I dreamed of committing time to reflect upon my spiritual and emotional journey. I wanted to explore my life’s purpose and deepen my understanding of certain events in my life. I had no idea that my work with Dr. Peticolas on grief and loss would also illuminate patterns that kept me from having a loving, forgiving and compassionate relationship with myself. Through Michelle’s gentle, thoughtful and non-judgmental approach, I have been able to review my life’s more darker circumstances and events and use them to make more insightful and mindful choices, not only about how I am showing up for others in my life, but more importantly, how I am showing up for myself.

Michelle Peticolas came into my life at the exact moment it was falling apart.  My mother was dying, my brother was wrecking havoc with his alcoholism, and I was having a recurrence of a medical condition attributable to stress.  Michelle was constant and unwavering in her conviction that I had the tools to handle the obstacles in my path.  She was able to reframe difficulties into spiritual challenges.  So total is her groundedness in ecstatic tradition that she was able to lift me up beside her to soar.  Michelle’s work is a gift to the world.

Michelle helped me deal with the untimely death of my dear friend and roommate and put her loss in a new perspective. During those dark days after her death, I felt suspended in a space between life and death and could see both dimensions. At times I wanted life and other times I wanted to cross over. I am grateful to Michelle for guiding me to channel all my emotions in a life affirming way that has empowered me to get past my heart-wrenching grief and see that I am where I am meant to be. I have started a book that encompasses many related subjects and I acknowledge Michelle for encouraging my writing as a powerful and creative way to release my deep emotions around grief and loss.