“With Dr. Horner’s help, I solved my problem. I’m having an absolute blast while doing important work!”

When I first reached out to Dr. Horner, I was working at a job, which afforded my wife and I the ability to be back in Sitka, Alaska—an arguably expensive place, we consider “home.” 

But being stuck in an office most days in front of a computer was eating away at me. My health, both mental and physical, started to suffer, my relationships became flat, and I felt stuck. 

Something had to change and I couldn’t, by myself, figure out what that was. 

I had never been a believer in counseling or therapy. Largely because I hadn’t gained much from other therapy sessions in the past. So I was a bit hesitant to reach out. But thankfully, my brother and wife had both had very positive and fruitful experiences in their pasts and persuaded me to reach out and try again. I’m glad I did.

I was initially surprised when Dr. Horner asked me what I wanted to get from my sessions. There are other ‘issues’ I have in my life, but those are issues that I feel I can handle. 

After our initial meeting, we really focused on my work situation as my prime dilemma. Dr. Horner was great to work with, giving tools, feedback, and an outside perspective that challenged me to reassess my interpretation of my situation and take proactive steps to reevaluate and change it. 

I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate demeanor he brought to our sessions. 

I think the most surprising and refreshing aspect of our work together was our last session; I had taken steps to change my situation and set future goals. The future was no longer bleak. Dr. Horner realized this and said he thought our work together was done. 

I was a bit taken aback that he thought I was ready to ‘fledge the nest’ but he was absolutely right. Throughout our work, Dr. Horner’s focused approach was refreshing and really helped me identify what I needed to work on, and act accordingly. 

With Dr. Horner’s help, I solved my problem. 

I realized that the job I was in was not right for me and that I needed to leave. 

More importantly, however, I learned that was OK and that some jobs are for some people. I stopped beating myself up, asking myself why I was having so little satisfaction, and really looked inside at what fulfills me when it comes to work. 

I took action to pursue what I wanted out of my work, my life. 

As a result, I am writing this testimonial from the dive locker at Palmer Station, Antarctica where I took a job as a diver. 

I’m having an absolute blast while doing important work! 

Further, I have another job lined up for my return for Sitka with the University of Santa Cruz doing marine science from my hometown. The future is bright!

Through my work with Dr. Horner, I’ve become more compassionate and empathetic with myself and others. Dr. Horner and I really worked to adjust viewpoints and judgements of myself and others. As a result, I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, be less judgemental, and realize that I may not know their thoughts, feelings, or life events and that their motivations may not be what I assume them to be. This has smoothed many of my relationships and calmed my mind when I am upset by others behavior.

I’ve also learned how to better help myself. Dr Horner gave me several tools that I’m able to employ when I get upset or disappointed. Moreover, our time together gave me paths to follow and since ending our professional relationship I have continued to educate myself and further my practice. I sincerely believe that I am now better prepared to handle difficulties in my life as they arrive in the future.

The future is bright and I’m excited to greet it. 

My demeanor towards everything has changed. I feel that getting through that rough spot has enriched my life. I realize that change can be hard work but the work I have done has been a tremendous learning experience and I believe the wisdom I have gained will truly help me live a more positive, happy, fulfilling life moving forward. 

Thank you Dr. Horner.

— Anonymous for client confidentiality (shared with permission)