Testimonials
Serious about Silly Participant
“The program gave me awareness of my too-serious patterns and I learned tactics for engaging in “silliness” in my life. The program was always at the end of a long day and sometimes I was in a bad mood beforehand, but I always felt better afterwards. There were many aspects of this that I have journaled about so that I can continue to work on and bring into my life. More people need to do this!”
“The program gave me awareness of my too-serious patterns and I learned tactics for engaging in “silliness” in my life. The program was always at the end of a long day and sometimes I was in a bad mood beforehand, but I always felt better afterwards. There were many aspects of this that I have journaled about so that I can continue to work on and bring into my life. More people need to do this!”
Orly Einhorn
Student, USA
Serious about Silly Participant
“The program gave me some silly skills, deep friendships, and a shift in my perspective on situations so that silly-mode can be a different mode of being, and one that I need to continue practicing. I enjoyed the way that I was able to re-frame my “weird” as silly in my life. I hope to continue to bring my “serious about silly” participation into my sense of self. The need for silly doesn’t only need to be for problems or burdens but can just be to help one let go in their life”
“The program gave me some silly skills, deep friendships, and a shift in my perspective on situations so that silly-mode can be a different mode of being, and one that I need to continue practicing. I enjoyed the way that I was able to re-frame my “weird” as silly in my life. I hope to continue to bring my “serious about silly” participation into my sense of self. The need for silly doesn’t only need to be for problems or burdens but can just be to help one let go in their life”
Ryan Galer
Educator/teacher, USA
Serious about Silly Participant
“I gained a new perspective on how to deal with my self-criticism and see thing about myself in a lighter and less serious way. I’ve noticed that I am a lot lighter with myself when I “mess up” and now see my “mess ups” as not that bad. I hope to maintain this going forward”
“I gained a new perspective on how to deal with my self-criticism and see thing about myself in a lighter and less serious way. I’ve noticed that I am a lot lighter with myself when I “mess up” and now see my “mess ups” as not that bad. I hope to maintain this going forward”
Matthew Frankel
Engineer, USA
The Witness Institute Collaborator
“Yaela has a magical bag of endless stories, journeys, and life that is powerful and unique. Being in the power and energy of your presence- an aura that transcends the bounds of Zoom, is energizing to the soul”
“Yaela has a magical bag of endless stories, journeys, and life that is powerful and unique. Being in the power and energy of your presence- an aura that transcends the bounds of Zoom, is energizing to the soul”
Christyna Raegan
Educator, USA
The Witness Institute Collaborator
“Yaela is a jewel. I LOVE how hard she works to process all the inputs. She is brave and full of colour and uses her brilliant instincts to connect with people”
“Yaela is a jewel. I LOVE how hard she works to process all the inputs. She is brave and full of colour and uses her brilliant instincts to connect with people”
Shaunta Scroggins
Adult Leadership Educator, USA
The Witness Institute Collaborator
“Yaela is the light of the stars on earth! Her eyes and spirit literally dance and sparkle. She uses humour, art, theatre to reflect hard questions to the observer/ and world. She is piercingly curious. When she looks at your eyes, she sees your soul”
“Yaela is the light of the stars on earth! Her eyes and spirit literally dance and sparkle. She uses humour, art, theatre to reflect hard questions to the observer/ and world. She is piercingly curious. When she looks at your eyes, she sees your soul”
Laura Holford
Nurse and Wellbeing Specialist, USA
Teacher-Trainer Student
“I feel beyond privileged to be training with Yaela , she is not just a teacher, but a believer. She is someone that has had tremendous faith in me, enabling me to believe in myself and reach and achieve my goals, not just in the work framework, but in life. Yaela is the most dedicated and patient teacher who teaches with love and compassion. She has so much passion and insight that each lesson for me has been a journey of a lifetime! Her skills and techniques have truly advanced my level of acting, improvisation , public speaking skills , vocal and physical skills, ability to think outside the box and writing skills (just to mention a few , the list is endless). I feel that I have won the Jackpot with Yaela as my teacher ! She is truly magical, and one of a kind! Yaela inspires hope , she ignites the imagination all while instilling a love of learning.”
