Testimonials
You wrote …
Dear Marie-Paule,
I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy & HEALTHY New Year. While this was a very challenging year for us all, I realize my daughter and I still have things to be grateful for. At the top of my list is the work she and I have done with you, Julia and your colleagues. Thank you for helping me to trust you and to recognize the benefit of the therapy. I am grateful for the relationship my daughter and I now enjoy.
With my gratitude and admiration,
I am very grateful I found your Family Connections class as it opened up the opportunity to work with you and gain a whole new perspective and skill set when dealing with a family member with a serious mental disorder. I truly feel blessed to have met you. Thank you for giving me another chance with my daughter.
I have a 17 year old son who has Borderline Personality Disorder traits along with some other difficult psychological challenges. Our family has been through a lot in our loving (and sometimes misguided) attempts to help him. (…) I am currently receiving coaching/counseling from Marie-Paule on a weekly basis. This has proven invaluable to me and my family in countless ways:
– I no longer feel “alone” in solving the often difficult day to day interactions with my son
– Our relationship has improved as I learn and practice mindfulness skills
– My fear and grief have been reduced, and my confidence increases with each small success
– My relationship with other family members improves because I have the support I need I am learning to focus on long term goals, and take care of myself
– I am learning what it must be like for him to live with this disorder every day
– Lastly, I see positive changes in my son as my own behavior changes!
Of course there are still days when I feel overwhelmed and sad. I know that I won’t be judged for this, and I can count on Marie-Paule to understand (she has been there!), adjust, and hone in on what I need to do in the moment. The ripple effect on our family has been tremendous…
Thank you for your commitment. You are genuinely helping people improve their lives, not many of us can say that.
With much appreciation.
For me it has been through working with Marie-Paule de Valdivia on the skills of DBT. This challenging journey continues but now with times of true contentment for spending some quality times with my daughter, who despite it all, I truly love.
I cannot begin to thank you enough, Marie-Paule, for being with me throughout every crisis and for your guidance, support and never-ending encouragement on this very difficult path.
The DBT model that you use is a very “user friendly” model. You provide parents with skills they can apply following their first meeting with you that make a profound difference. I can truly attest that you were life changing for my family. I only wish I’d known you sooner!
Equally important, for those of us parents who have struggled with the shame, guilt and self-blame of parenting a child who “doesn’t fit the mold”, you bring a deep sense of compassion and empathy. Your willingness to share your own successes and failures helped lighten the load! Thank you! Thank You!