled knowledge about anger. He leaves you excited and looking forward to using the anger control techniques at the next opportunity (i.e., when someone ‘makes you angry’). Five star rating. Two Thumbs up!” – Robert King, Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“Izzy’s fresh perspective is a wonderful tool for helping today’s client or student. I have been a supporter of the Bullies2Buddies concept for several years. I really enjoyed the presentation.” – Ann-Renee Cowert, Certified Prevention Specialist, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“The information presented was great and information that I knew yet didn’t use in my life. The information made me think more of how to apply to my own life. Sometimes when you hear the information out loud it makes more sense.” – Jennifer Ordway, Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“Excellent, interesting, informative, humorous.” – Kim Davis, Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“Izzy’s teaching styles keeps your attention with his fantastic use of humor! Thanks – I learned a lot and I’m looking forward to using these techniques in my personal life and with my clients.” – Beth Rubley, Youth Care Specialist Supervisor, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“I thought he was great. He kept your attention, and role play really makes you see how it can work. Most ties people just talk up there, but he shows how it works.” – Terry Jacobs, Educator, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“I enjoyed the role play scenarios! These are activities and strategies that can be used with my family, kids at school, coworkers, church members. I’m just excited that Izzy gave us something we could actually use!” – Cheldora Haynes, Educator, Saginaw, Michigan (4.1.08)
“Izzy’s presentation today sparked a much needed shift in thinking when dealing with the origins and ‘cures’ for managing anger.” – Charles Tolhurst, Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan (3.31.08)
“This was an excellent seminar. The presenter was highly skilled about this topic. He was well organized, very funny and kept my interest throughout the entire 6 hours.” – Cynthia Myers, Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan (3.31.08)
“I think Izzy and I must’ve grown up in the same neighborhood! I think the societal locus of control has moved far too far toward the ‘external.’ The epidemic of depression in younger people follows from their expectations that they have to be protected from everything negative.” – P.C., Psychologist/Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan (3.31.08)
“Simple, concrete breakdown of topic with continuity between understanding and application! Life and relationships basics made easy! Well done.” – Mark Recker, Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan (3.31.08)
“Wonderful topic. Very valuable information. Presented in an easy to understand manner. Loved the role playing demonstrations.” – Karin Baker, Psychologist, Grand Rapids, Michigan (3.31.08)
“I like your perspective re: schools’ approach to bullying needs to change. Also, we are creating ‘emotional marshmallows’. Children do need to learn problem solving skills and being ‘rescued’ only promotes learned helplessness and creates self-esteem issues. It is difficult to teach students these methods when parents constantly call the principal. Great job!” – Phyllis Copioli, Social Worker/Counselor/Educator/Case Manager, Detroit, Michigan (12.08.05)
“This is excellent information for all interactions! Excellent instructor – lots of useful information, especially the new skills of de-fusing and creating new openings for future interactions. Excellent examples and role-playing and manual/materials. Very specific new behaviors available, with many ideas new to most! Also, the beautifully simple reminder: ‘treat them like friends’. This was a life-changing experience! Very glad I came.” – Mary Myers, Social Worker/Educator, Detroit, Michigan (12.08.05)
“Practical skills and interventions to reduce bullying and empower victims to develop skills to prevent further victimization. Good at addressing both needs of victim and the bully.” – Holly Harris, CACI, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“Everything you went over makes so much sense. We are currently using Olweis and this makes me want to switch what we are doing. I like empowering the victim instead of telling on the bully. I wish I had attended this before we got Olweus involved.” – B.H., Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“I found your website and have been using many of your ideas to work with children in my school. I have found them to be very helpful and I am very happy I could come and hear you speak.” – V.T., Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“I really felt that this seminar was worthwhile. Most of the information is really just plain old common sense, and if we’d get back to using common sense, a lot of the problems we have in schools would be alleviated. I agree whole-heartedly that we need to stop thinking about “saving” the victim. Our children today are going to grow up to become adults who are not going to be able to solve their own problems, and continue the cycle of blaming others for their problems instead of taking ownership. What I’ve learned today can be applied to my classroom, my relationship with my husband, and to my two young children. Thank you! During the seminar, I could really see how I can be a bully with my husband when we’re arguing. Everything you’re not supposed to do – I do it. I am treating him as the enemy. I’d love to see more of how these ideas can be applied to marriage and family.” – Tonya Swartout, Educator, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“Excellent. The examples and strategies make perfect sense. I have seen children react in exactly the ways Izzy demonstrated. Now I will have the tools to teach them to own their feelings and turn around potentially volatile confrontations.” – Betsy Dillon, Educator/Activity Professional/Elementary PE Teacher, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“This presentation validated the way in which I have been addressing this problem. It was very helpful – it clarified how to teach the children to take back their power.” – Shelli Reiss, Psychologist, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“Entertaining