Client Story: From Fear to Freedom — A Journey Toward Honest Communication

For years, things were happening in a significant relationship that left me feeling very angry and upset. Yet I never talked about it and let it all fester inside me like an old wart, sure to pop its head out later. Why did I do this? Because I didn't have the skills or confidence to have this very delicate conversation. I found myself having this imaginary conversation with him in my head, while gritting my teeth in real life. I knew it was not healthy for either of us or our relationship.

Before Helaine, I had never seen a therapist before, so I didn't know how helpful the session would be. Holy cow, was I a fool! I wish I had booked this session 5 years ago! 

Helaine is an amazing listener. She let me babble on and on about the issue, while sprinkling in insightful clarification questions along the way. When I was done blubbering and crying about my story, she shared three different, concrete ways to consider having this conversation with this person. The conversation starters were amazing and so helpful and I got to choose which one I felt would work best for me. It wasn’t prescriptive and allowed me to have a lot of freedom in the process. We practiced the conversation together, so I knew what I would say and also practiced what I thought this other person would say in response. 

I finally worked up the courage to create the space for this important conversation. Oh my goodness, did it go 20,000 times better than the negative, horrendous version that I had incorrectly sketched up in my head! When I shared how this person’s behaviors were affecting me, it allowed them to reflect and then for us to discover new ways to communicate more kindly going forward.  

I could NOT have done this without Helaine's help. She has so many tools, strategies, and is skilled in communication and relationships. During our first session, we also did some somatic experiences that were super helpful for me to connect with the emotion that was there regarding the situation. 

If you are having relationship issues of any kind, reach out to Helaine sooner rather than later. You will not regret it! I found myself smacking my head that I hadn't reached out to her for help years ago. The emotional stress I added to my life, the unnecessary frustrations, and the undue emotional distance I allowed it to have on a relationship could have all been avoided. 

With Helaine I felt completely safe in her presence and was able to get really deep and vulnerable with her, which is what this situation required. Her services were custom tailored to my situation. I have learned so much about myself through this process, and more importantly, how critical it is to communicate my feelings with others, as they arise. I can't thank Helaine enough for her wisdom, love, and skills.

Mindy Jean