Intuitive Body clients are saying…

One of the best parts of working with my clients is experiencing their results, and transformations, not just around their eating or weight, but in their increased overall wellbeing. I am blessed with loving and generous clients who regularly share with me the ways in which they have changed because of our work together. Here are some of what they have written as their lives become more expansive, creative, and free.

At the tender age of 14 my beautiful young daughter lost her beloved dad to a tragic and unexpected death. My once vibrant, laughing, outgoing child became literally overnight a very depressed, sad, and grief stricken child. She struggled with anxiety, depression, self-injurious behavior and ultimately bulimia.

Through MEDA(mass. eating disorders) we located Lisa and she immediately reached out to us and was able to meet with my daughter. The connection between the two was immediate. My daughter in fact commented that she felt that she had finally found someone who could help her. I was very unsure as this was foreign territory to me, but my concern for my daughters well being overrode any concerns I had. She needed to be helped and I could do nothing to make her pain go away. This was a very hard admission for me as being a mom I am supposed to be able to fix everything. She did not want to be bulimic and wanted desperately to be able to control it, but it was controlling her.

Through extensive weekly and sometimes daily counseling a transformation began. I began to notice small things, her sense of humor returning, and the way she interacted with others and handled conflict and as well her relationship with food improved. She kept a journal, repeated self help phrases, and worked incredibly hard to beat bulimia. She did have set backs and was hospitalized as her disorder had reached a medically dangerous level. Through her hospitalization Lisa and I stayed in touch and along with holding my daughters hand and guiding her to healing, she guided me as well. Lisa was and is totally accessible via email and phone and we do meet occasionally with my daughter to make sure we are all working together.

Being a single parent and the sole financial support of two teenagers forced me to have to consider switching counselors as Lisa is not on my health plan. I agonized over this as I did not want to disrupt her therapy but I saw no other options; cost was an issue. Once again, Lisa stepped up. We worked out a mutually beneficial financial agreement and my daughters’ therapy was not interrupted. I know that my daughter will beat this; through her work with Lisa she is regaining her power. I often think that with our tragedy an inner light went out in my daughter. Lisa has not only restored the light, she is making it glow magnificently.”
–Kathleen G.- Hudson, Ma.

Before I worked with Lisa I didn’t know if therapy was going to work or not. I was convinced that nobody could say anything that could keep me from making myself sick. I was scared of not being the skinniest girl at my school. I kept asking myself if I was insane or had a mental illness. I was so afraid that therapy wasn’t the answer. My last therapist did not specialize in eating disorders and she couldn’t really help me.

Since working with Lisa,I have opened up more to her than to anyone else because I feel really safe with her. I feel like she gives me special attention for my bulimia that the other therapist could not. I love our sessions and feel like she really understands everything about eating disorders.

I don’t feel I have to be the skinniest girl now, I’m find with who I am. I have opened up to people and learned to trust them. I feel less self-conscious and not so worried about how I look or what I eat. I am much less obsessed, and feeling really good about the ways I am learning to be good to myself.
–KellyAnn (age 17) - Hudson, MA.

Working with Lisa has made me realize and admit to myself many things in my past that have contributed to my eating disorder. Working through these issues isn’t easy but it is comforting to have someone that is willing to listen, offer advice, and help me sort through all of it. Lisa has opened my eyes to other ways of looking at things and healthy alternatives to deal with my feelings other than with food.
–April Ann, 26

Hi Lisa! First of all, sessions are never long enough for me to let you know how much I appreciate you and all you have to offer- so thank you very much for that.From the moment I left your office, I was feeling inspired enough to start planning what I want to do for myself. I am excited to work with you, and learn from you; to have somebody to trust and even have some fun on the way!Since seeing you, food has been less “charged”- I have had some good moments of peace and even inspiration. Even though a lot of stuff is coming up, I know that I would not be reacting quite so constructively to my current emotional state if you had not offered me this opportunity to write to you.

