Testimonials
The following testimonials are from students, teachers and caregivers I have worked with in a range of contexts and areas.
Counselling
"We met David via our son's education provider for a short period and then decided to engage his service privately. David has managed to create a rapport with our son that no other counsellor has. He has recognised our son's trust issues and works his sessions with our son around what interests him while encouraging him on small gains. It has been a long road but finally this year we are seeing big progress with the help of David and our son's new education provider."
- Nikki (parent)
"David deeply understands and empathises with clients, who may be experiencing multi-faceted distress. His genuineness, calm presence, quiet warmth and respectful delivery of therapy enables clients to trust him and build an effective therapeutic relationship."
- Li Li (Social Worker, Supervisor)
Coaching and Mentoring
"David worked with my 12 year old son Tyler for approximately 18 months. In that time, David worked extensively with Tyler to help improve his overall thinking and approach to different situations, questions and scenarios. David does not just use 'text book' methods, he firstly built an understanding of what motivates Tyler and finding common ground. I saw improvements in Tyler's ability to look at questions and situations differently and David prepared Tyler for high school, assisting him to develop his confidence and self esteem."
- Tami (parent)
​
"In 2017 I was exploring leadership opportunities in Catholic Education South Australia where I had the fortune to meet David Hillard. I was instantly drawn to David as someone I could talk with to clear the clutter in my brain and clarify my thinking. David provides me with the opportunity to make time and space for deep thinking and reflection, to discern what is most important and to gain insight and perspective about things that are happening for me at work and at home. Sessions with David connect me back to my purpose and what drives me in my work. The sessions give me confidence to initiate change and make tough decisions. At the conclusion of our discussions, I feel affirmed and energised. I think that engaging with David as a coach and mentor not only benefits me personally and professionally, but also positively impacts my work within a school community.
- Susan Hennessy (Principal, Rosary School Prospect)
​
​
“At first I thought it was just about playing with the drums but then I realised that it was about us working together to achieve the music. We were a team.”
​
– Year 5 student, St Paul’s College
​
“The students learnt about themselves and found ways to monitor their behaviour and relationships.”
​
– Assistant Principal, St Joseph’s
“My students are highly engaged as learning experiences are fun and often involve working with a partner. The children have learned to connect movement and physical activity with social skills and concepts such as listening, communication, patience and inner strength. The program teaches them they can express their own needs in a safe and positive way.”
– Reception Teacher, St Margaret Mary's School
​
"Rock and water is about learning how to be friends. Being a rock teaches us how to stand up for ourselves."
- Mika (5)
"Rock and water is about being strong. Being grounded and being in friendship."
- Daniel (6)