Reviews

Reader, Tennessee

I’m sure you get lots of this but I just wanted to thank you for posting your wonderful and insightful articles on the web!  I so wish I were near you so that I could schedule a consultation with you!  As you’re surely not surprised to hear, I do a lot of researching about my problems, always looking for something that might be of help, usually only getting tidbits of good stuff, but in your articles I have found a wealth of information that I intend to try to put to good use.  I realize it’s highly unlikely, but should you know of a therapist with a vision similar to yours in the Knoxville, TN area, or how to find one, I would so appreciate it.  Thanks again!!!

Psychologist

I just read your article on compulsive giving in the RPA newsletter.  It’s informative and very well written. Thanks for taking the time to write this piece and for sharing it with all of us.  Well done!

Psychologist

You are a gifted, talented, thoughtful writer. This article is articulate and truly helpful in understanding the pain that patients suffer and in capturing the frustration experienced by those who love them and those that treat them. I believe this article will provide information and knowledge to all clinicians that read it. I hope that you know how many more individuals will be helped through educating clinicians and professors. My favorite parts were, “Let it Go” and “My Advice to Seekers of Bad News”, both incredible! I read it over numerous times. You have quite a reputation in this community and those that know you genuinely appreciate you as an expert in the field, a skilled clinician, and a dynamic speaker. You remain an inspiration!

Psychiatrist

WOW! Heather, this is really a well written and well thought out article. It gave me a language to use with patients. I’m not sure if you thought of this for therapists or families or patients but it’s clearly great for all. I like it that you quoted yourself!

Psychologist

Thank you for “Look: You are not your mind”.  Thanks for sharing with us a way of helping our clients better understand this essential part of wellbeing and self-mastery.  Well written and well done. With gratitude,

Psychologist

We all learned more on the subject of mindfulness but mostly we learned about your courage and your compassionate heart. With admiration,

Psychologist

Hello all, I’d very much like to thank Heather Stone for writing such an insightful and interesting article for this month’s newsletter.

Psychologist

Hi Heather, Everyone loves your writing!  I think one thing I keep hearing about is how our members enjoy reading about issues from the therapist’s point of view/focus (self-care issues, need for consultation, working through tough clinical issues, etc).  I also heard from someone the other day about how he, as a solo practitioner, is ‘starved for connection’–so I think your articles have touched that need for connection, even though it’s reading an article and not in person!  It’s your wonderful “writing voice,” I believe–it’s very personal and by taking risks, you create an ‘opening up.’ So thank you for that, very much.

Psychologist

I very much like your article “Searching for Bad News” and would like to cite certain sections in a book a colleague and I are writing on anxiety disorders for Routledge Press. Thanks so much.

Reader, The Netherlands

I have read every article that you have placed on your website. Honestly, I have never felt that anyone understood me. But your articles, insight and compassion are incredible. I was diagnosed with ocd when I was ___. I am now ___ and dealing with existential ocd. I wished that you were my psychologist. A heartwarming greeting,

from an online article

[…] this excellent article on anxiety and obsessive thinking, clinical psychologist Dr. Heather Stone explores the phenomenon […]

“Can We Choose To Stop Letting Our Past Dictate Our Present?”

Writer

I want to be sure to tell you this. Your voice in your articles is AMAZING. Your practice of combining genuine compassion with therapy is who you really are. I think that your combination of intelligence, education, science background and compassion is unique and exactly what your potential readers would benefit from.

(Reader; Texas).

Dear Dr. Stone, I wanted to reach out to you because I just read your article, “Searching for Bad News: The Circuitous Path of Obsessive Thinking” and I’ve never heard of anyone explain OCD like that, and in such specificity. But as I read, I realized that the way you defined it is exactly what I’m going through.  I have been obsessed with the idea that my _______ is cheating on me for years.  Before that, I was obsessed with safety and well-being.  Unfortunately, over the years, I haven’t been able to find someone that could successfully work me through this.  I would love the opportunity to work with you.

(Psychologist)

I want to applaud and thank Dr. Heather Stone for her very informative and important article on Obsessional OCD in the last newsletter. I have had a number of similar patients who worry they might be pedophiles when indeed they are simply having intrusive and checking thoughts which are characteristic of OCD. I recommend the article to everyone in the Redwood Psychological Association. Bravo Heather!

(Pychologist; Director of Behavioral Health clinic)

After several decades treating OCD, with many similar patients, I want you to know that you nailed it!! Thank you for the clear, informative article on POCD.

(Psychologist)

Hi Heather, Thank you for writing this great article. You have enriched us with this very important information that will extend to all of the individuals we work with. You are amazing!

(LMFT; Author: New Harbinger Publications)

Fantastic Heather!  Great article and such needed education, good job taking the risk, it serves therapists and especially this vulnerable population!!

(Psychologist; Professor)

Wow, Heather, this is a fabulous article! I love your writing too. Inspired, moving, and helpful, very, very helpful. Also, your treatment is fully consistent with ACT, resting on promoting client’s curiosity, willingness and self-as-context, and thus moving towards words and feelings not for the purpose of elimination but of encouraging a new, broader consciousness, at the service of valued living. You turned worry exposure into what is supposed to be, a mindfulness of our deepest fears practice. And the use of the one-liner human cases: what a beautiful, effective way to introduce the true purpose and significance of therapy. No relapse there! Beautiful. I’d love to hand it out to my students at University.

(Psychologist)

Hi Heather, I just wanted to chime in with the others, congratulating you on your well-written article. You did a really nice job of conveying what the reader should be aware of, in a relatively short space. As always, I really liked what you had to say!

