Here are some testimonials about my courses and retreats
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In his trademark style of clear, concise and fuss-free communication, Ernest structures and facilitates the course very well. In a unique blend of stripping things down to the bare essentials and simultaneously holding the space for honest vulnerability, the course truly offers clarity in a noisy world, and with a big heart.
Teresia Björnberg, Switzerland Honestly, as an experienced facilitator I was doubting whether this course could bring me more than I already 'knew', but I am pleasantly surprised! Ernest and this course have given me new insights in my skills and challenges. They provided me with some very good tools. And mostly, they allowed me to trust myself and my facilitation skills much more, and to feel free to use them. I definitely recommend this course to anyone!
Marijke Tops, The Netherlands Have heard about Byron Katie’s The Work, but never really saw the potential until I did the Fundamentals Course with Ernest. Today I have a clear understanding of how to do The Work and benefit from going through the inquiry process. Ernest has a special gift of teaching how to do The Work, and I look forward to continuing my journey with Ernest to end my pain and suffering.
Tamer El-Masri, Canada This course palpably deepened my level of trust in myself, the client, and in The Work. Through these 5 weeks of exploring ways I've held myself back in facilitation, I've noticed a new level of freedom to show up fully. Even a long-time client seemed to notice a difference, offering "that was the best session ever!" I really recommend this course with Ernest for being a facilitator (vs. doing facilitation).
Jimmy Lundeen, Brazil Somewhere on his website, Ernest states that The Work could be life-changing. After having participated in this course, I really feel that this could very well be a true story! Supplemented by his excellent podcasts, the course has given me a perfect introduction to the principles of doing The Work, a want to continue doing it on my own and a feeling that this philosophy could very well change my existence for the better.
Rebekka Johanne Knudsen, Denmark Ernest Holm Svendsen's "Fundamentals of Inquiry" course gave me many insights on practical aspects of The Work and the theory behind it. While I had read "Loving What Is" before taking the course, I now feel equipped to effectively do The Work.
Greg Thompson, UK I'd recommend this course to anyone who'd like a solid foundation on the fundamentals of enquiry. I did it as a refresher and also took the opportunity to read Ernest's book between sessions. The live sessions with Ernest and participants, and the practical homework sessions with different partners made the course fun and insightful!
Pedro da Silva, Spain Ernest is a great facilitator for learning and applying the teachings of Byron Katie's 'Loving What Is'.
His teaching method is relaxed yet professional and he has a deep understanding and systematized method of teaching the necessary information for us to apply it to our own life. I have read several of Byron Katie's books however Ernest's deep understanding of Byron's teachings helped me apply her teachings in a more effective way than I had achieved on my own. Without hesitation I recommend this course. Ernest is the perfect man for this job. Anton Hooton, Australia Ernest has a solid experience with the Work. I felt secure with him during the group's sessions. He is open-minded, attentive and very pedagogical. I liked the fact that all questions were welcome. It was precious to hear our questions, doubts and inquiries be enlightened by Ernest's knowledge and experience.
I have already advised two friends to participate in the next class. They are already registered. Thank you Ernest for giving easy, convenient and efficient access to The Work. Laurent Novo, France I signed up for the facilitator training with Ernest because I felt stuck in the way I was facilitating. I hoped to have new input and inspiration. What I didn´t expect was to feel so free after these 5 weeks. Not only as a facilitator but also sharing other modalities I love such as yoga and massage. I experience a significant change in the way I hold space now. Thank you so much Ernest for an amazing course!
Nina Medin, Sweden |
The class taught very much from the perspective of the teacher's own experience of The Work which felt very genuine and grounded. Built a lot on a questions-and-answers format to adapt it very much to the participants view.
Ingemar Fransson, Norway Ernest’s ability to listen deeply with patience and kindness gave me the confidence and courage to “Do the Work”.
Scott Lindsey, Colorado USA I loved that course! Ernest is very generous in his sharings, and I've had a wonderful playground to try new ways of facilitating.
Cendrine Pasquier, France A course that I can really recommend. A good mix between theory, discussion and practice. It is noticeable that Ernest has a long experience of working with The work. He is educational, he teaches and guides us with warmth and with a big heart.
Hans Åkersten, Sweden The class sessions were really good. It felt okay to ask pretty much any questions we could think of and we did! I liked how straightforward you are Ernest and the stories you share from your own life are helpful.
Kelly Walker, New Zealand I very much enjoyed the online course. It was my first acquaintance with The Work and I was happily surprised by how well the online interaction worked.
