I’ve had anxiety and depression since about age 8. I grew up in a toxic family environment. I was fairly functional up until 4 years ago, but then was hit big time by extreme anxiety and depression. I was already on an antidepressant, but that wasn’t cutting it anymore. I went to a psychiatrist who tried about 7 different medications with disastrous results. That experience in itself was traumatizing.
I was finally able to get an appointment with a psychologist that I connected well with. I saw her for a year. We did EMDR, Brainspotting, and talk therapy. Those things helped, but I still wasn’t totally functional. I found Tim JP Collins Anxiety Podcast, that’s how I learned about Irene and decided to join her 12-week program.
I was eager to learn about the nervous system. I’ve always been one to want to know why things work the way they do, I learn better that way. I noticed little changes pretty quickly, but when we started the exercises I was amazed! I knew it was working. The anxiety was greatly reduced, it wasn’t everyday like it had been for the past 4 years. But then my progress seemed to stop. (I know now that it didn’t really stop, that’s just part of the process, but I’m impatient). I found great support from Irene and her staff and from other group members, that really helped me “hold on”.
About mid-way through the program, I was able to assert myself by setting boundaries with some family members. It gave me a feeling of power and control over my life like I’ve never experienced (I’m 59). That lead to an apology from my abuser that I thought I would never get. I was able to accept the apology, but will still hold the boundaries. I’ve also been able to lessen the feeling that I need to try to fix any situation that causes distress to my family. I realize I don’t have control over some things and that thinking I do or should, causes stress and anxiety. And that taking that task upon myself isn’t necessarily helpful to that person anyway.
Once the 12 weeks were over, I pretty much stopped doing the work. I began to sink back down into the despair of depression until one day it occurred to me that I should do the exercises! So I’m back at it and feeling better! And I’m ready to do the 12 weeks again. So thank you, thank you, thank you Irene! for dedicating your life to learning and teaching this program. With gratitude,
