I am in a wordsmith workshop at my library. A new member of the group introduced herself and mentioned that she was a mental health therapist. When I heard that, it brought back both guilt and a sense of intrigue. I had meant to leave a review on Connie’s website — though, honestly, I’m not sure if I ever did. The intrigue came from a book I had been reading, written by a researcher on shame and vulnerability. As it turned out, the new therapist was reading one of the same author’s books. It occurred to me then how much I have gained from the mental health profession — and that I might not have even been at that workshop were it not for therapists like Connie. I had started writing about my experience with her a few years ago. It felt like the right time to revisit and reflect.
I retired in January 2022, as the pandemic was slowing down. I had struggled with social anxiety before the pandemic, but I began to realize that my panic attacks and anxiety were getting out of control. I have dealt with anxiety and depression for most of my life. Having been raised in a culture where emotional awareness is not valued, I never sought help — not until I hit the worst emotional bottom I had ever experienced. I decided to get honest and reach out. I made an appointment with my doctor. The staff there were kind and understanding. I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, prescribed antidepressants, and it was suggested that I see a therapist.
When I first started seeing Connie Knox, my social anxiety was so severe that I could not sit in a room with another person for more than fifteen minutes without becoming extremely anxious. One of the first things Connie taught me — and one I still use today — is belly breathing. When I feel myself tightening up, I breathe deeply into my belly. Connie is one of the kindest, most caring people I know. She was so patient with me. After a couple months of therapy, I decided to rejoin an organization I had been involved with before. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I thought it would be good immersion therapy. I also went to a movie with my wife. It had been twelve years since we’d last been able to stay — we had walked out of every attempt because of my panic attacks. I genuinely didn’t think I would ever be able to sit through a film again. Walking into that next therapy session with that accomplishment behind me, I felt so proud.
One day after a session, I noticed a plaque on Connie’s wall for an award in the healing arts. I misread it at first and thought she might be a sculptor or a painter. She explained that it was for the healing arts — therapy itself. At the time, I didn’t quite understand how therapy could be considered an art. But having been on the receiving end of it, I’ve come to a much deeper appreciation of what that means.
One of Connie’s earliest suggestions was to bring structure into my life. Not working had left me adrift in a sea of uncertainty. I began taking daily walks, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and continuing my yoga practice — all things she encouraged. I still follow that same routine today. By the time I stopped seeing Connie, I was able to sit in group discussions for an hour or so and occasionally go out to lunch with the group. It wasn’t easy, but I did it with her help.
I still live with anxiety, and I still have panic attacks occasionally. But they are shorter and fewer. I have moved on to different groups and causes, and most of the time I genuinely enjoy being with people — something I never imagined possible. My life is truly better than it was before any of these struggles began.
I recently started listening to a book called “The Obstacle Is the Way.” I haven’t finished it yet, but I’m beginning to think that my social anxiety was, in its own way, a pathway to a better life — because it taught me to ask for help, to have more compassion for others, and to practice mindfulness.
From the first visit Connie put me @ ease with her friendly warmth and sincerity. She has helped me deal with a troubled
relationship with my son. I love my son but it was time for him to move out. My son has finally moved out on his own. I thought
this would never happen. Connie inspired me to stand up for myself. Something that I have started doing more often.
The books that Connie suggested were very helpful. Reading "Who's Pulling Your Strings?" really helped me see how I was
being manipulated. Connie was very patient and empathetic. She always knew the right questions to ask: Always getting right to
the heart of the matter. I saw Connie for just under a year. At times my husband came to the visits with me. He was also grateful
for Connie's assistance.
Connie also assisted with my transition into retirement. I lost my job and was basically forced into retirement a few months
after I began seeing Connie. This was a very demoralizing, stressful time. She really helped me through this big life change.
Connie is a wise and caring professional. She loves her life's work and it shows. I am grateful that I found her. Because of
Connie's assistance, my husband and I are now, for the first time,empty nesters. (We are in our mid sixties). I love saying that,
"empty nesters". We are having so much fun now that it's just the two of us.
For the first time in many years I feel @ peace with my life.
I highly recommend Connie for any life problems you may be struggling with.
My fiancé and I came to see Connie as a last resort to ending our 3
year relationship. We had been fighting non-stop and it seemed as though our relationship was way past repair. I chose
Connie out of the phonebook, and begged my boyfriend to come. He was very apprehensive and skeptical, as was I.
Connie made us feel SO comfortable from the very start. She has helped us through so many obstacles and was able to quickly
address the root of our problems. Walking into her office last May we felt our relationship was irreparable, by October
of the same year, we were engaged and we both have Connie to thank! She offers great, real life advice. Although we are
doing much better, we continue to see Connie for guidance with everyday struggles in a relationship. Connie has helped
make our relationship so much stronger. I HIGHLY recommend choosing her as your counselor for anything you may be struggling
with.
"Connie made me feel instantly comfortable. She quickly helped me to get to heart of what I was struggling with personally,
and we made quick progress due in part to her great listening skills, smart questions and the reading materials that she
recommended to me. She is a great advisor to anyone feeling stuck or struggling in life"
My
wife and I both tried to solve our quarreling after more
than 15 years of marriage, but grew apart with more kids
and career changes. We had tried reading some self-help
books as well as constant prayer, but nothing helped as
much as Love Languages, which we both read in less than
one month. It was by far the best read of our lives.
We are practicing daily now to speak the language of each
other instead of fighting through our changing lives.
We even want to learn more about our
children’s languages of love next. It's all very helpful,
but nothing compares to the personal touch that Connie has
given us. Books are awesome, but without her grace and
honest approach to helping our union, it's still just a
bunch of text. Connie brought it to life for us.
I
came to Connie Knox with what I thought
was the worst condition a man could endure.
My then wife was involved in an affair and
after being discovered, she left my son
and I and filed for divorce.
Connie was able to assess
my situation along with my needs and began
a plan the first visit. She saw my feelings
of being abandoned, hurt, angry, ashamed,
afraid, and during my course of therapy,
many more complex feelings became involved.
It was because of Connie Knox's professionalism,
knowledge, and ability that I am here
today. She took me from the deepest darkest
cavern of my inner being and brought me
back in to the light. She helped me realize
that bad things happen to good people,
and that I am stronger in heart and spirit
than I ever could have imagined. She was
able to make me feel comfortable in some
of the hardest emotional periods. She
has a great personality and presence.
I highly recommend her.
Connie
has been of great assistance in helping
me deal with my daughter’s death.
I had never been to a counselor before,
so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but
I immediately felt relaxed and comfortable
opening up to her. Her visits are very nurturing,
and she always makes sure that my concerns
are addressed. She has also seen my husband
and I together, and this has helped us as
a couple. I leave each visit feeling better
than when I walked in! Additionally, she
has given concrete suggestions and practical
tips to use between visits to help me in
my journey of healing. I would highly recommend
Connie to anyone in need of counseling services.
I
have been working with Connie Knox for three
months,updating my resume` and researching
new career paths. Connie administered the
Myers-Briggs Personality test to me and
suggested two books to use as references
in my quest to determine a new career path
and updating my resume`. Taking the Myers-Briggs
test really helped me pinpoint the direction
I should take. The two books were very helpful
to me.
Connie put me through
the paces as I edited draft after draft
of my resume`. It was an arduous process
but worth the effort. I am grateful for
her expertise and insight into the job
search process. I have sent out my first
resume` and feel confident about my chances
for an interview and then being offered
the job.