Much appreciation,

Erin,age 26

Before I met Lisa, Bulimia is a word which I avoided with so much fear and denial. I had been dealing with an eating disorder that consumed four years of my life, and struggled with body issues for as long as I could remember. The only hope I had left in my mind was when I looked back around the time I was around 5 or 6 years old, and was able to notice how confident, opinionated, and sure of myself I was so many years ago. Now I am 17-years-old, and through counseling with Lisa I was able to rediscover who I really was, and channel my negative energy into creative arts rather than harming myself. Now I enjoy painting and I am a more talented songwriter/musician and writer since I am able to truly utilize my talents?an have become a strong, independent young woman. I someday hope to become a psycologist to give back and help people discover themselves, just as she did for me. I no longer dream of being the confident, opinionated, strong person I once was, I just am.??
– Val,16- Westford

Before I met Lisa, I felt alone, powerless, aimless, and worthless. I was constantly struggling around my eating and my weight. I felt like I had no control over the choices I was making. I had convinced myself that I was not “enough”. I was not pretty enough, smart enough, successful enough etc. I was tired of constantly feeling inadequate. Now I know how to find peace in these moments. I have learned to listen to my body when it is trying to tell me something. I have reconnected to the real “me” and know how to reconnect when that connection is severed by the countless forces from without and within that face us every day. With Lisa’s help, I now see where my worth lies.

Most therapists I’ve met listened to my problems and try to fit me into a “mold” so that they will know how to help you. From our very first session, Lisa accurately sought and found my strengths, even when I was going on about my faults, failures, and weaknesses. She identified strengths in my character that have allowed me to find joy, fulfillment, and perhaps most importantly, contentment.”
–Abby J.-24, Harvard

Hi Lisa,
I just had an amazing walk this morning, all the birds were out singing, the temperature was great, squirrels, etc. It was just one of those times when I was really in the moment for the whole walk and it felt so great. I just wanted to let you know because it kind of dawned on me this morning that I’ve had lots of those times since I’ve been seeing you and I’m not sure I really had any of times like that, where I just took in the world and life and felt like I was really living before I started seeing you. Even just sitting on my porch, just relaxing, thinking about nothing sometimes, I’ve never given myself that before. So…thank you!
A.C.-Shirley

“Hi Lisa,

Here are my thoughts on what causes you to stand out from your colleagues: professionalism is most important - you are really focused and attentive during our discussions, you seem to do your work before them, too. I don’t think I have ever had the feeling that you were unprepared or “phoning it in,” which is really remarkable and impressive given how long we’ve been working together. I liked the fact that you are trained in EMDR because - even though we never used that technique - it told me you were keeping up to date and not resting on your laurels…more professionalism.

‘Tough-ness’ - you don’t get scared by any topic or even if I get confrontational. You keep your cool. This was THE most important factor of my starting with you. I remember our very first conversation, years back. I said something to you about my situation, and you immediately responded in a helpful way. BUT then I somewhat competitively came back with a rejoinder. “well,” I said, “for me the situation is worse because I do XYZ, too.” You didn’t get rattled by that *at all* but immediately came back and framed the rejoinder for me, too. I do very strongly remember the feeling I got from talking with you: I felt *safe,* because you obviously both knew what you were doing (were very informed and experienced and professional) and could handle me (strong). Your assertive, confident response really stood out from those of the other therapists I had contacted, and I was highly motivated to work with you.
Intelligence - you are really sharp and smart- our conversations move at a rapid rate, are sometimes discursive, and you keep up.
Pragmatic - you don’t just talk theory, but have a large body of practical experience and knowledge that you draw on. i like that a lot.”

–Love, H.43,Boston

“Before I started working with Lisa, I was having daily breakdowns and bingeing/purging almost every time I ate anything. Lisa has been great to work with, because she has a very personal and respectful method of treatment, rather than the sterile and condescending manner with which previous therapists had addressed me. My time with Lisa helped me to understand and deal with my eating issues, as well as my depression. I am now able to focus my energies on more than just counting calories and monitoring minute changes in my weight. I have learned to allow my body to settle into the pattern it naturally would take - and no, that doesn’t mean I got fat, or let myself go. I have also made progress in my relationships with difficult family members, establishing boundaries and focusing on my own needs rather than trying to please everyone else. I would recommend Lisa to anyone with body issues, especially if they like puppies. ”
– Alexandra, 18

“I have spent many hours in session with therapists, both for myself and my family, however I have never had the success I have had with Lisa. Her insights and intuition allow her to engage with me in ways I have never before experienced. Often, my experience involved a person simply listening rather that interacting with me. Lisa’s ability to enter the dialog with effective suggestions and powerful tools has allowed me to acheive a far more balanced approach to life and living. Her insights have always been right on the mark. She is a warm, kind-hearted woman with nothing but the best of intentions for her clients.”
– F. C.,54 Acton