“I feel beyond privileged to be training with Yaela , she is not just a teacher, but a believer. She is someone that has had tremendous faith in me, enabling me to believe in myself and reach and achieve my goals, not just in the work framework, but in life. Yaela is the most dedicated and patient teacher who teaches with love and compassion. She has so much passion and insight that each lesson for me has been a journey of a lifetime! Her skills and techniques have truly advanced my level of acting, improvisation , public speaking skills , vocal and physical skills, ability to think outside the box and writing skills (just to mention a few , the list is endless). I feel that I have won the Jackpot with Yaela as my teacher ! She is truly magical, and one of a kind! Yaela inspires hope , she ignites the imagination all while instilling a love of learning.”
Yakira Farber
Educator, South Africa
The Lighter Life Participant
"I first met Yaela while travelling around Mexico in January 2023 and we have been working together ever since. Yaela’s kindness, patience and honesty knows no bounds and her commitment and drive to help others is admirable. I'm super proud to be working with her and receiving her guidance."
"I first met Yaela while travelling around Mexico in January 2023 and we have been working together ever since. Yaela’s kindness, patience and honesty knows no bounds and her commitment and drive to help others is admirable. I'm super proud to be working with her and receiving her guidance."
Tom Kelley
Engineer, UK
Host of Serious about Silly Program
“I have seen Yaela facilitate difficult conversations with sensitivity and grace. In her work, she is is very equipped at making space for multiple views and keeping conversations bound by respectful rules of conduct while making everyone feel their voice has been heard. Yaela’s emotional intelligence is excellent and she has a joyful energy, humility and curiosity that makes her a pleasure to work with. She is a lover of people and life. Throughout her global work experience she demonstrates commitment, determination and a love for what she does”
“I have seen Yaela facilitate difficult conversations with sensitivity and grace. In her work, she is is very equipped at making space for multiple views and keeping conversations bound by respectful rules of conduct while making everyone feel their voice has been heard. Yaela’s emotional intelligence is excellent and she has a joyful energy, humility and curiosity that makes her a pleasure to work with. She is a lover of people and life. Throughout her global work experience she demonstrates commitment, determination and a love for what she does”
Carmella Rose
Educator, Pardes Institute, Israel
Supervisee
"It was a big pleasure working with Yaela. She welcomed me to my first job as a therapist, and I was very honoured to be supervised by her. She is professional, has lots of knowledge and she is a person to get advice from. She is creative, honest and knows how to guide in such a pleasant way. I learnt so much from the way she observes clients, with empathy and thoughtful thinking. I learnt lots of tools of using drama and arts to progress therapy and personal processes. I was blessed to enjoy an eye level professional relationship and also friendship."
"It was a big pleasure working with Yaela. She welcomed me to my first job as a therapist, and I was very honoured to be supervised by her. She is professional, has lots of knowledge and she is a person to get advice from. She is creative, honest and knows how to guide in such a pleasant way. I learnt so much from the way she observes clients, with empathy and thoughtful thinking. I learnt lots of tools of using drama and arts to progress therapy and personal processes. I was blessed to enjoy an eye level professional relationship and also friendship."
Rachel Ido
Social Worker, UK
Training Student
“I am deeply grateful to have participated in a post-graduate training module at the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa) presented by Yaela. Grateful for this trainer’s careful listening, intuitive response to our needs, practical information; whilst simultaneously retaining a mindful presence and creative engagement. I felt completely safe in her hands: mind, body and spirit. Who Yaela is as a person brings a congruence which is infinitely approachable and accepting. At the same time there is a real sense of professionalism and good old common sense. I feel lucky to have trained under her thoughtful insight.”
“I am deeply grateful to have participated in a post-graduate training module at the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa) presented by Yaela. Grateful for this trainer’s careful listening, intuitive response to our needs, practical information; whilst simultaneously retaining a mindful presence and creative engagement. I felt completely safe in her hands: mind, body and spirit. Who Yaela is as a person brings a congruence which is infinitely approachable and accepting. At the same time there is a real sense of professionalism and good old common sense. I feel lucky to have trained under her thoughtful insight.”
Margaret Pankhurst
Drama Therapist and Actress, South Africa
Training Student
“Throughout the time of working together Yaela has presented an innate ability to identify, hone into, and mold the strengths of each participant. She approaches her work with utmost professionalism and discretion. Her inviting demeanor allowed for me to approach her with any and all, forms of questions, worries, insecurities and sometimes just to have a shoulder to lean (cry) on. Yaela took me by the hand and guided me through my first steps of becoming a drama therapist. Without her constant support, her willingness to go the extra mile, and her ability to engage on a personal and professional level, I would not have grown into my full potential as a “becoming drama therapist.”
