Elwin is a remarkably astute and insightful woman. She has an incredible ability to get you to talk about your inner most thoughts without you feeling confronted or uncomfortable. I have seen Elwin help young people find their ways in the world in quite unexpected directions but which turn out to suit them perfectly. It was with this background knowledge that I arranged for Elwin to talk to my son when he was at the end of year 9. It wasn’t that he was struggling or was particularly worried about his future. I just wanted to give him the opportunity to talk to Elwin to give him a perspective on his interests and options from someone other than his family.

When I picked him up after his session with Elwin I was amazed by the obvious intensity of their discussion. He does not usually open up so much with people he doesn’t know well but he had with Elwin. I felt that it was a critical meeting as he was treated as an intelligent, independent person in his own right – a rare experience for 14 – 15 year olds. The session clarified his main areas of interest and confirmed the appropriateness of many of his subject choices. Other choices were questioned. Elwin drew up a Mindmap of the session which I have often looked at when my son has been making choices. It has been very helpful over the years.
Looking back now as my son is about to start university, it was a remarkably perceptive analysis of him. Subjects which she questioned as being of relevance he dropped over the years and those that he loved he continued with and excelled in.

I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone to arrange for Elwin to speak to their son or daughter – not so that she can chose their VCE subjects and ensure entry into their or their parents’ preferred university course but so that their child has an opportunity to identify or clarify what their passions are – both what they love and what they hate. They may not think it changes their world but you as a parent will see your child in a different light and they will come out of their session with Elwin feeling stronger and more certain about who they are and who they might become.

Sian
February 2010

I have no hesitation in recommending Elwin Hall as a person who understands young people, and knows how to reach them.

My daughter went through a difficult time from around age 14, being withdrawn and anxious, and refusing to attend school, amongst other problems. I had tried all manner of things to improve the situation, without any success, until I found Elwin.

My daughter’s session with Elwin seemed to serve as a catalyst to our situation, allowing my daughter and I to then start communicating openly and effectively. I was able to understand her better, and she could see that I was trying to do this. I remember at the time that my daughter commented that Elwin was quite different to other practitioners she had seen, and it was obvious that Elwin had managed to “get through” to my daughter which no one else had been able to do.

It took my daughter some time to come to terms with her own “differences” but she eventually discovered Distance Education at 18 and went back to study, successfully completing her VCE in 2009. She is studying further, having discovered a passion for history and politics.

I believe Elwin has a special understanding of young people and the pressures they find themselves facing in todays world. I would recommend her services without hesitation, and I wish her well in all her endeavours.

Yours faithfully,

Donna
February, 2010