presentation! Role plays were helpful! Came away from presentation with lots of useful strategies to use with students I work with.” – Kristine Lemarbe, Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“This seminar was great. I do many workshops in schools and bullying has been a main topic. This course only reinforces what I have been teaching kids. “Be non-reactive.” Your philosophy and teachings go hand in hand with yoga. I also teach kids and parents about being peaceful and finding a peaceful place in their homes and minds.” – Kim Featherston, Social Worker, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“The workshop was excellent! So many meaningful concepts were shared, it was superb! This information will totally change the way I work with kids and parents.” – Kimberly Vanooteghem, Counselor, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“Our district has adopted the Olweus Anti-Bullying program. Your information is very controversial and thought provoking. I generally agree with your ideas, but it contradicts what our District has adopted (and what our parents now expect). I will be interested in seeing how my team can integrate the ideas with our existing program. (I don’t see the District dropping Olweus at this time.)” – J.M., Counselor/Educator, Saginaw, Michigan (11.29.05)
“I really like the way Izzy helps me question my assumptions – it makes the seminar engaging. His use of role plays is very helpful for illustrating ideas but he would not have to continue doing the dysfunctional plays for all the situations role-played (and asking the same questions).” – Carol Ducat, Psychologist, Lansing, Michigan (11.30.05)
“This makes sense! The presentation and materials are very helpful” – Mary Beth Kennedy, Counselor/Educator, Lansing, Michigan (11.30.05)
“A wonderful seminar providing tools I can use in the classroom and in mediation. The role playing put the tools in my hands, made them more real and useable. I plan on sharing this information with teachers and staff at my school. I will refer this seminar to others.” – Sheri Moore, Educator, Lansing, Michigan (11.30.05)
“Izzy’s material is so logical and makes so much sense. I can’t wait to try it.” – Diane Wemlinger, Counselor, Lansing, Michigan (11.30.05)
“Great workshop! Thank you! Great info to use immediately.” – Kelly Allen, Social Worker, Lansing, Michigan (11.30.05)
“Very entertaining and thought-provoking!” – Leslie Love, Psychologist, Lansing, Michigan (11.30.05)
“I really appreciated the role-playing. This was a great way to apply your teachings to my everyday work with children. Very realistic examples. Didn’t make me feel as if he was “above me” but truly had a genuine desire to help me learn how to make bullies into buddies. Thank you.” – Susanne Ankney, Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan, (12.01.05)
“Creating understanding of morality as foundation for examining and responding to ‘bullying’ was very helpful and has ramifications for understanding what is and isn’t happening in political culture.” – Jeremy LaDronka, Educational Administrator, Grand Rapids, Michigan, (12.01.05)
“I really enjoyed this conference and I’m eager to begin sharing this information with my clients and co-workers. I like the emphasis on time-honored wisdom principles (‘the Golden Rule’) and the necessary counter-balance to the trend of ‘zero-tolerance’ attitudes and setting unrealistic expectations for kids to always get along without conflict.” – David Blakeslee, Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan, (12.01.05)
“Logical and common sense approach to solving the problem of being a victim. Role plays were very helpful.” – Mary Crouse, Psychologist, Grand Rapids, Michigan, (12.01.05)
“Refreshing – Good balance of theory and practical application. Excellent.” – Terry Lodico, Therapist, Midland, Michigan (12.15.04)
“Izzy has a great command not only of anger, but of humor, pacing, compassion, and how to keep his audience connected, entertained, and enlightened. This seminar was a celebration of knowledge, skill, and humanity.” – Dr. James H. Kaye, Psychologist, Grand Rapids, Michigan (12.13.04)
“Hilarious, humane, unusual. Excellent intonation. Useful for groups, psycho-drama.” – Mary Brogan-Sizemore, Psychiatric Social Worker, Grand Rapids, Michigan (12.13.04)
“I think what Izzy taught was my inner instinct beliefs all along, however, I’ve fallen into typical pattern of conforming to social standards used today. Will be helpful for my children and my job with MI adults. Excellent presentation. I loved the song.” – Della Wilson, Director, Unlimited Alternatives, Grand Rapids, Michigan (12.13.04)
“I thoroughly enjoyed this seminar. I believe that I will be able to use this at work and with my fiancé.” – Dan Burnham, Counselor, East Lansing, Michigan (12.14.04)
“I thoroughly enjoyed this seminar. I plan to try the techniques in the school system I work in, especially regarding bullying.” – Melodie Burgess, Social Worker, East Lansing, Michigan (12.14.04)
“Nicely presented. Engaging speaker. Info easy to understand and moved at a pace that held my attention. Time well spent.” – Lavina Miller, Mental Health Therapist, Lansing, Michigan (12.14.04)
“I got the ‘10 Bully Prevention Lessons’ off the Internet one year ago and have been using it. I have seen dramatic changes in my EI kids at school.” – Darrell Moilinen, School Social Worker, Lansing, Michigan (12.14.04)
“The information has made clear the things I see in the classroom on a regular basis. I can see more clearly students’ problems. Great program.” – Ann M. Anton, Teacher, Lansing, Michigan (12.14.04)
“The role-plays added depth to the topic. I look forward to using the game at home and at work!” – Patricia Doyle, Psychologist, Midland, Michigan (12.15.04)
“Even though I may not agree with all of the content, this made me reevaluate the way I think about my approach to anger. Excellent presentation.”- David Blomquist, Behavior Analyst, Midland, Michigan (12.15.04)
“This seminar was a breath of fresh air. It was excellent in content, theory, and execution.” – Ed Langham, Clinical Social Worker, Midland, Michigan (12.15.04)
“Izzy is a dynamic speaker. He presents his materials in a way that kept his audience’s attention. It seems a viable option for common problems.” – Heather Friebe, Clinical Specialist, Midland, Michigan (12.15.04)