“Throughout the time of working together Yaela has presented an innate ability to identify, hone into, and mold the strengths of each participant. She approaches her work with utmost professionalism and discretion. Her inviting demeanor allowed for me to approach her with any and all, forms of questions, worries, insecurities and sometimes just to have a shoulder to lean (cry) on. Yaela took me by the hand and guided me through my first steps of becoming a drama therapist. Without her constant support, her willingness to go the extra mile, and her ability to engage on a personal and professional level, I would not have grown into my full potential as a “becoming drama therapist.”
Karel Weber
Drama Therapist, UK
Intern Student
“I was lucky enough to receive supervision sessions from Yaela for about a year while I was completing my drama therapy training, and I cannot begin to explain my immense gratitude to Yaela for the care, guidance and soul with which she guided and helped mould and shape my practice. Each session left me with such rich insights and perspectives, but almost most importantly left me feeling inspired, enriched and deeply connected with my work and mission as a therapist. Her playful, inquisitive, affirming yet gentling challenging and nudging approach hugely benefited me. Her masterful use of creative techniques in our supervision sessions took the work to a whole new level. In a nutshell, Yaela is magical. I can confidently recommend working with Yaela to anyone who gets the opportunity to do so.”
“I was lucky enough to receive supervision sessions from Yaela for about a year while I was completing my drama therapy training, and I cannot begin to explain my immense gratitude to Yaela for the care, guidance and soul with which she guided and helped mould and shape my practice. Each session left me with such rich insights and perspectives, but almost most importantly left me feeling inspired, enriched and deeply connected with my work and mission as a therapist. Her playful, inquisitive, affirming yet gentling challenging and nudging approach hugely benefited me. Her masterful use of creative techniques in our supervision sessions took the work to a whole new level. In a nutshell, Yaela is magical. I can confidently recommend working with Yaela to anyone who gets the opportunity to do so.”
Mirella Bradshaw
Drama Therapist, South Africa
“Thank you so very much for the wonderful, exciting, fun-filled and special journey you have shared with
Victoria for the past 14 months in South Africa, Johannesburg. Coming to your sessions was one of the
highlights of Victoria's week and she thoroughly enjoyed "escaping" into a different, colourful and
fascinating world filled with imagination, role-play, music, adventure and creativity.
Not only did her speech and language improve, but so too did her problem-solving, public speaking,
interview and goal setting skills. Yaela caringly and gently guided Victoria on a journey to discover more
of her strengths and weaknesses as a young lady with Down Syndrome, how to embrace them, work
with them and love herself more.
Victoria's confidence has soared and the sparkle in her eyes has brightened!”
Lauren Winiecki
Manager of Down-Syndrome Icon and model Victoria Pestana Giuricich, South Africa
The Lighter Life Participant
“Working with Yaela is meeting humility, generosity and determination, strength, acceptance, sweetness, honesty, teachings, smile, value, understanding, kindness….All the good has rooted in my heart and soul, all the good that she is has forever made me someone more.”
“Working with Yaela is meeting humility, generosity and determination, strength, acceptance, sweetness, honesty, teachings, smile, value, understanding, kindness….All the good has rooted in my heart and soul, all the good that she is has forever made me someone more.”
Shelley Brown
Audiologist, South Africa
The Lighter Life Participant
“Everything about Yaela is magic, she is a healer, a wonderful teacher, and a beautiful spirit”
“Everything about Yaela is magic, she is a healer, a wonderful teacher, and a beautiful spirit”
Jane Rosen
Marketing Specialist, South Africa
The Lighter Life Participant
“The difference that I started seeing after working with Yaela was remarkable. The techniques that Yaela uses are remarkable and really help us to understand ourselves and our relationships. Yaela was always willing to listen and give advice, she is a truly remarkable, caring person. I promise you, if you are lucky enough to have Yaela work with you, you only have the best!”
“The difference that I started seeing after working with Yaela was remarkable. The techniques that Yaela uses are remarkable and really help us to understand ourselves and our relationships. Yaela was always willing to listen and give advice, she is a truly remarkable, caring person. I promise you, if you are lucky enough to have Yaela work with you, you only have the best!”
