Testimonials
"Game changer, hands down. For the most part it was easy to understand and participate. Actually, when I first started this, I did not want to participate with anyone else. I just wanted to do this one on one with Mary, and then after the second time I realized, after hearing other women around me doing it, that I wanted to do it in a group setting to really gain other people's perspective. This has really helped me to see how people really do not think to think. It's made me take a step back and reflect on myself and how I need to start applying these steps more. And being able to do that, I can help and mentor others to try and apply these as well. I've been able to see in others how they really don't think to think. So not only is it helping me to improve myself and my critical thinking, but it is also allowing me to see how others truly think and the best way to approach them. You really have to put the work in and practice daily to get the best outcomes.
This book and Mary's teaching have really taught me that I need to start asking more questions. Questioning the context. This is something I have definitely implemented more in my life. I'm not just going along with things and nodding my head when someone is talking. I'm actually stopping those in place and asking why or how, etc. Doing this has allowed me to navigate through things and people and weed out the bad and really help me to make better decisions that lead me to becoming the best version of myself."
This book and Mary's teaching have really taught me that I need to start asking more questions. Questioning the context. This is something I have definitely implemented more in my life. I'm not just going along with things and nodding my head when someone is talking. I'm actually stopping those in place and asking why or how, etc. Doing this has allowed me to navigate through things and people and weed out the bad and really help me to make better decisions that lead me to becoming the best version of myself."
Rebekah Olds
Production Coordinator
“Straight from the book there is a line “LIVING OUTSIDE OF THE MATRIX YOU GAIN FREE WILL”. This workbook helped me to point out my personal triggers, point out how each trigger made me feel, and ask myself what can I do to change my actions moving forward."
“I enjoyed the chapter about leaving a cultural legacy - it made me realize that even at my age, I have a legacy to leave for humanity.”
“I like how chapter 5 brings the question where the origins came from and how they intertwine.”
“I enjoyed the chapter about leaving a cultural legacy - it made me realize that even at my age, I have a legacy to leave for humanity.”
“I like how chapter 5 brings the question where the origins came from and how they intertwine.”
Amanda Murphy
Mortgage Loan Originator
“I am very excited to participate in this workshop. This methodology is making me reflect inwardly - most critical thinking material out there does not seem to do that. I wished I had this material when I was younger.
We are in danger of letting AI take over our lives - I can see how this seven step methodology could be beneficial to help me sort things out and make my own decision and not let anyone make decisions for me - we need to take charge of our lives and be vocal about it. I’ve realized I have to become an effective listener."
We are in danger of letting AI take over our lives - I can see how this seven step methodology could be beneficial to help me sort things out and make my own decision and not let anyone make decisions for me - we need to take charge of our lives and be vocal about it. I’ve realized I have to become an effective listener."
Diana Cunningham
Retired
“Methodical > while I prefer a methodical approach to almost every single thing that I do, I can absolutely see the benefit of adapting more of a methodological approach in life and routine. It is true, at most – if not all times, the circumstance of every situation is different – so always feeling like I need a routine and consistency has likely caused unnecessary stress and conflict.
Methodology reminds me of a lot of what I studied and got a minor of philosophy in college. There are many options, paths, and routes one can take in not only forming an answer to all questions, but also how the question or idea could be interpreted and understood and the true thinking and flexibility that is involved in understanding the many possible ideas and outcomes for both."
Methodology reminds me of a lot of what I studied and got a minor of philosophy in college. There are many options, paths, and routes one can take in not only forming an answer to all questions, but also how the question or idea could be interpreted and understood and the true thinking and flexibility that is involved in understanding the many possible ideas and outcomes for both."
Nicole
“I’ve been lost in my own turmoil to not realize how important it is to leave a cultural legacy for my child and others.”
“I appreciate how Debbie recognizes the way people perceive reality. It brings the wisdom and understanding of oneself and others.”
“I appreciate how Debbie recognizes the way people perceive reality. It brings the wisdom and understanding of oneself and others.”
Edith
“It was easier for me to recall when I have been wronged - I realize that not everyone is always at fault.”
Madelyn
“I see the relevance of bringing the seven step methodology from my head to my heart.”
“I am recognizing that the phrase you must compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges is not accurate as nothing is really the same.”
“I am recognizing that the phrase you must compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges is not accurate as nothing is really the same.”
Connie
"I have never had the opportunity to be exposed to something like this. Thank you, Debbie, for creating this critical thinking skills workshop for a person like me. Working with Mary through this class (which I have taken twice now), has tremendously increased my vocabulary and given me the confidence to articulate my value.
The methodology has been especially beneficial to my cleaning business, where I am able to work through my preconceived ideas listening to what is being said, clarifying the context, challenging my thinking, and staying open-minded.