Ernest has a natural way of sharing his knowledge by interweaving theory with questions and experiences that arose during the class sessions. There was this nice balance between theory and practice and I liked the interaction with the other participants. I found it also very convenient that I could join from my home, not needing to travel anywhere. Astrid van Drie, The Netherlands This course was a fantastic introduction to how to do The Work! Ernest is passionate, knowledgeable, and skilled at communicating and teaching the subtleties of the art of Inquiry.
Derek Cummings, Oregon USA Thank you for both planning such a delicate course as well as hosting it! During the course I've made several breakthroughs in my life (being able to taking the decision about quitting nicotine after +20 years of heavy smoking, improved relationship to my family, spouse, friends, 'complete strangers' and, not to forget, the relationship with myself). I am now connected with other participants that I do inquiry with on almost a daily basis.
Christian Sams, Denmark Ernest knows his stuff! And he presents the material in a comprehensive way that is very illuminating. His teaching style is excellent and his emphasis on the body sensations/emotions is key. I highly recommend Ernest as a teacher and facilitator!
Jenny Turco, Massachusetts USA This course with Ernest showed me a new dimension of how to facilitate with The Work in a more playfull, authentic and relaxed way. He shares his experience openly and gives a lot of references for the facilitation, that are easy to handle. I would recommend everybody the course who wants to have a fresh approach to the facilitation and who is looking to give their clients more value.
Anke Fieles-Kahl, Germany I highly recommend this course for those looking to deeply explore themselves as facilitators in the Work. The materials Ernest provides are invaluable, the class content is engaging and interactive, and the partnering homework is wonderfully structured for optimal growth and self discovery as a facilitator. This course is a gem.
Abby Mcdowell, Conneticut USA This is one of the best classes about The Work of Byron Katie I have ever done. I would take it one more time without hesitation.
Katerina Korolkova, Florida USA |
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Ernest expands the experience of The Work and brings an enriched understanding of the process which allows for exploration and insights that have become invaluable to me. I learned nuances in the roles of facilitator and clients that deepens the practice for me. I came away from his course with a renewed excitement for The Work.
Keitheley Wilkinson, California USA Going Deeper has provided a safe environment in which I have found myself able to push at the boundaries of my comfort zones through class discussion, partner work, and guided meditations.
Highly recommended! Abby McDowell, Connecticut USA Very effective to work with others at the same skill levels to dive deeper in The Work, and see so many different styles of delivering it. I also loved experiencing it back to me and not just practicing it as the deliverer.
Wende Wylie, California USA It felt like stepping onto an island full of new treasures of the work.
Hedda Seemann, Germany Ernest's Facilitator Training Course gave me extra tools for my facilitator's toolbox and great insights about how to facilitate which has helped me enormously. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to sharpen their facilitator skills.
Annette Birkman, Denmark I didn't expect "Going Deeper" to be so powerful. Deep is precisely the right adjective to describe the profound coverage of the course. The chance to share and work with someone means each week I get past a vulnerability. It makes the group more intimate and closer. I feel less fearful of speaking about the thoughts that arise and open to sharing something of myself which is profound. It really feels like a deeper experience of being human is taking place.
Wayne Baron, United Kingdom This was an extremely effective course. I loved Ernest's personal style, simultaneously encouraging and challenging, assisting each of us individually and as a group to rise above the beliefs we are carrying that are holding us back. Before the course was over, I was already circling back to Ernest's schedule, trying to figure out when I can take his next course. It was indeed a successful invitation to go deeper.
Brenda Dixon, Maryland USA Ernest is an extraordinarily skilled facilitator. He can put his finger precisely on the core issue underlying your suffering and use this insight to sensitively craft a pathway through the blockage. The power of "The Work" in his hands is amazing to behold.
Lynn Wilkinson, Connecticut USA |
I felt so safe going Deep at the course with Ernest. His experience and loving kindness opened my mind and his deep respect for what happens during the course gives us such an opportunity to learn to accept what is within ourselves and our clients. To practice with other open-minded participants was also a great gift.
Ragna Rosengren, Sweden Ernest’s courses have been the most thought-provoking, free-wheeling, and unconventional that I have taken in The Work. He is simultaneously challenging and tender with us, which has propelled me to deeper personal insights and to better relationships with my husband and son. The various techniques he has shared have given me new tools to deepen my inquiry. His honesty and openness have also been thought-provoking for me, as I am habitually more guarded. I also very much appreciate his playfulness in class. I am so glad I have had the continuing opportunity to learn from Ernest.
Brenda Dixon, Maryland USA I recommend Ernest's Facilitator Course to everyone who wants to work with clients and is looking for their own way to do it. This course really answers my exact questions. Very personal!
