Since 1985, when the Citizen News of New Fairfield, Connecticut spoke about Israel and Cathie saying, “Both are dynamic individuals who practice what they preach,” the Helfands have been in the eye of the media.
The New York Times, in 1992, said, “In response to a growing demand, [Israel Helfand] has developed programs to help men broaden their perspective about who they are and what they want out of life.”
Israel has written articles for newspapers and magazines over the years, and he has appeared on television and radio in Connecticut and Vermont.
His video tape, Men in the Making with Ari Kopolow, M.D. (which is still available), was made from clips of various talks including their gala event in Westport, Connecticut to over 250 people in 1991.
Today the Helfand’s Soul Awakening programs are described in John Muir’s Healing Retreats and Spas, Spa Magazine, and in Fodor’s Healthy Retreats, 5th edition.
What individuals are saying in their letters
“I want to thank you for helping me to understand myself (my faults, my good spirits, my inner self.) I want to thank you for helping me to be strong enough... ” S.
“Communication was definitely our problem... I know the sessions helped... Thanks! ” R. and J.
“I came to you with many difficulties... and without your support, knowledge, compassion and commitment to my well-being, who knows what wrong road I would have gone down next.”
“Communication was definitely our problem, as it is in most marriages ... We both learned some things and have very few disagreements or misunderstandings. Those we do have are solved very quickly and with less anger.”
“The fullness and depth that I can now feel is the best gift that anyone could ever give me, and you helped me uncover just that.”
“This is a very safe place to let my guard down, and find out what happens.”
“The most significant experience of my life... I now know where I have to go...” S.S.
“I feel now like I’m really on my journey.” D.B.
“When I was mustered out of the U.S. Army in 1946, I left the company of men in large numbers, both physically and symbolically. Your workshop brought home to me how much I value the companionship and affirmation which can come only from male society.” S.P.
“It has expanded my awareness of men’s issues profoundly.” T.S.
“It enabled me to look at areas/issues which I ‘thought’ were resolved.” G.G.
“As an adult child of an alcoholic family, I spent years feeling out of control, angry, and isolated. My work at DPC [with the Helfands] is helping me find a way to love myself, forgive my family, accept my power, and live in peace.” J.M.C.
“If there was one word to describe this group, it would be ‘trust.’” J.R.B
“The Wilderness Adventure was very different than I expected... I was changed in a very important way... you helped me find strength.” H.M.
“It brought up so much emotion in my husband that we had to pull over to the side of the road on our way home so we could talk...” Anon.
“It opened doors, [I can] start building bridges.” C.O.
“[The meeting] really helped me focus and take a closer look inside myself.” S.G.
