Its weird reviewing a therapist. You basically admit that you're crazy, then write a review where the reader is thinking you're crazy while they read it and they are thinking they are crazy, too. Turns out getting therapy is the most sane thing you will do. Believe me, I've been in this place and these reviews are badly needed bc the last thing you want is a crazy therapist.
Renee is a calming force and that's why I started seeing her. After calling all the people on my insurance plan, each of whom gave me their own version of the howling fantods, I began contacting anyone that didn't seem crazy regardless of price because that's how desperate I was. It was a moment of clarity in an otherwise downward dive to the bottom of a spiral staircase.
Renee immediately answered my texts and calls with professionalism and tact seemed like a reasonable human. We had a natural rapport from the start, and she worked with me to make sessions affordable in her practical and comfortable office within walking distance from my apt.
I've never been to a therapist because I'm a 'real man' and my problems weren't important enough to address on the past. I abhorred the ideas of lying on a leather couch while someone dozed off or stared at their watch, waiting for me to finish feeling sorry for myself.
All of my preconceptions dissolved the moment I began working with Renee. She is absolutely punctual and reliable, has great boundaries, never wavers in her attention and engagement, and doesn't try to 'fix' anything about you. In a lot of ways she is very hands-off, but I always felt she remembered details that I had shared and remained a sane, constant point of reflection; she was a rock in the sea of all the buried grief and trauma that came pouring out of me over the year I saw her.
She helped me learn how to cry, to let go, to laugh at myself using a very practical, logical, yet so passionate approach that worked well for a no-nonsense guy like me. She helped me identify where initial damages happened in my life which helped me realize what had caused many of my habits and fears. I did most of the grunt work but she was always available when there was a crisis and allowed me to feel vulnerable without being patronizing or pandering in any way. In essence, she helped me navigate the waters of my inner thoughts to the other shore.
Two months after our last session I'm doing better than ever and living my dreams. I was able to save $$ and leave my job for a year to travel the world. Currently I'm in Jackson, WY staring at the Grand Tetons, and for the first time in years I'm genuinely happy and living in the present, unafraid of what tomorrow brings. Thanks, Renee. I hope that others can come to you and allow your natural gift as a therapist to help them find a better way to live:)
Renee was a huge help in my life and I'll never forget all she did to help me identify and grow out of the ghosts that haunted my past and controlled my present.
Footnote: Renee didn't automatically direct me to pills and psychs, even though I did bring it up. I decided under her guidance to avoid these unless absolutely necessary and it turns out they weren't. Don't waste time on therapy if you don't want to get better; be prepared to do the work and suffer through the difficult moments because there is almost certainly a better life for you on the other side. Bring hope and humility with you to your first session and you are bound to succeed:) read more