For the first time, I am taking care of ME.

On April 6, 2013, I participated in the seminar, “How to Find and Claim Your Voice taught by Michelle Kelley. I took it at a perfect time since I was having some challenges in “finding my voice” with several friends. Michelle had a very reassuring way of presenting the material. Two ideas that she presented for my consideration are to have the courage to say NO, and that NO is a complete sentence.

She taught me to be comfortable with the “silence” and to command respect. All of my life, I’ve been a “people pleaser” and since that’s been my role, it was empowering to have Michelle discuss this type of behavior and how to handle myself in that situation. Since completing Michelle’s seminar, I have looked upon my relationships with new eyes. I am handling difficult situations with greater ease and comfort without feeling guilty.

For the first time, I am taking care of ME. It feels good to state my needs and to take care of myself in this new manner. Old habits are hard to break, but with Michelle’s encouragement and empowering seminar, I’m doing a much better job with these life changing behaviors. Thank you, Michelle, for giving me my voice and a new lease on life.

My sessions with Michelle were extremely helpful.

When I first contacted Michelle Kelley, I was overwhelmed with the number of issues on my plate and the severity of each of them. I was so fearful that I couldn’t take action on the simplest of daily tasks. I felt alone, scared, and out of control. I was concerned about the effect all of this was having on my marriage and children. I felt that I had lost myself and there was no way to get “me” back. I initially sought Michelle’s advice for my oldest daughter. I was very impressed with how quickly she pinpointed the core issues and with how she worked with my daughter to address them. Michelle gives clear and specific feedback. She also gives relevant “homework” that will have direct impact on the issues being addressed.

Once I realized that Michelle also worked with adult women, I knew I had found someone who could coach me through all of the issues I was dealing with at the time. When I first began working with Michelle, I had been in therapy off and on for over 15 years. I had worked with 4 different therapists as well as several medical doctors. I DID NOT want to talk about my issues anymore. I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING TO RESOLVE THEM!!! My sessions with Michelle were extremely helpful.

The first thing she did was validate me and all that I was dealing with at the time. Next she guided me to a point where I could clearly see the root of my problems. Finally, she supported me through my process of learning the new skills I’d need to resolve my issues. With Michelle’s guidance, I was able to accomplish in approximately 8 months what I hadn’t been able to over the past 15 years. I learned that I had far more control over what thoughts went through my head than I ever realized. I learned to tune in to those thoughts, evaluate whether or not they were serving me well, and most importantly to change the ones that were affecting me negatively.

The changes in me and in my life from this discovery have been profound. While some of the issues on my plate have been resolved, many of them still exist. In fact a new issue has been added, but I have still managed to discontinue one of the medications I’ve been on for over a decade. I am once again taking action in my life rather than remaining frozen in fear. I have resumed my position in the driver’s seat of my life and it feels great! Writing this testimonial for Michelle turned out to be a great exercise for me as I realized I had not taken enough time to celebrate how far I’ve actually come!!! Thank you Michelle!!!!!

Michelle, I just wanted to say THANK YOU!

I left your office so inspired today. I know there’s a possibility this proposal to my boss won’t work BUT this is the biggest thing I’ve ever asked for at a job. I have always played safe, and for the first time in a long time I’m asking for what I need. I just needed to express my deep gratitude to you. Have a great week. See you soon!

I highly recommend Michelle Kelley if you are in need of a therapist for your preteen or teen. Michelle helped our preteen through the difficult transition into middle school, taught our preteen coping skills for anxiety, and provided a much needed outlet for our preteen to discuss the difficult social aspects of middle school. Michelle provides a safe and comfortable place for your child to share their concerns and provides them with the resources and techniques to help them deal with their anxieties in their everyday lives.

I would absolutely recommend Michelle Kelley!

In our first appointment Michelle was able to relate to our shy and anxious daughter in a way that made her feel safe and comfortable right away. She was always glad to go to appointments and in fact we were surprised that sometimes she even said she looked forward to going because she had things she wanted to discuss. Michelle is an excellent listener and her insights and advice were always right on target.

Before working with Michelle, our daughter was miserable and withdrawn after enduring 18 months of uncomfortable medical treatment and also switching to a new school. Several months later, she is no longer hiding in her shell and is happier and more confident and willing to try new things. We absolutely credit Michelle with helping her and will be forever grateful.