Irina Petersone, Latvia A very powerful course that made us go deeper in the inquiry. Ernest is very kind and have so much years of experiences that we can ask him any questions, he will have the answers.
Laurent Dommee, France I can highly recommend Ernest`s course "Going deeper with The Work", which offers so many valuable insights from years of practice. And it is a great encouragement to do The Work with more flexibility and with more emphasis on its essence as an experience - experiencing situations, stressful beliefs, and facilitating as a connected journey for client (and facilitator) in every step.
Michael Kilpper, Germany Going Deeper with Ernest is at first a gentle scratching of the surface, however, through what seems like simple exercises, pretty soon I found myself in deep waters. Ernest's style is welcoming and inviting, he holds steady the tension between structured inquiry and the freedom to take sharp turns when the situation calls for it. I simply love journeying with Ernest down the rabbit holes of the present moment. It is such an inspiration!
Inbar Sarig, California USA Ernest has a wonderful way of communicating and interacting with others when doing The Work. He is present, straightforward, and shares his experience without ever being overly directive. I very much appreciate his presence, and will continue to take & recommend any classes he offers!
Abby McDowell, Connecticut USA |
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I loved how the work was present, not just certain hours of the day, but as a way of living throughout the whole retreat.
With his endless compassion, kindness, friendship and love Ernest encourages and inspires into authenticity and vulnerability, helping me see and believe that everything can be met with love and understanding. Elin Rosenblad, Sweden I feel it as if, those days in the most adorable Swedish nature brought me to a new level of honesty. I am so grateful for that experience.
Thank you Ernest for opening so generously for yourself and for showing me this direction towards freedom. This retreat was intensively fantastic. Anna Franciere, Denmark This retreat was an AMAZING experience all the way.
My heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude to have the opportunity for the space and silence to listen to my heart and dive deep in meditation while doing The Work. One more time, I was in awe with the power of love and truth, in awe with the vastness of nature and beauty. The magical setting and a very small intimate group of beautiful human beings was the perfect mix. Andrea Cruz, Spain I really enjoyed this time - especially the connection and presence with the other participants.
This practice for me was like a role model to implement The Work deeper and deeper in my life and make this state of me an everyday lifestyle. Ernests way to help me meet the real me, to help me face me, takes much courage, but at the same time it is so organic and natural, it feels like a second skin. Irina Pētersone, Latvia I’ve read all of Ernest’s books, and I wholeheartedly suggest them to anyone seeking to incorporate transformative principles into their life and acquire empowering tools. While there are many self-help books available, only a few offer straightforward instructions for making a profound change. Ernest shares these principles generously in his work and on his website, sharing his genuine gift to the world. Thank you!
Marjan Kayedi, Spain This course shed so much light on how my facilitations can be more effective, connecting, and fulfilling for both client and facilitator. The gifts of Ernest's clarity, generosity and deep understanding of The Work will stay with me. In the short time since the course, my facilitations have already shifted into something far more meaningful. Thank you.
Heidi Gedlaman, Canada This retreat was a fantastic experience that allowed me to uncover and question hidden beliefs I didn't even know were there. It was transformative and powerful. The Work takes main stage, but the setting, the kindness and the intimate format of the retreat, all worked together towards uncovering deeper layers of myself and opened the door to more freedom.
Gabriel Ayuso, Catalunya Ernest has a lot of practice and it's a gift to learn from his experience. I feel grateful he wants to give courses and build them from his journey. I experience him honest, kind, open to show up as a facilitator, open to receive critics and at ease to give feedback that are very helpful. He gives space and time for our questions which support me in my practice.
Murèle Lasserre, Schwitzerland Ernest's facilitation course is transformative. I have learnt a new and expansive way of using The Work's core teachings to facilitate deeper and swifter insights and discovery. It is remarkable. Thank you, Ernest.
Kaeren Lea, UK Participating in the Facilitator Training with Ernest has been such an enriching and enlightening experience! Besides being an experienced facilitator and inquirer, what I also deeply appreciate is his welcoming and loving approach. There's no freedom until there's no awareness that everything is being welcomed, and Ernest is a master at this. Also I appreciate his invitation to honesty and being "a real human being".
Valentina Samaniego, Spain A generous exploration to fully include myself as part of the facilitation equation. This opportunity attuned me to the subtle nuances of my internal in real time as facilitator, with a newly tested freedom to share what was alive in me with the client. This attunement and freedom carried over into my experience of being the client as well. A wonderful romp of self-discovery in a well held space. You da man, Ernest.
