I went into my Zoom appointment with Dr. Sumner feeling nervous, which honestly was expected since…read moreanxiety was the very reason I was seeking help. That said, I was not terribly anxious because I had already had such a wonderful, warm, and reassuring intake call with her assistant Sarah, who was kind, patient, and thorough. Even so, I had never met Dr. Sumner before, and with my anxiety being as high as it was, I felt that familiar edge of fear creep in.
Within just minutes of speaking with Dr. Sumner, that fear completely melted away. Her presence was calm, grounded, and deeply compassionate, and I immediately felt safe. She took the time to truly listen, not just to my symptoms, but to my story. She gently and clearly explained that the anxiety I was experiencing was a very normal response to the amount of stress I had been under. That alone brought such relief.
What truly stood out to me was when she explained how anxiety often feeds on itself, how we become anxious about having anxiety, which only intensifies it. That insight hit home so deeply. I had experienced a difficult bout of anxiety back in 2019, and having it return stirred up so many old, painful memories. Dr. Sumner understood this immediately and addressed it with such wisdom and kindness that I felt seen and understood rather than judged or rushed.
She also quickly picked up on the fact that I am very hesitant about medication and strongly prefer natural approaches. Instead of dismissing that, she respected it fully. Learning that Dr. Sumner is also an herbologist spoke straight to my heart. It meant everything to be working with someone who honors both mental health and natural healing. Her approach felt balanced, thoughtful, and deeply humane.
By the end of our call, I felt something I had not felt in a long time, peace. I could breathe again. I felt hopeful. I even felt excited about my life moving forward. That shift alone was priceless.
Dr. Sumner is thoughtful, caring, gentle, brilliant, and genuinely kind. She has a rare ability to calm, reassure, and empower all at the same time. I am beyond grateful for her care and cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone who is struggling with anxiety and looking for a compassionate, whole person approach.