I just wanted to share with you an experience I had the other day when I reflected someone's emotional state back to them. I was in Target and was chatting with the cashier and asked how her day was going. She told me her day was not good and why it was not good. I got very quiet and still within myself, looked up at her and said, "You're fearful." The woman's flood gates opened and she started crying. When she was finished, I smiled, took her hand, looked into her eyes with complete acceptance, nodded to her, and left.

It also works with Alzheimer's people, but in a deeper more fundamental way. They do not remember my words, but a feeling of connection and being heard. The evidence is in their behavior. I'm not sure how long the effects are for them, but in the immediate behavior with early to middle stage Alzheimer's it seems to work thus far.

OMG, I watched the intro last week which sparked my interest but I have just watched the next video (Unfolding our Human Potential) tonight. Suddenly I know how important this course is for me.
I have spent a lifetime studying human potential and have been perplexed as to why I personally continue to be fearful and struggle to implement the theories let alone be in the position to pass them on to others - even though I conceptually understand them.
Suddenly I can see that my own emotional competency was stunted at a very early age and I have yet to overcome this obstacle. I am stuck.
Your presentation that I watched tonight feels like the door is finally being opened to me. I already have a new understanding of affect labeling having seen it presented in this context and hopefully can begin to use it more consistently and more effectively.

Thank you.

Hi Doug, I have been following you for more than a year and practicing affect labeling I have been also following the weekly Thurs teachings and sharings. I have such good deep results...mostly for myself in my studies. I take whatever emotion that besets me and observe it taking the journey to my frontal cortex. I watch the fear-based energy transform into something empowering. It's alchemy! I'm 66 with a stoic Scottish upbringing, and there are no good emotional tools in that world. So with the many buried angsts that I now can observe, it's more than amazing to watch these transform. With sublime respect and gratitude, Joy!

Learning So Much

Thank you for putting this out for us. You have truly moved humanity's efforts forward. You have helped move mine forward. This will be a gift I will pass on, hopefully, to thousands. I'm learning so much - even as I'm only going through the course quickly in my first run around the field.

The material on firmly held beliefs particularly blew me away. No wonder we have so much trouble communicating with each other! I do want to thank you for the course and what you have taught me. It has benefited me in a number of ways, including in my personal relationships. All the best,

I started working with Doug a few months ago in order to develop skills that would help de-escalate tension while sheltering-in-place with family. The techniques he teaches were very useful to that end. I have found myself incorporating them in many other situations as well, such as with patients and staff in the office, in dialogue with friends, and with my toddler son. Some of his techniques are simple enough that I was able to use them immediately, with profound effect. Additionally, his approach is helping me to conserve mental and emotional energy while navigating challenging interpersonal dynamics, which has been invaluable for this working mom. I highly recommend his training.

I don't remember where or why I bought your book. However, it has been the most profound life-changing read I have ever put my time and effort into. I am a Clinical Psychotherapist graduating with high honors. I started my own clinical practice several years ago which is successful. My focus is cognitive rehabilitation with a specialty in neuroscience and brain injury. I tell you that only so you know I have read and studied a lot of material. Mr. Noll, your message was received with the utmost appreciation. Through your work, I am a much better person, therapist, mother, friend, wife, and all the other roles I play in life. This book should be a requirement for all clinical therapist to read. I learned more from your book that all my work in grad school in reference to seeing the big picture. Again, I just wanted you to know the impact you have made on my life and how grateful I am.

Dear Doug: I wanted to let you know just how powerful and useful I have found the affect labeling and other skills I learned from you. In fact, the most recent example occurred just this morning.