“I distinctly remember that somewhere in the middle of our second session, I felt a tiny seed of hope emerge in me…that regardless of all that I had endured in my childhood, there is a place in side that has always been good and beautiful. You saw that before I could and I thank you for holding that vision until I was ready to see it myself.” - E.L.
“You gave me tools and simple lifestyle suggestions that helped me understand how I could take some responsibility for decreasing my panic attacks (in many years of therapy you were the first one who taught me the value of mindful, deep breathing and suggest I decrease my caffeine intake, that helped a lot!). More than specific tools, I am grateful for how I always left your office feeling a bit more hopeful that panic and the thought of it did not need to rule my life.” - K.G.
“The chemotherapy and the effects of it were very hard. The Reiki and Energy Medicines you provided each week offered me a calm rest in the middle of a hurricane. By end of each session, my nausea had relented and fatigue had lessened. Our “talk” sessions have helped me gain peace in this journey, and the perspective that “curing” may not come, but “healing” is about living my life, no matter how long I have, in ways that align with my truest beliefs. Thank You!” - S.Y.
“I am a Christian woman and a friend who had seen you, thought your approach might help me manage this deep grief and depression over the unexpected death of my husband of 30 years. Because of my beliefs I was reluctant but I’m so glad I chose to work with you. You were exceedingly kind and even modified some strategies to respect my religious beliefs. You supported my grieving process and also helped me begin the process of re-engaging with life. I am noticing again, that life still holds joy.” - E.W.
“I am an [American] Indian woman and you were recommended to me by a native [Alaskan] friend who had counseled with you. I have struggled with severe nightmares, flashbacks and anger since being molested as a child at the “government/church schools.” I felt desperate to overcome this in order to be a better mother to my children, attend college and fulfill a vision to bring services to my reservation. I am thankful to Creator that I overcame my suspicious nature and worked with you. I have worked with many counselors but Willow, you are “different.” You are respectful, compassionate, challenging and intuitive. Somehow, you understand the struggles under which I was raised and my people still live and at the same time continued to challenge me to create, NOW, what will change myself and I hope, future generations. In the past year, I have left my abusive partner, found safe housing for my family, I’m employed and will begin school this fall. You reminded me I have courage to act, even though I had forgotten." - L.K
“I wouldn’t describe myself as “transpersonal oriented” or religious and wondered if counseling with you would be a good match. I didn’t need to be concerned. Exploring my midlife ‘stuckness’ as a human developmental stage, help me depathologize myself and understand that this transition is simply another opportunity to reorient my life. Thank you for holding the container while I dove into the depths and returned with next steps clarified. - B.M.E.
“Thank you for the shamanic practices you provided for me this morning. I had been curious about this work and appreciate the time you took to explain the hoped for goal (to enhance my personal energy weakened from ongoing illness and to reduce feelings of having lost part of myself) and the journey process. I felt a bit stunned when afterward you shared you had brought to me a helping spirit in an animal shape I had been dreaming about the last three nights. The “lost self part” you returned also matched a distinct memory of loss occurring when I was a child. I write this note to you at the end of a day in which I continue to feel a calm and clear energy; physically and emotionally. “Something” has shifted and opened in a very good way. I look forward to stepping into this new space.” - S.B.
“Thank you for offering your “Women and the Midlife Journey” class at LCC. The four sessions flew by and each week I was literally amazed by the amount of information you presented, how much was evoked when I worked with your at home practice suggestions. I appreciate that you allowed “midlife” to be self described as I, at 38 was the youngest there having just completed a full hysterectomy, and watched the departure of my last child from home. I loved your presentations of women’s experiences in other cultures, myths, poems and stories as well as the extensive bibliography. Your education and personal study/experiences shone though. Please let me know if you plan to create an on going Midlife Journey Group. I would love to attend.”
- A.K.
“Willow, you are like a full moon. Sometimes the Sun’s radiance is too bright, harsh. Full Moonlight illuminates more gently and is often a more tender and gentle companion for a soul just learning to extract herself from the dark webs that have held her. You have encouraged, prodded, and trusted my process with a Presence and skill I can only call “midwifery.” With your coaching I have delivered “myself” and now feel curious and excited to continue growing up.”
- S.G.
“From our first session it was obvious that your knowledge is not ”just” degrees and letters after your name. You have a presence that has “practiced what you preach,” written all over your smile. It’s clear that you have personally walked though some hard times, not been defeated and in fact, seemed to gain something. I’d call it honesty, humble courage, and a good sense of humor. You conveyed to me a belief that every human, (even this paunchy, middle age, African American man) is capable of that same kind of gain. Our work has helped me realize this is not just theory. Now, six months after our first session, I have survived the after shocks of a devastating divorce that I wasn’t sure I wanted to recover from. Each day, I am finding way to recreate my life and stop the internal dialogues that punished me long after my ex. left. I feel relieved and hopeful about my life and thankful for your skills and compassion as therapist and “fellow human.” - W. A.
