Approximately 6 years ago, my husband fell into a depression and began
to withdraw from family life. This had an especially profound effect
on our son, who was 9 at the time. We began taking our son to see Emmy
on a regular basis, and her insight was incredible. Through her
observational techniques, she could tell immediately what he was
feeling, and he felt an instant connection with her simply because of
her warmth, and her assurance that she was there for him. Her genuine
love and care for our son made us instantly feel that we were in the right place.
Emmy gave us homework to do with each other through the week - spending
one hour together doing something that he wanted to do - those times were very rich and we both learned a great deal. She taught us how to observe what he was feeling by his different behaviours. Truly, she
taught us how to be better parents.
Through regular visits, our son became more settled, less agitated, and
also more confident in himself. He learned how to voice his opinion
clearly and respectfully. We learned how to "read the cues" when he was
feeling overwhelmed, and how to help him through that.
Our son is now 15 years old and is a warm and compassionate young man,
due in no small part to the care and love that he received from Emmy
through a very difficult time. To this day, he lights up when he sees
her, and he knows that she is still a safe place for him to go if he
needs to talk (which he does on occasion). Over the years, Emmy has
also seen our daughter to help her through the occasional rough patch,
and has been a constant source of strength and encouragement to both my
husband and myself.
We will be forever grateful to Emmy for all that she has done to help
our entire family - we would not have been the same without her help,
and she will always be a part of our family. God Bless You richly Emmy!
Forever thankful,
Name withheld
I
would like to give thanks for such a wonderful counsellor
as Emmy Anastasiou. I cam to Emmy with my 11 year old son after
the break
up of my marriage. My son could not understand why my husband
had left, and needed assistance in dealing with his emotions.
Emmy has
been so kind, so caring and understanding. She has brought
laughter back into our lives. My son understands that 'He was
NOT to blame',
and that there is nothing he can do to change the situation.
He learned how to cope, as did I. He learned ways to improve
his organization
skills, to become part of a team, Mother and Son. Emmy helped
him understand that single parents are an accepted part of the
community,
and we can manage just fine as long as we have each other.
Support was only a phone call away. He was allowed to ask questions
in a
warm, unobtrusive environment. Never did he balk when it
was time to go see his friend Emmy. she will always be a part
of
our lives,
and I am so thankful that I took this step, as it has made
the relationship between my son and me an absolute joy. Now,
I am in the process of
taking my daughter and I look forward to Emmy helping her
to heal her heartache.
Angels
come in many forms, and we found ours!
Thankfully,
Monica
D
My
children and I have been working with Emmy for just over a year.
Our family was struggling with the after-effects of a separation.
My oldest son, Iain, suffered from anxiety and my youngest son,
Jamieson struggles emotionally with a physical disability.
We all felt an immediate bond with Emmy. She always greeted us
with a smiling face and often open arms! The kids absolutely
adore her and Thursday mornings became a treat for all of us.
Her concern and caring was always evident and sincere.
Her high level of commitment was at all times apparent and she
made herself available to us whenever we needed. On the occasions
when we were unable to attend our Thursday morning session, we
often received an email or phone call to ensure everything was
okay. I recall a time when I was going away on a business trip
that was causing my oldest son, Iain, a little anxiety. Emmy
gave him one of her business cards and wrote her home phone number
on it and told him he could call her whenever he wants. Iain
was very proud of this business card and he proudly placed it
in his wallet when he got home that day.
Emmy's creative ways in which she encouraged communication really
paid off. She helped to built Iain's self-esteem to a level in
which he is now more comfortable and confident expressing his
needs and opinions. Jamieson does not demand so much of himself
anymore and is more confident and at ease with his physical disability.
He now knows and accepts that his is different and it's okay
if you need to ask for help - nobody is perfect. I am a more
secure, happy and relaxed mother who is now able to enjoy her
children and just have fun with them.
We wish Emmy every success in her endeavors and are confident
she will help many families along the way.
Name
With Held