“Working with Lisa has literally changed my life for the better! She has a unique and refreshing approach to counseling, taking particular consideration into the whole person and the life events that mold who we are and the choices that we make. Lisa is highly intuitive and she provides a safe, judgment-free environment where she always seems to know when it’s best to just listen, to give feedback, or to assist in meditation or relaxation. She has nurtured in me a whole new set of valuable life skills and continues to challenge me when necessary. The most valuable skill I have learned from her is to look to my body for answers and to trust what it has to tell me. With this and many other valuable coping techniques, I have much more confidence in my ability to face even the most difficult life challenges with my head held high. Thanks Lisa!”
– SGT RW- Devens

Lisa is the first therapist that I have ever felt comfortable turning my chair towards and having a frank conversation with - there’s no sense of judgment. Being pretty self aware, I thought there was no point to therapy, since I knew what the issues were already. Instead, I discovered that looking at these issues in a different way, with a different clarity, actually makes all the difference in the world. I am just at the beginning, but with Lisa’s support I am living in the moment.”

Christine, Beverly

“Lisa’a approach has allowed me to strengthen my confidence and turn it into real marketable value. She is far more than a “life coach,” as she becomes an active member of your support staff and, in the end, becomes your best and closest advisor.”
– Mr. C.- Boxborough

“Lisa takes a uniquely effective approach to counseling. In the past, I’ve been frustrated by “analysis paralysis” where all you did was talk about your past and get occasional raised eyebrows, nods, grunts or maybe a “say more about that” or “how did that make you feel” in response. Ultimately a lot of talking with very little light brought to the subject. Lisa takes a more active approach, more like a very professional and impartial friend. You are challenged when it’s required, but also supported. She digs in, makes enlightening comments and helps guide you along your own unique path to the realization of your personal vison.

–Don, Westford

“Lisa, we are just writing to thank you. Even though M. has only been seeing you for a few months, we notice changes in her already. She feels so much better about herself, and seems to trust that she will leave this painful part of her life behind her

We also feel much better knowing that we don’t have to police her eating anymore, that we can trust that you are helping her find new ways of dealing with stress and with her body. That is a huge relief, and we are grateful to you. It’s great for parents to send their daughter to somebody that can help.”

–Mr. and Mrs. J, Concord

“One of the things that I love about you is that you are so nurturing. To people, to animals, to children. Adults don’t get nurtured very much, and I think that is a major point of attraction. You offer a safe place where people can come to be nurtured and encouraged, and have their spirit nourished.”
– M. from Sterling, MA

“Spending time with Lisa has given rise to my understanding of how my beliefs have shaped my actions and influenced my life. With her guidance I am learning to trust my feelings and intuition. It has been incredibly liberating! I would recommend her to anyone, am so enjoying this new feeling of female empowerment. Thank you!”
– Ms. H of Boxborough, MA

Hi Lisa,
You know what makes your advice and counseling so credible? Because you’ve been there. Thank you for this newsletter, it was very uplifting today when I am feeling a little overwhelmed by all the committments I have at the moment. After reading this, I decided to go out onto my lovely deck, turn on my favorite music, and drink some iced tea.

Joyce, 52

“I thought you might like to know the good news. On Saturday, 7/15 I will celebrate two months free from my nagging addiction!! I will continue to work on being my best, authentic self and know that the journey never ends. The love and light that you sent to me in the past helped me stay on track. Thanks.”
– Ms. M in Maynard, MA

“Working with Lisa-Claudia Briggs helped me overcome lifelong blocks and depression and come “home” to my true identity and potential. My life has opened up for the better in every way since seeing her, and I will always be grateful for the professionalism, intelligence, caring and commitment she brought to our work together.”
– Hillary Rettig, author, The Lifelong Activist

“I was concerned about my weight and my self-esteem when I met Lisa. Very quickly I realized her amazing gift for teaching others how to enjoy a balanced and happy life. After consistently working with her for over a year my journey into my new-self has been incredible. I have learned to trust myself, take care of myself, and, most important, to like myself. Now I begin each day with a new sense of confidence knowing I have one good choice and one-not-so-good choice for each and every decision I need to make. Lisa has taught me to listen to my heart first then my brain and it works every time.”
S.H.-Boxborough, MA