In 1898, Ian MacLaren (born John Watson) wrote "This man beside us also has a hard fight with an unfavouring world, with strong temptations, with doubts and fears, with wounds of the past which have skinned over, but which smart when they are touched. It is a fact, however surprising. Be pitiful, for every man is fighting a hard battle." While others have taken a run at this text, revising it to make it their own, it's this original piece that is most moving. I am someone who, if you are not within my very intimate circle, you would never believe I had any fears or doubts, or wounds which smart. By all of society's standards I was quite accomplished and successful, given every opportunity. It probably was an achievement of sorts, living up to the expectations of others while ignoring those wounds; but there came a time when I realized - as blessed and content as I was, I was not living my full potential. Missing was inner peace and contentment... there was a lack of alignment between my outside world and my internal values... and for all of my blessings and professional success, I had not achieved the things dearest to me in my personal life.
I had toyed with the idea of therapy before and had an unfavorable experience with a "therapist" in my 20's, so I was cautious and skeptical. I was referred to Stacie through a friend in 2010. I brought in a list of my wounds to our first meeting, tossing them at her in my typical shock-value manner but secretly hoping she'd know what to do with them. And she did.
Stacie creates a safe environment for you to be open. She consistently demonstrates trust and honesty. Her approach is practical and action-oriented. This isn't about someone telling you what to think or do, or getting a reality-dulling prescription. This is about looking at your wounds. It's about learning how you let their scar tissue keep your greatest wishes at bay. It's about opening them up just a little so you can safely explore - as an observer of your powerful personal qualities instead of a victim - and turn these difficult life experiences into victories. You learn that what you've been through does not define who you are.
The feedback I've gotten from friends is that my wounds are rather extensive, but I know people who've been through worse. I learned that I had not achieved the personal things I wanted most because of those wounds. What you get out of this is entirely up to you. With Stacie's guidance and by working through this process, I found not only the personal bits I was looking for, I actually found every area of my life opening up in ways I never thought possible - including the one area I thought was already almost perfect: my professional world.
If you're thinking about asking for help, just do it. You will have to roll up your sleeves, and you will have homework, but Stacie's approach is so practical and pragmatic that it's easy to compartmentalize. You will continue to excel in your professional world while you move through these emotional bits, and no one will be the wiser. The success of this process is entirely up to you. I highly, highly recommend Stacie Cox. She'll be as committed to your success as you are. She'll be your biggest fan. She'll call bulls**t. You will be a happier and more authentic person. You'll discover true success. You'll heal things you didn't even know were hurt. Life is so short. Make it matter. You are worth it! read more