Dale Steele, USA Ernests facilitator course has been inspiring and has given me tools and confidence to continue practicing The Work on my own and as a facilitator.
Jasmine Chouri, Sweden Oh my! So happy and grateful to have been offered this train-the-trainer-course! Ernest was guiding us through the art of facilitating a client. I love the mix Ernest is offering to support you in your own style of facilitating and still help you to improve it and work on it. He has tons to give out of his experience of being a faciliator of doing The Work. He has found his own style of faciliating and is supporting us in doing so as well. Thank you, Ernest!
Verena Conzett, The Netherlands |
I love your creativity, the way you see inquiry as a space more than some rigid method to be strictly followed.
Genevieve Shibolet, Israel Spending time with Ernest and the other participants at the retreat in Arild, Sweden, was so much fun for me. It was also very intense and filled with hard work (for my ego). Luckily, the extremely beautiful surroundings, the cute house we were in and the patience and warmth from Ernest and the other participants, made it so much easier to really work through what ever came up during the time we were together.
After I have returned home from the retreat, so much more have come bubbling to the surface, waiting to be looked upon with understanding and love. Ernest is a great guide into doing this, and I feel so blessed that I have learned to do The Work even better now. The Work is such a great gift, and the retreat in Arild turned out to be one as well. Anja Dalby, Denmark In my experience, Ernest has an authentic, advanced integration of Inquiry that inspires and clarifies. I appreciate his occasional off beat humor and the warmth and presence of how he holds a group. I was dubious about learning with someone other than Byron Katie, but I was happily surprised and will be back for more.
Alara Tiernan, California USA Attending this 3 days retreat was the best gift I’ve given myself in a very long time; true to promise, Ernest’s skillful facilitation helped me identify some of the most insidious beliefs in my life and address them in a way that rendered them void or at least, seriously incapacitated… What a relief!
It was intense work, yet the magnificent location and truly loving group atmosphere created by Ernest’s thoughtful organization made it possible to relax and accept to really be vulnerable – while feeling supported and safe the whole way. I came back the next day to what had these past months been a stressful professional situation, and felt freed from the negativity; while at the same time energized to do my work – as well as continue doing The Work. I’m really looking forward to the next opportunity to step out of time and into self-enquiry in such a friendly and supportive setting. Thanks Ernest and thanks to everyone in the group! Mélanie Boucarut, France I completed your course for beginners and it was so useful and added so much to my practice of The Work!
I am immensely grateful for your work that gives clarity in many aspects of The Work that I didn’t quite understand before. Danute Anilena, Italy I highly recommend to attend the profound course that Ernest teaches. Aas part of classes with people from all over the world, you have an immediate opportunity to practice and deepen the use of this amazing tool. The platform that is being suggested, gives you a 24\7 access to answering questions, sharing thoughts and experiences with the kind, serious and warm help of Ernest.
I enjoyed very much attending Ernests course. It was very meaninful for me to work with people from all over the world. We brought questions, shared experiences, facilitated one another and observed. All with Ernest's kind, serious and warm guidance. I loved it !!!! Liora Ben Simhon, Israel I found the course very useful. Every detail seems to have been thought out very carefully: chosen topics, tasks, groups in triads, information on the website, information in the FB group, the Facilitator's Toolbox and other additional material that were very useful. I have gained more peace of mind and confidence in the unknown and trust a client more than my control. Ernest shares not only his wisdom and experience but his inner peace and trust as well. I found it extremely effective. Thank you very much for the course and for your peaceful energy.
Nomeda Sabeckiene, Lithuania What an inspiring, in-depth inquiery on inquiery! In a gentle and loving, yet firm and structured way, I was guided towards what to look for, and how, facilitating The Work for others. Lots of insights along the way, and answers to my questions and doubts. I continue, after having done this course, with my facilitating The Work with much more confidence, flexibility and loving presence. Thank you!
Mads Beck, Danmark This workshop invites you to trust the process, the client and yourself thus widening the spaciousness and depth of any facilitation. The tools are clear and to the point and come in a variety of support: reading material and videos.
Nanou Anne Evrard, Belgium Besides Ernest’s clear and well-structured explanations, I enjoyed the manifold learning channels offered like e.g. recorded clips, handouts, graphical content presentations, different settings of live demonstrations. It was an insightful and divers learning journey.
Björn Schulz, Germany Immense gratitude to you Ernest!
I knew the course would be good, but I did not expect it to so profoundly meet needs I wasn't even aware I had. I can already feel a shift in the way I facilitate, and even in the way I do my own work. I had lost quite a lot of confidence in myself as a facilitator, and this experience has reignited something in me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Heidi Gedlaman, Canada |