Testimonials For Michelle Ridley, MS
Michelle is professional, thoughtful, empathetic, and insightful. After our first email exchange, I knew I had found a compassionate provider who truly cared about me. She is an excellent listener and also provided very constructive feedback and suggestions. She expertly guided me through the Grief Recovery Program. I am truly grateful that I met Michelle and I would recommend her without reservation to anyone who is suffering any type of grief or loss.
One-on-One Support08/10/2023Participant in Vinton, CA
When I first started the program, I was a little worried it was going to be like counseling. I was also concerned about how writing a letter, was going to help close a door. I already tried other alternatives. So the answer seemed kinda weak at first. To my surprise towards the end, it started to come together. Little things I didn't understand I needed to say, that helped the process. It felt like a rope coming unraveled for a min. Then all of a sudden it had some logic, or my understanding opened up. Then my rope helped me climb out of my hole. I will never forget... but My understanding, my will to move on. My ability to breathe it away. It has finally become a part of my healing. I recommend this program to someone ready, to start healing. I was very blessed to have a supportive partner during this process. Michelle went out of her way, to make sure I understood and gave me plenty of time, to work out my feelings. Thank you to the book, and an awesome partner I am now breathing, free.
Support Groups02/18/2022
Some personal pains and past traumas are so deep that they require the skill of a surgeon to remove initially. The Grief Recovery Method in the hands of my exceptionally gifted facilitator helped rid me of secret shames that hampered my life for decades. My healing is begun and I am so very grateful to have tools to use from here on out!
Support Groups02/17/2022
I had no idea that I was holding on to so much old stuff. Going through the Grief Recovery Program made me aware that I was grieving incorrectly and that there was a way to identify the incompleteness I was feeling and confronting it and letting it go. It's freeing for the soul.
One-on-One Online Support12/27/2021
I never understood what grief truly was. I grew up thinking it was only when someone you lost passed away. I carried so much hurt, anger, and grief from years ago, all the way to my childhood. Learning about what grief really means has helped better my life in many ways. Going through this program has allowed me to put past-negative relationships to rest and has given me back my freedom and power! I am in control of responding rather than reacting. I learned to forgive and asked for forgivness. That alone has lifted so much off of my heavy soul. I have healed two very broken relationships and now I have the tools necessary for any future grieving experiences, even if that means something as simple as moving, changing careers, or simply looking back and figuring out what in my life caused me to feel the loss of something.
One-on-One Support11/08/2021
I feel less inclined to remain stuck on anger and will implement the learned strategies to move in a positive direction with my relationships.
One-on-One Support09/24/2021
It hasn't fixed my issues but I feel like I'm headed down the right path.
One-on-One Support09/17/2021
I have unearthed so many things I didn't know were affecting me and thus others through my behavior. I've realized just how much loss Ive never known how to deal with, and that I have some PTSD from my childhood that made me forget so much. I have a lot of work left to do, but I feel like I have a strong start and am more at peace with myself. I can see the changes in myself and I like the possibilities I can see now. I also don't become super anxious when thinking about my sister or her death. So that's awesome.
One-on-One Support09/03/2021
The program helped me work through and confront a very challenging situation I was in when younger and then that persons death just a few years ago. I became a foster parent and realized that that relationship and death was still a major trigger for me so we were also able to tackle the loss that is associated with that and with being a foster parent since the kids eventually move on and there is always a loss associated with them being in foster care.
One-on-One Support07/15/2021
One-on-One Support07/14/2021
I able to release a lot of anxiety and self esteem issues. I can now step outside the traumas and see them with a different perspective.
Support Groups02/26/2021
I was able to look at my experiences from a different angle and felt validated for the first time.
One-on-One Support02/26/2021
It was a different way of approaching grief and mental health. It worked.
One-on-One Online Support02/10/2021
The addition of homework, and the challenge of completing it and being honest with yourself is not easy. However, it made a huge difference for me because it made me focus and stay on course.
One-on-One Online Support01/12/2021
Thank you so Uchida for this class. Although very detailed, precise and involved with deep emotion; I truly enjoyed my experience. I learned to accept my grief and grow from it.
One-on-One Support04/30/2020