Client Experiences
Reflections on Therapy, NARM, & Relational Change
Reflections shared by clients about their experience of our work together.
Choosing a therapist is deeply personal, and no testimonial can predict what another person’s experience will be. The reflections below offer a glimpse into how some clients have experienced our work together over time.
Different reflections speak to different needs, stages of change, and ways of engaging in therapy. They are shared with permission, with identifying details limited to protect privacy.
Amie. B
“Through our work together and the NARM model, I’ve become much more aware of how emotions show up in my body, less reactive in my relationships, and more compassionate with myself overall.”
Working with Andrew has been genuinely transformative. After years of traditional therapy, I was looking for something to help me connect more deeply with my emotions and understand the patterns behind my reactions. Andrew has an incredible ability to tailor the experience to the individual. He pays close attention, knows when to gently challenge you, and when to simply hold space and let you sit with what you’re feeling. Through our work together and the NARM model, I’ve become much more aware of how emotions show up in my body, less reactive in my relationships, and more compassionate with myself overall. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of why I do certain things instead of just trying to ‘fix’ them. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone looking for therapy that feels both insightful & deeply human.
Scott S.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is a greater sense of being my own free agent.”
When I started working with Andrew, I was experiencing personal trauma within my family, and I needed to be able to share my thoughts and feelings with someone professionally qualified. It has been hard work, but it has been rewarding and satisfying. One of the things I like about working with Andrew is that there are natural prompts and challenges to my thinking without being intimidating or threatening in any way. One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in my work with him is a greater sense of being my own free agent. I feel now that my journey is valid however it changes or doesn’t change. Andrew works very hard. It’s evident that he has taken his profession quite seriously. He is always fully present in session. He’s never “phoning it in.” That takes a lot of commitment and a lot of energy. Andrew has natural talent for his profession and approaches the therapeutic relationship as a joint one. He is sincere and works to create a mutually comfortable space.
Mia G.
“Andrew leads with humanity. I found that I was able to unpack relational challenges with more depth because I felt safe enough to do so.”
Andrew leads with humanity. I found that I was able to unpack relational challenges with more depth, because I felt safe enough to do so. Andrew’s depth of knowledge in NARM and other depth-oriented models is extensive, but he doesn’t lecture. He supports you to see what he sees, through an intentional and embodied exploration. Working with him has enriched my clinical practice, particularly with more complex cases, while also moving my own personal work forward in meaningful ways. I could not recommend Andrew more highly.
Ben C.
“Not only has my time with Andrew greatly reduced my anxiety and feelings of panic, I feel so much more connected to myself and others in ways that I never thought possible.”
I started working with Andrew a few years ago to help manage a period of intense anxiety and panic attacks. Not only has my time with Andrew greatly reduced my anxiety and feelings of panic, I feel so much more connected to myself and others in ways that I never thought possible. Andrew is kind, considerate, and above all, empathetic. Andrew listens and cares deeply. Through my years working with Andrew I feel like I have been able to understand myself and find self-compassion, things that felt entirely foreign before our work together. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is feeling in any way out of sorts or just needs some reframing.
Dave M.
“Rather than simply talking about my problems to feel better in the moment, I have been able to make meaningful, lasting progress.”
I came to Andrew looking for relief from anxiety and depression. I have seen many therapists throughout my life, but Andrew has helped me in ways that have been truly constructive and transformative. Through our work together, I have been able to move out of my depression and develop a deeper understanding of the survival strategies I have relied on throughout my life. By identifying these patterns, I have learned how to work through triggers and situations that once caused me significant anxiety or depression. I have also become better at setting healthy boundaries and taking greater control of my emotions. Andrew’s use of NARM therapy is truly unique. His approach focuses on the present while helping me understand and work through the emotions and feelings that can emerge from long-adopted survival strategies. Rather than simply talking about my problems to feel better in the moment, I have been able to make meaningful, lasting progress. I have grown tremendously during my years working with Andrew, and for the first time, I genuinely feel that I am moving forward and creating lasting change in my life.
Sara K.
“I’ve gone from living with constant anxiety to an increasingly balanced perspective that helps minimize anxiety and grow my self-trust.”
I came to therapy after increasing anxiety and isolation that left me lonely. Attempts to expand relationships brought fear, but isolating brought sadness. I couldn’t win. After working with two different therapists, I felt comforted but made no progress. That is when I heard about NARM. Seeking a NARM therapist, I found Andrew and his deep understanding of NARM. His gifted ability to create a container of trust, filled with compassion and curiosity, guided me to see patterns in my thoughts, feelings and body sensations that get in the way of my authentic self. Through his supportive inquiry skills, I came to understand the source of those patterns and learned that my own agency was the key to evolving from them. I’ve gone from living with constant anxiety to an increasingly balanced perspective that helps minimize anxiety and grow my self-trust. Today, thanks to our work together, I’m learning to challenge patterns that bring on anxiety, let go of false identities and start holding complex views of relationships.