Nadine Levy
PR Consultant, South Africa
The Lighter Life Participant
“I can’t describe the journey that you have led me on over the last two years. It’s more of a feeling, that fills me up right up to my throat and overwhelms me completely. But at this point, I can acknowledge that it is a positive feeling, and to go with this feeling. I have finally figured what my voice is for - I can use it to show people what they mean to me. I can only say thank you, thank you, thank you. You are truly a fantabulous therapist and friend”
“I can’t describe the journey that you have led me on over the last two years. It’s more of a feeling, that fills me up right up to my throat and overwhelms me completely. But at this point, I can acknowledge that it is a positive feeling, and to go with this feeling. I have finally figured what my voice is for - I can use it to show people what they mean to me. I can only say thank you, thank you, thank you. You are truly a fantabulous therapist and friend”
Sarie Curtis
Attorney, UK
The Lighter Life Participant
“Yaela, I would really like to thank you, every day for 40 days even if for just a second, I visualised my future, one that I never could have fathomed just a few months ago but slowly, really, really slowly, I am seeing it may be possible that I will get that. My relationship with myself is stronger than ever and the immediate reflection it has on my relationship with others never fails to blow my mind. Thank you for supporting and guiding me through my journey.”
“Yaela, I would really like to thank you, every day for 40 days even if for just a second, I visualised my future, one that I never could have fathomed just a few months ago but slowly, really, really slowly, I am seeing it may be possible that I will get that. My relationship with myself is stronger than ever and the immediate reflection it has on my relationship with others never fails to blow my mind. Thank you for supporting and guiding me through my journey.”
Shifra
Artist/ Healer, UK
The Lighter Life Participant
“One of the biggest things I learned (in my work with Yaela) is how to stand up for myself. I am extremely grateful for this intervention which we left smiling, happy and relaxed. Yaela is extremely warm, friendly, and extremely caring. I would highly recommend her and her therapy modality to anyone who needs therapy in a warm, safe, and caring environment”
“One of the biggest things I learned (in my work with Yaela) is how to stand up for myself. I am extremely grateful for this intervention which we left smiling, happy and relaxed. Yaela is extremely warm, friendly, and extremely caring. I would highly recommend her and her therapy modality to anyone who needs therapy in a warm, safe, and caring environment”
Rochie and Caron Brill
Student and Artist, South Africa
Teacher-trainer Student
“When I think of Yaela, I dont just think "teacher," I think mentor, guide, aid, director, role model, inspiration, motivator, believer and friend. I think of all the incredible amount of effort she puts into things and the time and love she devotes to her students. I think of all the times that we have shared, the countless lessons I have learned and skills I have gained. When I think of Yaela, I think of who I have become and how I am who I am because she believed in me. I think of just how much my life has changed since meeting her and how I don't know where I would be if not for her. I love learning, I love growing, I love teaching, and this is because of the unbelievable facilitator who has stood by my side and continues to do so even though now we are miles apart. When I think of Yaela, I don’t just think she is a phenomenal mentor, without a doubt, I know she is. For the time that I have known Yaela, nothing she has ever done has ceased to amaze me. I am constantly in awe of how much passion, love, and devotion she has to becoming a better person, to changing the world around her, to making an impact, a difference, to the close and greater communities. Yaela is a multifaceted individual, she is growth and goal oriented in a balanced and well-rounded way. She gives her all to everything that she touches and in turn, it turns to gold. She is insightful, impactful, she has a strong sense of self and self-awareness and is constantly striving to make a difference. Working with Yaela is a true gift!”
“When I think of Yaela, I dont just think "teacher," I think mentor, guide, aid, director, role model, inspiration, motivator, believer and friend. I think of all the incredible amount of effort she puts into things and the time and love she devotes to her students. I think of all the times that we have shared, the countless lessons I have learned and skills I have gained. When I think of Yaela, I think of who I have become and how I am who I am because she believed in me. I think of just how much my life has changed since meeting her and how I don't know where I would be if not for her. I love learning, I love growing, I love teaching, and this is because of the unbelievable facilitator who has stood by my side and continues to do so even though now we are miles apart. When I think of Yaela, I don’t just think she is a phenomenal mentor, without a doubt, I know she is. For the time that I have known Yaela, nothing she has ever done has ceased to amaze me. I am constantly in awe of how much passion, love, and devotion she has to becoming a better person, to changing the world around her, to making an impact, a difference, to the close and greater communities. Yaela is a multifaceted individual, she is growth and goal oriented in a balanced and well-rounded way. She gives her all to everything that she touches and in turn, it turns to gold. She is insightful, impactful, she has a strong sense of self and self-awareness and is constantly striving to make a difference. Working with Yaela is a true gift!”
Shira Bloch
Educator, South Africa