Reviews

I was very excited to receive a pdf preview copy of Barb’s book, The Way of the Dolls, both because I’ve been discussing the topic with her for years and because it it a well-researched and designed, truly wonderful book…a Must Have for doll makers and anyone interested in the arts as a means of addressing self awareness and creating personal change. Lush with pictures, brimming with history, psychology, and personal process, it includes works and discussion from both Barb and many of her students and fellow teachers.
The Way of the Dolls follows a logical process, citing research and combining that with examples, projects for creating 5 art dolls representing aspects of the self, plus well-defined Creative Actions to follow and expand the process of making art dolls.
Pamela Hastings, author and artist www.pamelahastings.com
The Healing Doll Way is an engaging and experiential read that empowers artists of any skill level to discover their own creative healing process through an introspective exploration of archetypes, metaphors, and symbolism. Barb’s insight helps readers to see their wounds and scars for what they are and visualize the possibility of feeling whole again through the creation and companionship of the dolls they create. There is a sense of the Barb’s “holy spirit” woven through these pages. This is a sacred book well worth spending time with.
Nancy L. Raboin, LMFT, CTS, ATR- BC

Barb Kobe’s  book captures the gestalt of art therapy:   it is more than art therapy or art as therapy but integrates all aspects  of art therapy  into a larger gestalt that includes:  the creative/ healing connection;  the transformative power of a creative life;   the awakening function of  symbols and metaphors together with “how to” chapters that instruct clearly while leaving room for   individual ‘creativity and growth;  –all enriched and clarified by the colorful dolls that inhabit its pages.  As a practicing art therapist for 37 years, I have rarely encountered such a multi-dimensional and comprehensive book about the essence  of art therap.  It is essential reading for  aspiring art therapists and personal growth seekers.
Joan Ungar, LP(MA)

The Healing Doll Way is astounding, an absolute joy! Every doll image -- and there are dozens -- has the magical quality of a compelling revelation. Again and again, I am taken by surprise.  I find that each doll is me -- an unrepeatable, undeniable reflection of experiences deep in my own bones. It is everywoman, everyman.
Reading the stories and guidance alongside the images helps me understand what has birthed each doll and what it takes to enter into one’s mythological, mystical womb to shape such a transformative creation. Barb Kobe proves herself to be a trustworthy midwife for medicine doll making.
Pat Samples, MA, MFA,
author of Body Odyssey and The Secret Wisdom of a Woman's Body

Beauty heals! Creating heals! Going into the mythical space and identifying with archetypes heals! Barbara Kobe is a veritable healer. She guides her students into their healing spaces, encourages them to create their alter ego in order to communicate and retract missing pieces.
I love her dolls, authentically and profoundly birthed through natural material like branches and found objects and her artistic expertise.
Barbara beautifully interweaves inner and outer realities with her dolls that we all can identify with.
I feel strongly touched by the “Inner Healer”, “Loving Kindness”, and her “Spirit Dolls”. Beauty, Spirituality and Healing combined.  What a wonderful book, one of my favorites already!
Gunhild Lorenzen, M.A., psychologist, bestselling author (21 Soul Questions), international speaker on Creativity and Spirituality

In The Healing Doll Way Barb Kobe invites her readers into an amazing journey.  As a guide, Barb prepares her readers by offering foundational background necessary to embark on the creation of transformative healing dolls.  Providing structure and incorporating the stories and vivid images of the many dolls /makers that have engaged in Barb’s process.  She honors her own journey and those of her students, mentors and colleagues.  This is a beautiful guide and resource that is sure to enrich and inspire greater personal understanding and healing.
Jorie Kulseth, MA; Art Therapist Board Certified