Different stories. Different paths.
The work is shaped around the person.
Susan B.
“His understanding and support with complex trauma has improved the quality of my life.”
Andrew utilizes his multifaceted skills with kindness, honesty, neutrality, and curiosity. He is whole-hearted, highly educated, and intuitive while helping me navigate some major life changes. Andrew has supported me through various challenges and transitions in my life including moving out of state, “empty nesting” as a single mom, releasing repetitive toxic behaviors due to trauma, handling chronic pain/illness in sobriety, and a career change with a business startup. His understanding and support with complex trauma has improved the quality of my life. I now have long-term capacity to assist in staying present, being aware of my emotions, and navigating the physical changes within my body, thus helping me be less reactive and acknowledging it much faster than I used to. Andrew has influenced me to learn the true meaning of being empowered with the ability of having peace of mind in my daily life.
Kristen M.
“I feel so empowered, and I am actually following my heart with everything I want to do and actually going and doing it.”
Before I started working with Andrew, I tried doing everything…except actually working through my traumas and insecurities. Reading self-help books, meditation, yoga & walking for miles were all great things to do but it’s only a temporary fix. My life before working with Andrew was very stressful, high anxiety and I was depressed. Now I feel like I am a flower that grew and opened. I handle stressful situations so much better, and my anxiety level has gone down so much. I would say my depression is gone. Self-doubt is slightly still there but so much better than before. My communication skills and expressing myself have improved so much. I feel so empowered, and I am actually following my heart with everything I want to do and actually going and doing. I am not letting FEAR run my life. I am such an advocate for Andrew. I tell everyone about him, how he has helped me, and that if they are looking for a therapist he is the one. He doesn’t just sit there and talk about things and listen. He likes to find the root and work through it. I find this works so much better for me instead of someone just listening and questioning. He also keeps it 100% real with you. And if you’re going to better yourself and take accountability for things and start healing, you need that.
Grace M.
“With Andrew’s help, I am able to give myself more grace, detach from racing thoughts, and begin to heal unhealthy thinking patterns.”
Before working with Andrew, I had tried multiple different therapists. I found that many therapists simply listen to problems without offering detailed solutions. Andrew does a thorough job at creating a program specifically for you in order to see results sooner than I ever had before. I had trouble organizing my thoughts and coping with my emotions. Andrew was able to put things into a perspective I could understand while simultaneously listening carefully and without judgement. With Andrew’s help, I am able to give myself more grace, detach from racing thoughts, and begin to heal unhealthy thinking patterns. To anyone thinking of working with Andrew, I would say start as soon as possible. I have seen such an improvement in our time together and only wish we had started sooner! His attention to detail and talent for recalling prior sessions in order to make connections and break old thoughts/habits that don’t serve me has helped me to navigate difficult times with ease.
Patrick S.
“I have a lifetime foundation of happiness to build upon thanks to the incredible support of Andrew.”
I was experiencing a lot of uncertainty in my life. It was leading to drug abuse, disassociation, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. My life felt void of meaning and my negative self-identification was crippling me from making any changes. I had tried therapy in the past, so I figured I’d try again. I found Andrew’s profile online and gave it a shot. Andrew responded quickly and was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. Andrew genuinely cared about my success and well-being. He was engaging and incredibly resourceful. His approach to therapy will stay with me forever. I was able to talk through my problems, create a clear vision for my future, develop steps to get there, and execute them. Working with Andrew helped me learn a lot about myself while making a huge career transition. I have a lifetime foundation of happiness to build upon thanks to the incredible support of Andrew. To anyone looking, I highly recommend reaching out and speaking with Andrew. It is well worth the investment in yourself.
Tyeler C.
“He never assumes anything and never judges. He really helps me be present and face my problems head on.”
Before meeting Andrew I had always tried to bottle things up and not really face my problems; my life was filled with anxiety and what-ifs. I thought that if I put everything to the side my problems would just go away. I was constantly anxious about past trauma and future possibilities. I had a hard time setting goals and really finding the motivation to keep going. Andrew takes the time to ask questions and understand my situation. He never assumes anything and never judges. He really helps me be present and face my problems head on. It was scary at first working with him since providers start off as strangers, but he did his best to let me know he was on my team and was there to help. I strongly suggest working with Andrew if you have any struggles in your life. He’s caring, non-judgmental, understanding, and is super positive. If you’re looking for a sign to start your healing path, this is it.
If something here resonates, I welcome you to reach out.
A consultation gives us a chance to talk about what brings you to therapy and whether working together might feel like a good fit.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm ET
andrew@andrewplisner.com