"I so feel proud of myself. I can't believe how much I've healed and how much healthier and more self-confident I feel, and how everyone around me is treating me. My work and life finally feel like they're balancing. We keep working through goals I never thought I'd actually make it through, and then setting new ones. I sometimes ask myself 'what would Noelle do' or 'what would Noelle say to me right now' and it helps me figure things out."​

 

"I can’t even type this last part without crying. But thank you for being on this journey with me. I can’t even put into words how appreciative I am of you and the work you have done. You have single handedly made one of the biggest impacts on my life both past, present, and future. Thank you for growing with me. You are so talented and gifted to create such a safe space for me to grow and undo so many years of severe anxiety, worry, and stress. I never thought this could be a reality for myself so thank you for lifting me up and healing so many parts of myself I thought were untouchable. I really hope you feel so appreciated for your time, energy, care, and efforts. It almost feels selfish that you have given me so much and all I can do in return for you is express in words that you have really made such an impact of my life!"

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"Over the years I have been to the most expensive psychiatrists and therapists in the world, and I'm so frustrated.  I wish they had been able to listen to me and hear me, and give me the feedback you've given me -but 20 years ago!  My life would be so different now. ... I was on a walk outside earlier today and stopped to breathe and take in the beauty of the flowers blooming."

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"I’m feeling so proud and I guess out of body that I just did that. I almost feel like I took a Xanax like my mind is trying to convince me that just didn’t happen like going through old motions/feelings. There were a few moments of anxious and doomsday thinking but I was able to re route and rationalize those thoughts. Like before take off, during turbulence, and also realizing I was flying over the Gulf of Mexico. I did this flight and travel alone to the hotel while I wait for my friends to arrive in the next few hours. So it has been nice to reflect and debrief with myself. I can’t wait to talk about this more in our next session."

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"Thank you for your flexibility in rescheduling our sessions. I know my schedule has been crazy lately and I keep having to bail at the last minute, but I really appreciate your ability to work with me and figure out solutions. I really do value our sessions."

I often hear sentiments like this from my busiest clients, who typically have unpredictable schedules that require flexibility.

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"We are incredibly grateful for your impact and influence on [our son]. You were such an encouragement right from the beginning as you saw [his] gifts and helped to nurture them. You walked him through some tough moments. You are gifted with such a gentle spirit and you touched [our son's] heart. Thank you for your dedication to helping..."

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"[Our teenage daughter] seems to be in a very good place right now.  She has blossomed, is more confident and is even going on dates!  I think we are going to ride this out for awhile and see where it takes her.  You have been such a wonderful supportive resource for her and your efforts have definitely paid off.  We can't thank you enough!! ... Thank you again and we send you our love and gratitude!!"

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"I'm much happier now than I've felt in years.  Literal years.  I am so thankful to be alive.  I feel restless with all the energy I've been having.  I am alive and safe.  I'm still here.  It's a miracle.  ...Thank you for being with me on this journey.  I appreciate you so much more than you could know.  Thank you Noelle."​

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(paraphrased:) "I've been in therapy for years, and this is the most helpful therapy I've ever experienced.  ...And the art has been so helpful, too. I think the art has almost distracted me from what I'm saying which has allowed me to say things I've never said before and probably wouldn't have been able to say otherwise. I also love having a visual journal of this journey."

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"I appreciate you, Noelle.  I look forward to this [meeting with you] every week.  Work is intense and this is the highlight of my week.  It's been really helpful to talk [in session]."

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(paraphrased:) "I got the promotion at work! I know we discussed it and I had originally thought I was too young and needed more experience, but you helped me see my limiting beliefs and challenge them with "gentle compassion." Now we have to work on my anxiety because I didn't think I'd actually get the job title and raise I wanted."

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"I feel my vitality and creativity coming back.  I feel ideas coming to the forefront and I have my optimism coming back!"

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"I'm feeling in a really good, solid space with my mental health and my ability to self soothe/use the tools you've given me the last year and a half."

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"I was an overachiever and perfectionist molded by the expectations of my family [which led to a deep depression and feeling] I was a disappointment to everyone ... Art was an extension of who I was, and despite me not realizing it at first, my works were my subconscious portraying the mental state I was in. Even in the simple realistic drawing of a soda can, Noelle could sense the imbalance in my life. ... [and that] I was living my life in the extremes like a pendulum constantly swinging back and forth. There was no break for me to settle in the center, it was always black or white, no gray area. ... [Eventually,] everything finally made sense. I became aware of my emotions and started to recognize them. Then, Noelle explained the importance of “wise mind**” which is balancing both your emotional and rational sides of your mental health. For the next two months, I worked on acknowledging how I felt, mindfulness, and cultivating self compassion. Naturally, as I became more kind to myself, my once lost passion for art [and for living life] slowly came back."

**"Wise Mind" is a DBT term used to describe the wisdom found in the overlap between the "Rational Mind" and "Emotional Mind." It has its roots in Buddhist philosophies, which can be seen in the yin-yang circle symbol: the whole is made up of light AND dark swirled together; the whole is "both/and," not "either/or." And, to mindfully practice holding the tension of this truth in all areas can cultivate a deep level of wisdom, while making space for balance, non-rigidity, empathy/compassion (for self & others), acceptance, peace...​​