Helen Carmichael made an immeasurable contribution to the Spark workshop, expanding the perspective of writers and advisors alike on the immediate work at hand, and introducing psychological and therapeutic strategies with applications to all manner of narratives, whether from movies or life.

If it is any indication of how effective Helen's technique is, you only need to hear other SPARK advisors comments.    Producer Lynda House credits Helen's Your Creative Best sessions as a "vital part" of developing "honest and stimulating relationships" at SPARK.   "I know from my work as a producer that dealing with fear and trust are important challenges."

Through Helen's "Play of Life" sessions, every writer in the Spark program arrived almost magically at a deeper understanding of their fictional characters and indeed of themselves! Any writers' workshop would be dramatically enhanced by the profound forward leaps achieved in these sessions.

Helen's sessions provided stunningly swift clarity and insight into problems of creative and professional work process, as well as insight into angles on project content and associated emotional reactions.   Over a week I saw a dozen film industry professionals go into Helen's sessions with problems involving creativity, content, and work process, and emerge overwhelmed by the incredibly effective and positive nature of the experience.   I strongly recommend her to anyone working in the film or television industry.

None of us at the writer's workshop knew what to expect from our sessions with Helen, but all of us came out inspired with some new revelation or direction in our lives or those of our stories.

Soooo, now that it has been a while and I have a little more perspective on the experience, what did I get from the session?

You know what; it was great being able to talk about the film (and the process of making the film) from an emotional perspective.  Rather than going into the technical aspects, that were covered in some detail in other sessions, this was all about our feelings.   It felt like a safe place to discuss things that perhaps would have never been said without an experienced facilitator present.   I think it was great for (my producer) and me to really hear about what we each felt about the project and how we could manage those feelings.   For me personally it was a relief to just "get it all out".   Obviously I was feeling a little emotional about the whole thing and was trying to keep it all together.   Once I expressed those feelings it made room for me to deal with what was actually going on and move into a more positive space.

It has been awe-inspiring the way you have managed to help the writers clarify their assorted issues, and also the lovely calm (non-ego driven) presence you provided for all of us.   Also, thank you for helping me clarify my problems with my script!

To find new ways to access and move through core material is a blessing and not something one expects to find in a script workshop.

I had the pleasure of working with Helen Carmichael at an Australian Film Commission Workshop. My experience with Helen was nothing short of amazing.   I am familiar with the process of therapy, having voluntarily participated in ongoing sessions at different times in my life. And so, I entered Helen's office expecting much of the same experience. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Helen is an intelligent and intuitive woman who guided me gently using her life changing technique. Being a creative person I found her approach particularly helpful as it made use of my artistic brain rather than my often obstinate intellectual mind.

My sessions were not only interesting but also incredibly uplifting. Without trauma, I arrived very quickly at the core of my problem; but it didn't end there. I discovered the steps I would need to take in order to create my ideal world. It was all there before me, clear as day. If ever you are lucky enough to work with Helen you will soon know what I mean by this statement.

I am proud to say I know Helen Carmichael and I would recommend her sessions to anyone searching for insight and concrete methods of dealing with their issues.   Beyond that, Helen is a wicked Tango dancer. I feel it's important to mention this because the Tango is the dance of passion and love, and Helen exudes these qualities.

My first encounter with Helen Carmichael was during the 2003 Spark workshop. I had to deal with what I already knew.   It was reinforced by the advisors, there was a problem with one of my main characters. Lots of questions that I could not answer. The session with Helen was "Thank you God!" Just what I needed to get past the block and free myself up to see my character for who she is. If you ever get the opportunity to have a session with Helen Carmichael: Go for it.