Testimonials

Case Study #1

Client is a 50 something year old separated female who lives in a semi rural community on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Client has been in treatment with an out patient community mental health center for approximately 3 years. Client has a diagnosis of PTSD, Depression, marital conflict. The end of 2016 client felt safe to disclose the presence of 5 other personality parts that are well developed. Client felt safe, as well as the other parts to make themselves known to the therapist in an attempt to further heal client from the chronic complex sexual abuse experienced as a child beginning around he age 3. The first part that emerged was a 20 year old male who came to be as clients protector at around the age of 4 yeas old. At times different parts have emerged and taken over, the client has dissociated from being present and unaware of the actions of the other parts behaviors. This has cause significant problems in her life.

The I Am Board technology was brought into session to assist client in further identifying and normalizing those identity parts which are present. The client was tasked with using the tokens to create a visual image of each part on one side, and writing down the positive character traits of each part on the other side. Client has been able to use the tokens and the board to show visually how the parts interact, often take over depending on the activating event or situation.  This case is shared, meaning there are 2 therapist, myself and a male therapist. Case sharing is common at this agency as some clients have many needs. The tokens and the I AM board have been helpful in sharing her experiences with both therapists.

Since using the I Am Board, client reports she and her parts have been able to work together more collaboratively during stressful activating events; especially the protector part which is aggressive but whose job it is to protect and stand up for the core personality part. Client reports that since using the board, she is now able to recall events when she is not in control; when the protector part is in control as well as the ability to switch back in control at critical moments during the crisis or event. Client continue to reports that she is more aware and in collaboration with her parts; client has stated that if she can handle the protector part, work in collaboration with that part, she can definitely handle the other 4 parts.

"I am feeling so grateful for giving myself the gift of the I AM project retreat this weekend with David Gilks. When I think of the past days, I keep coming up with the word poignant: affecting or moving the emotions, because that describes wonderfully well what happened!   This past weekend brought many opportunities to reflect on my current state of satisfaction in 7 key areas of life: spirituality, wellness, career, family, finances, romance and charity/contribution, and provide tools to take home to continue to grow and bring all of these into closer alignment. 

All while gaining such clarity in what steps I need to take next to enjoy life even more. I can say beyond a doubt that I have a simple method to return to when feeling stuck in a past association to kick start my energy and get myself moving forward again onto the life I want to live – with little fanfare…in a shorter period of time and with more ease. It’s amazing how little time and effort it took to shift my contentedness gauge up in every area!   Thank you David for sharing your vision, staying with and growing it, and sharing all you are and have come to know (thus far)! I’m looking forward to writing a new chapter in my life story and ramping up my happiness vibration. Being on this journey with you is priceless."

S Wende

A Grateful Mother...

At the end of his school year, my son asked me if I’d go to his locker with him to get his stuff. I asked him why wouldn’t he just go himself, and he replied, “I haven’t been to my locker in months”. He had been hiding in the library and washrooms for months after having fights with a peer that had been organized by his other peers.

I felt all my options had already been exhausted. My son had been beat up in front of his peers, twice. He had been interested in and cared for a young lady but had not developed the skills to use to approach her, as he was contending with undiagnosed ADHD and Social Anxiety. He ended up getting charged with harassment and kicked out of school. This was confusing and devastating for him. His intentions were always good. He seethed with self hatred. 

My faith in the systems of support for at risk youth had been depleted. I shared this disappointment with a friend, and she shared with me the name of a resource she highly recommends. I was familiar with David Gilk’s name and reputation, and felt excited to reach out to someone whose values and beliefs lined up with my own when it comes to connecting with youth at risk. David provided genuine support and rapport with my son and almost instantly established a trusting relationship with Sam. David was a role model for my son, he mirrored him back in a way he wanted to be seen. David activated and engaged his beliefs and values, his strengths, and interests. With David’s support, my son slowly began to re integrate into our family system and discover a sense of belonging. 

My son had spent years in the darkness of his room and mind. His defenses had built a fortress around himself, a force field against the world. He wasn’t coming out of it or letting anyone in until he met David. David’s approach allowed my son to access his courage and slowly take the bricks out of his protective wall, brick by brick. 

Within his fortress he was using drugs to help him feel different then his usual self hatred. This provided him with another disappointment in himself because this strategy never provided him with refuge from his self hatred… only fueled it.

David reach my son by informing him that he works a young man and father, but not with an addict, in essence, calling my sons true character forward. 

With David’s support, my son committed himself to being a dad. This self-concept and belief provided him with the willpower for positive change. His new role as dad provided him with the gumption to be courageous and move forward with becoming the best he can be, because he has a precious little one to love and support.

David was the key that unlocked the love for himself that he held hostage. With David’s support, my son is back. The greatest gift for a mom.

M. Krall