While it is difficult to capture in a few sentences the breadth of work accomplished in therapy, below are some examples of people I have helped create easier, more meaningful ways of being in their lives.These clients, whose names have been changed to protect their confidentiality, wanted their stories told because they thought it might help others.
Depression
Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or injured self-esteem. But when feelings of intense sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness persist for many days or weeks, it may become difficult to function. This is depression.
If you think you are depressed or have been diagnosed with depression, I can help. My philosophy is to recommend therapy first before suggesting consultation for medication. However, if you are already taking medication, I am happy to work with you. If you are suicidal, that is not my area of expertise. I can refer you to other therapists who can help you.
Jennifer Transforms Beliefs Causing Depression
Jennifer had attempted suicide years earlier, and an early menopause triggered the recurrence of her suicidal thoughts. Through her therapy, Jennifer became aware that her "happy" childhood had, in fact, been full of abuse and neglect, leading her to believe that she was disposable, not worthy of taking up space. Giving new messages to Jennifer's "younger self"—often with the Welcome to the World tape created by Judy—helped shift these beliefs and quiet the suicidal voices.
George Connects His Anger and Low Self-Esteem
George seemed to be angry all the time, and this created particular problems with his wife. Faced with the prospect of becoming a father himself, George came to therapy wanting to be different from his own father. He came to understand that his father's distance was not the result of inherent flaws in George. Letting go of this lifelong belief—that he was inherently flawed—reduced his anger, increased his empathy, allowed him to give up his drinking habit and led to much improved communication with his wife and father.
Grief
All people grieve in their own way and in their own time. No one way of grieving is better than another and there is no timetable for resolving grief. Each experience of grief is unique, complex and personal. I will help you work through your grief in ways that are best for your individual situation.
Todd Moves Beyond Grief
Paralyzed by grief over the death of his son, Todd was unable to move on for 12 years. His inability to let go of his son and fully engage in life created problems at work and in his marriage. He wanted to stop grieving, but he was afraid that if he did so, he would be dishonoring his son. Through therapy, Todd was able to write a goodbye letter to his son, saying all those things he had never been able to say in life – the good and the bad. This brought Todd closure and peace. He was finally able to move forward with his life and feel the joy in it. His wife said it best: “he has come back to life and I have a husband again.”
