My name is Sami and I’m a current client of Jill Denton’s. I met Jill in 2009 after I graduated college. I sought her out because I was experiencing panic attacks daily, was feeling completely out of control, and completely dependent upon others to “help me” feel secure and okay.

These panic attacks were not strangers to me. Since I can remember I have struggled with irrational thoughts, fears, and anxiety. As a little girl I was terrified that something was going to happen to my parents. Then when high school hit I couldn’t be home along and wouldn’t go out unless there was a guaranteed safe way home. I disconnected from friends, went to talk therapy, and I was put on lots of Paxil.

I felt better by senior year, but had more episodes when I went to college. Pretty much I was “surviving” each day, and this was really affecting my relationships, especially romantically. Because I was so anxious and not trusting off myself, I entered into several emotionally abusive relationships, thinking that’s what I deserved, and so fearful of being along and abandoned. Key word abandoned.

Fast forward to Jill. When we started working together I was pretty skeptical of therapy. I have had about 5 therapists, a hypnotist, an energy person – you name it. Every one told me I had a chemical imbalance. How sad – I took in on as part of my personality. “Hi, I’m Sami and I have anxiety.” By the time I began with Jill I couldn’t sleep in a house by myself, I couldn’t drive up the grade in fog, and I was clinging to my best friend.

We started doing EMDR therapy. After the first session I was like, seriously, is this gonna do anything? She told me to drive carefully and we parted ways. I got in my car and slept for an hour straight (parked of course:)) Every EMDR session after that I would sleep for an hour out of pure exhaustion. Some real work was finally getting done. What a transformation! Fast forward to two years later, now I work on the other side of the grade so I drive over it at least twice a day! I live by myself, I’m in the healthiest most incredible relationship of my whole life, and I am truly happy.

I marvel at the fact that I can drive in the dark, that I can enjoy alone time, and that I can travel without my stomach sitting in my chest. I have the best job I’ve ever had, and two years ago I would have never thought myself capable. My friends and family are so proud of my inner growth. It took a LOT of work, and I still see Jill regularly, both for maintenance and to continue the EMDR. When I have a panic attack now I am able to step outside myself, analyze what I’m feeling, breathe, use the tools Jill gave me, and overcome the panic, or at least let it subside. Then I feel even stronger. I hope this is helpful – sorry it’s so long, there’s just so much to the story! I have recommended Jill for anyone and everyone who talks to me about struggling with anxiety, body image, and/or relationships.

Sami is now happily married. She works as a Social Worker for San Luis Obispo County Child Protective Services.