P.S. — We also love your office — it’s a very cool and pretty place (and so convenient!). I know that it’s probably not the case for everyone, but the freshness and brightness of the office space was inviting and cheerful and I think had to have contributed to the fact that we always left in a good mood.

I have been seeing Jackie for a little over a year now and she is so easy to talk to and gives the best advice. I don’t think I would be where I am today without her. If you have the chance, I definitely recommend going to see her!

Great counselors bring awareness to one’s thoughts and behaviors such that they can decide how they want to move forward…this is what Jackie Elo can do for your daughter no matter the topic. Talk therapy is powerful when your child has a safe space to explore themselves. Thank you Jackie!

When I first contacted Michelle Kelley, my daughter and I were having a hard time communicating. I felt like I was failing with my daughter. It was an emotional rollercoaster that didn’t seem to get any better. We were angry and fighting all the time. My daughter was sad and upset. Michelle seemed to have a great reputation in the area with helping daughters and mothers communicate better. She came highly recommended.

After the very first session, I noticed my daughter attempting to make changes. Listening to me, not yelling at me because she was mad. Overall, her relationship has improved with me and my other daughter. She helps do things around the house and better understands that being happy is a choice. She is easier to get along with. I enjoy coming home and spending time with her without wondering what is going on. She cares about her grades. She is taking better care of herself as her self-esteem has increased.

Bottom line is my daughter would fight with me about numerous things (food, phone, helping out, picking up a towel, putting her shoes away are just some examples), she was actually completely un-happy and I see a wonderful young girl again that loves life. You have brought back the communication ability that I thought that I lost. You helped her understand what we were feeling and she is such a better person for seeing you.

Absolutely, I would recommend Michelle Kelley of Girls Stand Strong to anyone that is struggling with their relationship with their daughter. She has made my daughter a much happier person. She is the caring individual that I knew she was.

We feel so fortunate to have found Michelle Kelley!

We will be forever grateful for her help and support with our teenage daughter. We originally came across Michelle by luck, just an internet search, during a time when we were really struggling with our daughter. Michelle was able to build that connection with our daughter where we couldn’t, and we were relieved to see that there was hope for her and our family.

We felt comfortable knowing that Michelle would be the kind of counselor that would help our daughter see the good in herself, but also question some of her choices and actions. If you are struggling with your daughter or if your daughter is struggling with her own issues, we highly recommend that you work with Michelle. She has always been very professional and responsive and has been there for us when we needed her.

I can’t thank Michelle enough!

I share Michelle Kelley’s information with everyone and anyone I know struggling with relationships or their feelings. People don’t understand Michelle doesn’t just offer advice… which they seem to be afraid of hearing. I convey the message that the decisions you make are ultimately your own but Michelle will help you find clarity and sort through emotions.

I can’t thank Michelle enough for her help a few years ago. I have been on my own for a couple of years, buying my own house, and last year resigned as manager of the business where I worked for years to accept a position as General Manager of growing company. It was a considerable salary increase and I am empowered to make business decisions that not only affect the company bottom line but directly impact the overall operation. The owner of the business values my opinion, praises my work and rewards me through financial compensation!

I never realized how much a controlling relationship can bleed into all areas of your life. I was willing to accept mediocre work because I was conditioned to be grateful for the ease of working in town and flexibility. My worth is so much greater than just accepting what someone feels the position is worth instead of realizing what I was worth. I have a wonderful and healthy relationship with a man I can truly call my best friend. I am amazed at his support and unconditional love. It’s something I’ve always wanted. My kids are well adjusted and doing very well in school, socially and at home. Thank you for all your help. Forever Grateful.

I would highly recommend therapy through this center. I personally worked with the owner, Michelle Kelley and she is wonderful! Finding a good therapist is hard so you should stop right here!

Michelle is the best life coach I have ever had.

I recommend her to everyone, because I love the way she works. She is very gentle, compassionate, and understanding. I can tell that Michelle is very gifted when it comes to sympathizing with and comprehending the minds of others. All too often she knows what I’m thinking before I say it. Overall, I could never have a better life coach.

I worked with Jackie, she was amazing! She was very easy to talk to and a great listener. I never thought I would need counseling but it really helped me through a tough time.