Now I understand that each of us is different, but yet similar. Critical thinking is truly a lifelong exercise. “Thinking to think” has become my new normal."
The methodology has been especially beneficial to my cleaning business, where I am able to work through my preconceived ideas listening to what is being said, clarifying the context, challenging my thinking, and staying open-minded.
Now I understand that each of us is different, but yet similar. Critical thinking is truly a lifelong exercise. “Thinking to think” has become my new normal."
Esmeralda Aguilar
Business Owner
"When I went into this, I was skeptical, I wasn't even sure I wanted to do it, but I made a commitment and stuck to it. This is what I learned. One of the biggest takeaways from this book on critical thinking is that it begins with curiosity. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we are encouraged to slow down and ask better questions, even about things we think we already know. The author stresses the importance of questioning the content we consume. Rather than accepting information at face value, we have to stop and consider where it comes from, what assumptions it carries, and what might be missing. I also learned that comparing and contrasting ideas deepens our understanding and helps us avoid oversimplified thinking. Many issues don’t have clear answers, and critical thinking means being comfortable with uncertainty. Finally, the book connects strong thinking with strong communication. Clearly expressing ideas, listening thoughtfully, and engaging in meaningful dialogue allow critical thinking to extend beyond our own minds and that's something we all need."
“This workbook is so impactful. There are a lot of take-a-ways from each chapter so far. I’m not just learning from the workbook but also what each person that is sitting around the table.”
“It is striking the uniqueness of each individual. As people we have become so judgemental – we think that something is wrong with them because the have a different viewpoint. This made me stop and think.”
“Chapter 7 threw me off as it was not like the chapters leading up to this chapter. It was somewhat intimidating throwing math in the equation.”
“The exercise where we were to look outside and verbalize what we saw was very interesting. Initially I saw noticed things further away and with each time of looking out of my living room window I saw more and more things. You see – but you don’t see. I had to ask myself, where is my focus? I realized that you only see what you focus on instead of what is right in front of your face.”
“This workbook is so impactful. There are a lot of take-a-ways from each chapter so far. I’m not just learning from the workbook but also what each person that is sitting around the table.”
“It is striking the uniqueness of each individual. As people we have become so judgemental – we think that something is wrong with them because the have a different viewpoint. This made me stop and think.”
“Chapter 7 threw me off as it was not like the chapters leading up to this chapter. It was somewhat intimidating throwing math in the equation.”
“The exercise where we were to look outside and verbalize what we saw was very interesting. Initially I saw noticed things further away and with each time of looking out of my living room window I saw more and more things. You see – but you don’t see. I had to ask myself, where is my focus? I realized that you only see what you focus on instead of what is right in front of your face.”
Carlas Coleman
Educator
“Why do you think the way you think? What you think? How you think? How often do you think about thinking? Do you wonder how you can think better? This course, “Introduction to Critical Thinking Skills” helps to shape, define, and enhance the way you think. For me, the course brought subtle insights in to how I operate. I’m already seeing things that I may not have wanted to observe, but also seeing what has always been there but with new perspectives.”
Dan Holland
"This book taught me how to sort out the information at hand by questioning how it all fits together. I’m more likely to notice when a key piece of information is missing by working through the different steps presented in the book. I make more difficult decisions with greater confidence. Reading Creative Critical Thinking proved to be a valuable resource while assisting in interviews for two director-level candidates. Applying the concepts from the book helped me think more critically about each candidate’s strengths and provided clarity in identifying the best overall fit for the position.:"
Julie Niemchick
Crime Prevention Coordinator
"I’m an over thinker. At times, I struggle with decisions because I think them to death. People offer advice like, “be rational” or “use logic”, but it was never helpful. I felt waterlogged. Handcuffed. I had too many questions and not enough ‘how to’ guidance to get through it. To make the right decision for me.
This course helped me understand that removing my emotions from the equation only undermined my arguments and muddled my thinking. The decisions I reached lost meaning. I learned that emotion is ESSENTIAL for critical thinking because it helped me ground my arguments in reality-a reality I could live with. My thoughts were more relevant to me and my situation. I found I could express them with a clarity that relayed exactly what I wanted them to. I was communicating effectively. I could say what I meant and it’s made all the difference."
This course helped me understand that removing my emotions from the equation only undermined my arguments and muddled my thinking. The decisions I reached lost meaning. I learned that emotion is ESSENTIAL for critical thinking because it helped me ground my arguments in reality-a reality I could live with. My thoughts were more relevant to me and my situation. I found I could express them with a clarity that relayed exactly what I wanted them to. I was communicating effectively. I could say what I meant and it’s made all the difference."
Fernando Burciaga
"It was an excellent and thought provoking program.
I wish I could have done it in the early part of my career."
I wish I could have done it in the early part of my career."
Dr. Butee