I was going through a very traumatic life experience when I met Michelle. I had just gone through four therapists and was in despair of finding someone who could help me. I met her through the recommendation of a mutual friend. Our connection was immediate. She completely understood my pain, fear and anxiety. Slowly and with the baby steps I required, she patiently helped me overcome these challenges.

Her greatest strengths are her compassion, understanding and genuine care. She provided insightful coaching, practical exercises, relevant readings, uplifting music, spiritual texts, phone calls, group support and whatever else was needed. I have progressed a great deal and am a happier, more confidant and more complete person today.

Before working with Michelle, I was struggling with past relationships and the grief around letting them go. I did not realize that in hanging on to all the painful memory, I was trying to stay connected to people who were no long a part of my present life.  As a consequence, I had no energy to put into my work and all aspects of my life were suffering. Michelle is like a wise elder sister. She helped me to celebrate my little achievements as well as the big steps. She encouraged me to believe in myself and gently and lovingly nudged me to move forward in my life, one step at a time. I am grateful that I found her when I needed her most. Her insights are full of wisdom and helped me heal my past and to let it go.

I appreciated Michelle’s kind words and found them soothing. I also learned that it’s ok to cry. I’m Filipino and I was brought up to believe it was not ok to cry.