21
I witnessed Ben Rivers in action as an organizer and trainer when I came on two occasions to work with participants in the Freedom Bus project that he initiated in the West Bank. Within just a few months of being in Palestine, Ben had built a robust network of trusting and respectful relationships. I was impressed by Ben's warmth, calm, and clarity as he managed complicated arrangements in an unfamiliar cultural setting.
Jo Salas
Co-Founder Playback Theatre
New York State, USA
22
Ben helped me to see myself with more loving and compassionate eyes. He taught me how to accept all that is me… Ben spreads the kind of love that heals and helps ignite the love you have within so that you can love yourself. Working with Ben is among the best things that I have ever done for myself.
Maie El Hadidy
Writer
Cairo, Egypt
23
Ben founded Dawar Arts, one of the most important arts-health organisations in Egypt - renowned for enriching our community with healing, development, and cultural exchange. Ben himself is a humble mentor, trainer and therapist. He is grounded, wise and creative in his approach. I am deeply grateful to Ben for all he has contributed towards my personal growth and professional development. He has helped me and my colleagues to grow and to glow!
Hoda Refaat
Psychiatrist
Cairo, Egypt
24
Ben Rivers is a fantastic teacher. Dramatherapy is as much a personal journey as a group process. It is a challenge from start to finish and Ben is an inspiring and calm presence at every step. He is great at focusing simultaneously on the ‘protagonist’ and the group as a whole so everyone feels encouraged. He is my favourite teacher.
Agneta Timotej
Group Participant, Teacher
Malmö, Sweden
25
My work with Ben has helped me process very painful events. I always felt that Ben was prepared and ready for the session, very attentive to the details, that we could easily build up on any matter mentioned in a previous session. Ben was also very flexible in adjusting the work according to what arises in the session and what I needed. The sessions always had a closure and he always made sure I didn't leave in a state of uncontained vulnerability or anxiety. Today, months after our last session, and while taking a very tough important decision, I found myself using some of the tools practised during the session with Ben. I think the idea of mastering a clear technique or approach helps the client to be independent and harvest the seeds of the work done during the sessions.
Carol
Client
Cairo, Egypt
26
Since 2017, I have participated in many workshops and trainings with Ben Rivers. Since then, I learnt a lot from him, he became more than a trainer or a facilitator. Ben is a real inspiration, mentor and friend. Working with him taught me the importance of acknowledging vulnerabilities and empowering those less heard!
Hani Alrustm
Playback Theatre Practitioner / Psychotherapist
Gent, Belgium
27
I worked with Ben on a number of different issues. At the time I was really struggling with low self esteem and a super critical inner voice that was crippling me. He helped me to connect with my inner child who was wounded and in need of self love and understanding. I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Tim Coleman
Documentary film director and photographer
London, UK
29
I have had the opportunity of participating in a number of Playback Theatre and drama therapy trainings led by Ben Rivers. These experiences have opened my mind and stimulated my creativity. I appreciate Ben’s clarity and sensitivity and have always felt very secure in his trainings. Ben’s leadership is inspiring.
Véronique Guerin
Dramatherapist, theatre practitioner
Montpellier, France