The following testimonials are from participants in "Women's Wellness Programmes" with a 'Freedom from dieting' theme led by Dr Caroline Horwath:

"The Programme has given me a new lease on my life. My self-esteem has grown and I have learned to value myself as I am. The skills I have learned are now daily routines. I actually want to exercise and have done pilates since I started the programme. The focus away from the 'd' word ('diet') has been like a revelation. I actually enjoy my food again - it's no longer my enemy or something that I constantly battle with. One of the most wonderful aspects of the programme for me, is the support from not only the facilitator but each of the amazing participants. They have all become soul-mates and friends - the fellowship has been unbelievable. Caroline is amazing - as a facilitator she has provided an amazing network of support and information - at a level that each of us can understand. So 'thank you' seems not enough for someone who has truly changed my life for the better. It should be a big THANK YOU"

Donna D, Office Administrator, Dunedin


"Since taking part in the programme, I am fitter, healthier and happier. I walk most mornings, and I've recently completed a 15.5km walk in the Papatowai Challenge, something I would never have attempted, let alone finished, before I started the programme. I must admit that the programme does take quite a lot of time and commitment, and I know I would see even more improvements if I committed more time to it. The facilitator is excellent, non-judgemental and caring. The participants are all different - different shapes, ages, backgrounds and motivations, but we all respect and support eachother. I look forward to each session. I eat reasonably sensibly, but I certainly don't feel guilty about what I eat anymore. I'm enjoying life more than I was previously."

Stella, Small business owner, Dunedin


"This is a wonderful programme. Caroline has gently guided us, introducing many tools for us to use. Gradually I am gaining confidence, feeling good, no longer needing to 'diet' or 'weigh in'.

Joy, Dunedin.


"As one form of independent programme evaluation in 2005, I gathered feedback from discussions with groups of women who'd recently completed a 10-week (Freedom from Dieting) programme with Dr Caroline Horwath. I felt very privileged to be a part of this process, hearing of the women's successes, increased motivation and zest for life. The programme offers many unique positive qualities, and each participant reported an enhanced sense of self-esteem and self-worth, a deeper self-understanding, feeling stronger within herself and more assertive. Women also reported many very real physical benefits such as sleeping better, lowered blood pressure, less headaches, and improved general wellbeing; as well as enhanced motivation in all areas of life. Caroline was highly regarded by all. Her caring, sensitive, empathic manner created an extremely supportive environment that allowed everyone to feel valued, safe and part of the group. Participants experienced the programme as being well researched and constructed, at all times allowing for freedom of choice and autonomy. Caroline presented all the material in a manner that was easily understood, skillfully guiding each participant through the empowering process."

Debbie Walsh
Child & Family Therapist, Dunedin, 2005

"Women's Wellness has helped me feel much better about myself. It has also given me strategies to deal with situations that don't include eating. I'm enjoying my food much more, I am gradually losing weight, and feeling much better and healthier."

Melanie M, Gym Instructor, Dunedin


"This programme is the most helpful thing I think I have ever done to help myself - or to be helped. It has helped me to achieve many of the goals I had at the outset - mainly based on developing motivation to make changes to my lifestyle. While recognising changes would be beneficial, I was unable to summon the will or the energy to make the changes. This programme has energised me and I have made changes - some very dramatic. I feel different - not only mentally but physically. I still feel that there are some things that I cannot deal with but these are few and far between and are external circumstances which probably are genuinely out of my control. I have developed strength and resources to tackle some of the difficult things (and difficult people) in my life.
This is not purely a subjective view - others have commented. Some do not like it but these are the people who relied on having a person who would agree to everything. The people who matter and the people who care see only good things resulting from the changes which have occurred.
The programme is challenging, although initially it seemed easy. I found a sudden burst of energy, self esteem, motivation etc happened about week 7-8, things fell into place - not a flash of light or "road to Damascus" - but things just happened. I suddenly "got it together"."

Programme participant, Dunedin, 2005


"WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE !!!
Women from all walks of life and differing experiences gathering together to expand their world to include a whole new concept revolving around their wellbeing.
NO MORE DIETING - was the message !
Listen to your body, trust that you know what you need, make time for yourself to understand your needs and be willing to take on the responsibility for your own wellbeing - whatever you might choose it to be…
Most important of all is supporting one another to be all that we can be !!
Thank you Caroline it's been great !"

S.H. Dunedin, 2005

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Caroline Horwath for the opportunity to be part of the programme. She was an inspiration to me, and I felt she truly cared about the many problems we discussed. Feeling good about myself was something hard for me to comprehend, but since being part of the programme I have improved my outlook on myself. Never thought I would ever have taken part in yoga classes, but I did and enjoyed it very much. The CDs for meditation helped me to relax, and I especially enjoyed using the visualization. Jin Shin Jyutsu is also something I thought I never would do, but I did and still do. This helps energize my body, and also helps energize my mind. One other important thing I did learn was not to weigh myself. I felt as though a great burden had been lifted from my life (excuse the pun!). Don't get me wrong - it wasn't easy as my life had been ruled by diets and weighing for almost 30 years. It was a challenge taking charge of my decisions and not blaming outcomes on scales or 'the diet'. I am sure the programme will help lots of yoyo dieters like myself gain back their self-worth. One dieting group says "our door is always open" - of course it is because you lose, gain, lose, gain weight etc….! But with this programme, you can learn to make all the decisions yourself, and gain strength in doing so. Thank you again to everyone involved".

Programme participant, 2005


"I think this is the most amazing programme I have been on and really appreciate being able to take part in it. It has been a great help to me - particularly with my self-esteem and helping me feel better about myself."

Programme participant, 2005


"Thank you for the opportunity to participate in a life-changing experience!
The support gained from Caroline and the group play a huge part in maintaining attitudes and habits which are still developing. Others can see the changes in me so clearly and their perspective is a great boost to one's morale, motivation, sense of achievement.
I think this programme puts food and weight into perspective. Personally, I don't think about food as much, I don't read recipe books (a favourite pastime of overweight people) any longer. This programme is a reality check - food and weight are not the central pivots around which life revolves. There is so much more to do and enjoy. I have run out of time to do them all, whereas I used to have so much time doing nothing that I was constantly bored - and eating!"

Programme participant, 2005


"I would highly recommend the programme to anyone who is looking to improve their lifestyle, as it has done for me. I have been given the tools to learn how to meditate, change my eating habits, and know that I never have to 'diet' again. I have become far more active, regularly attending the gym. I am taking tai chi classes twice weekly, and I am sure I would not have done these physical activities were it not for the Programme."

Maggie, Dunedin, 2005


"I was introduced to the programme by my friend who asked me to come along with her. I thought it was just to do with losing weight. Well, I found out it is so much more than that! Along with my weight problem, I also suffer from agoraphobia. The programme has taught me to relax, meditate and to think well of myself. And I am learning to cope with my agoraphobia. The fun we have at the programme has helped me to talk out in front of other people. The help and guidance I get from Caroline is so positive. She is a great leader, and they are a great group of girls."

J.M. Dunedin, 2005.