A Client Testimonial

A few months after the launch of my website, I received an unsolicited email from Kathy, an ex-client of mine. She asked that I post the email on my website as a testimonial to her positive experience with me in therapy.

Here is what Kathy wrote:

I first saw Carl about 7 years ago in person at his office for severe panic disorder with agoraphobia. Having suffered with the horrifying physical and emotional symptoms and having seen countless mental health professionals for over 20 years, I had given up hope of ever finding the help I needed to live a normal, happy life... Until I met Carl Benedict!

Carl has the unique ability to help a person find the true cause of the illness and it has been this rare gift that has enabled me to live a life again that I thought was gone forever. Before I met with Carl, I had not left my home for years except to go the hospital emergency room. I kept checking my pulse, my heart was racing out of control and skipping beats. I thought I was dying.

With Carl's therapy, I soon learned coping skills which he showed me how to apply to everyday life.

Effective therapy takes time. I wanted to get well and I made the decision to work hard. It was MY decision. Step by step, Carl helped me to unlock doors that I thought were closed forever. After what seemed like a short time, (although in reality it was probably 3 - 6 months) I began going out shopping again and experiencing things that I hadn't done in years!

I feel strongly that Carl's therapy differs from other therapists because: 1. Carl treats you with dignity. 2. Carl does not force or patronize. He helped me search inside myself and allowed me to heal at my own pace. 3. Carl's therapy plan allowed me to regain control of my life. He allowed me to lead my own way! And that has enabled me to fly higher than ever!

The ultimate result of Carl's therapy for me came in 1998 when I had the chance to live abroad. Had it not been for Carl's professional therapy skills, I would probably still be stuck in my room feeling like I was dying. But, in 1998, thanks to Carl, I was able to board an outbound 7-hour flight to London!

For the past 7 years, I have been living in Europe. From time to time, I require what I refer to as "maintenance therapy" to help me through my times of crises or, just to touch base with myself and my fears, problems, etc. Carl soon puts my world to rights again!!

My best wishes to you, Carl! Thank you so much for giving me the tools I need to continue living a healthier, happier and more productive life. The grass is greener, the sky is bluer and the sun continues to shine on me no matter where I am in the world. I hope my story will help others. My life has been turned around for the best.

Obviously, Kathy and I work well together. We made a good fit therapeutically. What may be of help to you, though, is Kathy's description of my style as a therapist, which I think is accurate. If you have questions about my approach to therapy, or anything about Serenity Online Therapy, go to the Contact Me Form and I'll be glad to answer them.