References

An opportunity to learn from Dr Dave Gustafson about restorative justice and its wellbeing benefits is a must. This was one of the many takeaways from a pro bono workshop that he generously facilitated at the University of Pretoria during his 2022 visit to South Africa. His story-telling approach made his expert and evidence-informed insights about trauma counselling, victim empowerment, and restorative justice (and their intersectionalities) accessible and meaningful. He brought theory to life, animated interest in lesser known approaches to supporting resilience to trauma, and inspired commitment to generativity. 
-- Prof. Dr. Linda Theron, Full Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria

“As a family victim of violent crime, there was every chance the aftermath would continue to reverberate in my life, and the lives of my children in negative ways. Five years after my husband’s murder I had the good fortune of meeting David Gustafson and had the opportunity of engaging in a face-to-face reconciliation with Ryan, the young man responsible for the crime. The scrupulous preparation for that restorative process, its expert facilitation and thorough aftercare changed the trajectory of trauma for all of us; including Ryan. What happened in that room was to me, real justice. Questions were answered, accountability was sought, emotions were expressed; we felt heard, we felt respected and we felt safe. Today, those most impacted by that senseless act of violence along with the very person responsible, are living fulfilling and engaged lives; connected to their families and communities in healthy and meaningful ways. I truly believe David has everything to do with creating and sustaining that reality for each of us. He is an intuitively skilled expert in his field who brings light and healing to the darkest of places.”
— Katy Hutchison, Author - Walking After Midnight: One Woman’s Journey Through Murder, Justice, and Forgiveness 

“I have had the privilege of working as a colleague of Dave for decades, until my retirement some years ago. I came to know him primarily in connection with his pioneering work in the area of Restorative Justice, as applied to reconciliation between victims of serious crime and their offenders. The sacred obligation in such work is to carry, with wisdom and with deep sensitivity, the wounds, and pain of one who has been victimized, along with the shame and remorse of the one who has been the source of these wounds.

In a number of instances, I have come to know both the victim-survivor and their offender and have heard directly from them of their respective healing, their restored dignity, their capacity for hope, and in the case of the offenders, their determination to make amends and to live constructive lives. Time and again, the beneficiaries of this work have voiced their deep indebtedness to Dave for his compassion and skill, and to the organization which he has led and helped shape for so many years.”
— G. Ayotte

“Dr. Dave has a deep understanding of family issues. He is passionate in his commitment to assist clients. I was fortunate to be referred to someone who is so insightful compassionate and supportive. Dr. Dave relates to people with incredible ease. His professional and ethical standards are, in my opinion, unmatched. Thank you Dr. Dave for being there for me. I thank the Lord for giving you such a great gift and your heart to use that gift to help people.”
— Lynn Moritz

“Counselling is defined as a process wherein people receive help navigating life’s difficulties. Good counsellors have several things in common: empathy, kindness, sincerity, and the ability to communicate clearly. An exceptional counsellor, while embodying these attributes, also possesses a unique ability to see past circumstances to the heart. Dr. David Gustafson is such a counsellor. An exceptionally gifted counsellor with a genuine love for helping people, Dr. Gustafson has been instrumental in helping our family navigate the most difficult of tragedies, unexpected loss due to the actions of another. He has shown extraordinary insight, compassion, and commitment as he walks alongside us through this season of our lives. We can never repay him for the love, care, and understanding he has shown us.” 
— Angie Cottrell

“Although this note of thanks to Dave is 20 years late in coming, I wrote it today while reflecting on the past year and the impact on me of the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of how much I owe to Dave for his counselling many years ago.  The fact is, I don't think I would have been very successful at making it through the loneliness of being isolated this year from family and friends, otherwise. 
It has been a tough year, but I've faced it with a difference.  Unlike the woman I was when I was first referred to Dave (highly introverted, terrified of the world, attempting to put on a good front to make everyone think I was ok) I can now say – despite the challenges - “I truly am ok!  I enjoy my aloneness. I like myself. I enjoy everything around me."

Dave's Introduction into my life, his continuous attention, and understanding of my pain and it's root causes in past trauma have led to successful intervention in ending what had been my destructive, spiraling life.  The result was, first, my forgiveness of myself and then, second, of the offender in my life. To my astonishment, that freed us both.   

  As part of Dave’s work at Community Justice Initiatives (CJIBC) in beginning VOMP[1], I was able to heal, to recover from my trauma and to get back on track, and to achieve the potential of the person I was meant to be.  Now, at 73, I can look back at the young woman I was at 21 and give her a hug. I can look to Dave with thanks for his work in helping me – not only survive – but thrive. “
— Diane Courneyeur

“Following an intense court case for sexual abuse in high school, 26 years later I still could not rest. In order to resolve what had happened, (and despite no one understanding and supporting my need) I needed to connect with and understand the teacher I had been abused by as a child.

I contacted Dave, and together with Sandi, his coworker, we started the process of restorative justice. During our conversations I felt heard, understood and held, knowing I was being gently guided through one remarkable journey to healing. 

When the time came, being convinced they had prepared me well to meet with Bob, the teacher who had been sentenced, on each call with Dave and Sandi, I heard the same words "Nadja, he is not ready." Bob had agreed to enter the process of restorative justice, so how could he not be ready? It took many months of working with us both independently before they agreed that the time to meet face to face had come. I marveled that Dave could read and discern his highly tuned skill of communicating (from years of teaching), knowing that Bob would not be ready until his heart was in the right place. Dave and Sandi were clear I was not going to be hurt again. Finally, the day came and we flew across the country. Before the restorative meeting, I asked how long the sessions last. "Usually 2-3 hours maximum." That long? I was sure I could say what I needed to say in 20min! Dave brought Bob in and the four of us sat together. It was a day I will never forget.

  Dave and Sandi had prepared the soil for us to meet, to share, to cry, to feel everything we needed to feel in order that we may find the truth of who we are as two human beings. After 9 hours straight (including a lunch break), we ended. 

  Because of their trust in me, I was able to offer that I would be the first to stand next to Bob in unconditional support if he would be willing to get the help he needed and do the hours of therapy and counselling as I had done. 

  All the unresolved feelings, emotions, and trauma that had been captured in our systems and cells over the past 26 years, were released through this defining process of restorative justice. With tears, we parted in an embrace knowing that all had been said, heard, and understood. 

Thank you, dear Dave and Sandi, for allowing us to find resolve, gratitude, and freedom in a situation which until this point had cast us both into an emotional prison. As you know, I will always carry you deeply in my heart.” 
— Nadja Hall

"After the loss of our son, we were referred to Dave. He was very informative about the process before we began. He reassured my husband and I about what to expect every step of the way, which eased our minds. We felt comfortable opening up to Dave during such an emotional time in our lives. He was very compassionate and it was a pleasure working with him."
— Ken & Sandy Murphy

“Helping people in distress or conflict requires elevated skills in patience, skill, and comprehensive experience.
Dr. David has worked with our staff towards resolving personal conflict, working through traumatic issues, and building greater self-awareness within the senior management team. Dave is the 'go to person' for the toughest issues and he makes a difference.”

— Tracey Thompson, Vice President, Carson Air Ltd.