Before a friend referred me to Chrysalis Counseling, I had taken mood-stabilizing drugs for over seven years and couldn't imagine life without them.  When my psychiatrist told me it was time to find a therapist, I was sure it would just be a waste of time and money.  Eight months later, my feelings of never being good enough are rare and brief!   I finally accept myself without needing medication to feel OK.  For the first time since childhood, I like the person I am in the process of becoming!   J.S.B.  Huntersville, NC How does one become a butterfly?  You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpiller. Trina Paulus

I grew up pretending that my feelings were always "saintly" and forgiving because that's what I had been taught to do as a pastor's kid. I kept up that con until my marriage dissolved because my spouse said she didn't know who I was, and didn't want to try anymore. After I fell apart and went on a furniture- breaking rampage, I called Linda. Today I see feelings like anger or sadness as temporary, but normal, parts of life that everybody deals with instead of signs that I'm unstable or sinful. Life is so much better that I am considering marriage_ something I never felt I could handle again. A rut is nothing more than a grave with the ends kicked out.  Earl Nightengale

Before I saw Linda I walked around feeling personally responsible for nearly everybody and everything_ especially my family. I felt if my spouse and kids weren't happy I must be a failure. She helped me sort out what my responsibilities really are and which things I can control and which I can't. It's a HUGE relief to let other people be in charge of their own lives without feeling burdened by it ALL.  B. A. (Charlotte, NC) Remember that your perception of the world is a reflection of your state of consciousness.  Eckhard Tolle

Linda Maxwell helped me overcome years of distorted thinking that was making all my relationships frustrating disasters.  With some work and determination, my perspective has truly changed.  I now see how I had been sabotaging my own life through unrealistic expectations of how other people were "supposed" to behave toward me.  The shock was that I never felt criticized or judged by her, even when I was discovering it wasn't all other peoples' fault!  And believe me, that wasn't my usual reaction. Now I know how to take my share of responsibility in my relationships_ and I do it.  Friends and co-workers tell me I am more fun to be around, and I feel such a sense of freedom.  It's wonderful to finally feel and behave like a mature adult at 38!  I wouldn't trade my time with Linda for anything: it literally changed my life!    K.C. (Charlotte, NC) There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.  Dennis Waitley

Oh the number of times I have arrived at Linda's office exhausted, tied in knots and unable to calm down! But by the time I walked back out to the parking lot, my entire body would feel relaxed, my mind was quiet and I felt ready to deal with life! Just the breathing techniques she taught me showed me how to reclaim my ability to manage my anxiety. It feels so liberating not to be at the mercy of my own "crazy-making" thoughts! S. H. (Fort Mill, SC) "Observe the many ways in which unease, discontent and tension arise within you through unnecessary judgment, resistence to what is and denial of the Now."  Eckhard Tolle

For months after my husband died I wanted nothing more than to join him.  I honestly felt that I could never feel good or happy again.  After visiting Linda's bereavement group for awhile, I felt hope again, and knew I wanted one-on-one time with her. Since she has counseled me, I have seen changes in myself that I wouldn't have thought were even possible. Life is full of possibilities once more. My gratitude to her is beyond words.  C.G. (Matthews, NC) We cannot part with our friends.  We cannot let our angels go.  We do not see that they only go out, that archangels may come in.   Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Over many years, I tried quite a number of therapists...never feeling comfortable enough to say all that I needed to say (I began at age 18, I am now 46), always resulting in therapy left unfinished.  That is until the universe blessed me and led me to Linda Maxwell.  I knew from our first session that she would always be the one for me...non-conventional, laid-back, compassionate...all the while teaching me life lessons that I truly believe have saved my life.  It's not always easy and I am still learning; the learning never stops.  And I know I have quite a ways to go with changing me, "fixing" me.  But Linda is so patient and so non-judgemental, I will never stop going to her.  I have before. I became scared and opted out.  But this time it has been months and although there are days that I don't want to go, never knowing what lies ahead, I am always so glad I went and never leave without learning more ~about myself~ about life and how I can change only myself, not anyone else.  Linda's support has been phenomenal and without her, I honestly don't know what would have happened to me when I basically broke down this past summer.  I would recommend Linda to anyone. She is one of a kind, a wonderful teacher...a blessing in my life."  js (Charlotte, NC)   See that... every act that is not an act of love, is a cry for love.                   A Course in Miracles