(Psychologist)

Thank you, Heather, I really enjoyed your article in the RPA newsletter on Pedophile OCD. Both of your articles are very helpful, given my current work with a patient with the OCD dynamic you describe. Speaking as a writer myself, you write very well and should be publishing, if you do not do this already.

(Psychologist)

Hi Heather, I’m just echoing the comments on the listserv about your well-written article.In addition, it was fun, personable and very understandable. A few months ago when faced with a client with challenging OCD symptom, I had been musing over the different types of OCD and the diagnostic implications and challenges, which when faced with your article permits me to see more acutely how the topic you were addressing is important, subtle, and tricky. Bravo!

(Reader)

Dear Dr. Stone…  I came upon your article while searching the web and was wondering if you were influenced by Eckhardt Tolle in your writings as he says almost the same thing in the Power of Now. I do want to tell you that you have stated the concept very well and in a few pages convey the essence of Eckhardt’s message, which is a fundamental message of Eastern Thought.

(Reader)

Hi Heather, In searching for help on how to stop worrying about my partner cheating, I found your article “Searching for Bad News.” It really helped me, and I am going to stop searching, now. I just wanted to say thank you.

(Online OCD Publication)

Hi Heather, That is a brilliant article. One of the best I’ve seen on POCD. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading it!  To your success,

(Reader, Australia)

Hi. I loved what you have written regarding Anxiety. I lived with this most of my life and can be hard at times. I find it hard to go out sometimes and drive and go places I do it though, because I don’t want this to close in on me as it has done so in the past. But from reading some of your online things you seem very compassionate and spot on with what I am going through. Thank you.

(Reader, Vancouver, Washington)

I have recently begun a major fight with OCD (mental compulsions) and I gained a great deal of insight and guidance regarding this issue while exploring your website.  I really appreciate how clearly you present information to us laypersons seeking answers.

(Reader)

I appreciate the sharing of your wisdom via your website. Your reflections are insightful and powerfully moving. I’m inspired by your words and the healing that you’re fostering in the world. I’ve passed some of your reflections on to people who I believe might benefit from your knowledge. No need to respond, but please know that your positive reach extends farther than you might realize. I just wanted to send my thanks. In gratitude,

(Psychologist)

Your writing is both thought provoking and inspiring. Undoubtedly I will reference it often as I contemplate and plan treatment. Your openness and vulnerability and willingness to share helps me to be a better therapist and a better person. I appreciate you.

(Reader, London)

I often find myself reading your ‘Searching for Bad News’ article when feeling anxious as it perfectly sums up how I feel a lot of the time. Thanks very much,

This is such a thoughtful article, written so clearly, with such a friendly, empathic, respectful and compassionate tone to it! This will be a great addition to your website or to give to clients.

(International OCD Foundation)

Great article! Sending it along to my editor. Thanks for the work you do!

(Psychologist)

Heather, This is such important information. You provide the most valuable thinking and writing which continually assists me and so many others in our work with clients. Your amazing passion and intelligence consistently comes thru in everything you do. Thank you.

(Reader, Michigan)

Hi, I read and continue to read your articles as they completely resonate with me. You seem to understand or have knowledge about how I feel and you are the only one I feel that does. Unfortunately I have been to many therapists and psychologists who try to help but get so frustrated. The article you wrote that I turn to over and over again is “Searching for Bad News”.

(LCSW)

Hi, dear Heather, I just read your article last night and I really, really loved it.  What an excellent job you did with presenting that perspective!  The tone is so friendly and supportive and you beautifully articulate the concepts! My interest and connection to your words carried me right along with you.  I have a client that I’d like to share this with. Your writing is truly exceptional.

(Reader, Florida)

Dr. Stone, We have never met, but I had to come on here and thank you. I have really been struggling lately and found an article today on your website that I think will be life changing for me. I have suffered with anxiety since I was a little girl and diagnosed with OCD – Intrusive Thoughts when I was in high school. I have really been struggling the past couple of years wondering if maybe i got a wrong diagnosis and am really just a bad, controlling person. Most everything I read on OCD was not applying to me. Then I came across your article that you wrote. It’s me. I could not even believe what I was reading. It described me in every sense. It was the article titled Searching for Bad News. I just had to write and thank you. I have bookmarked the article and plan to read it every time I am obsessing over the unknown. Reading it brought me to tears. It reassured me that I do have OCD which in a way was comforting. Thank you so much for taking the time to write that article. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

(Reader)

Hi Dr. Stone, I just read your article “Searching for bad news” and it touched me SO DEEPLY I just had to tell you. The article really gave me a deep insight into my behaviors and behavioral tools to use. I have been doing EMDR and CBT, but there were parts of this article that clicked with my spirit. Whenever I feel an urge to check, I’m going to open your article. Thank you, for providing this information publicly. I just wanted to share that with you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

(Reader)

I’m so grateful to have run across your work.  It’s been very comforting during a difficult time. You have more of an impact on others than you realize, I think 🙂

(Reader)

I’m an OCD sufferer. I have fought and whipped this thing multiple times in my life. But my recent bout came as usual, unexpected and I was trying all the techniques but then after reading your article on searching for bad news, I realized what I thought was the right technique was actually wrong which explained why it wasn’t working. I was wore out and really struggling. Ugh I hate this disorder. It can be so complex and confusing. But I am so so so incredibly grateful for people like you who write articles on this stuff and how best to deal with it. Your article today was life changing for me and so I just had to write to express my sincere gratitude for that article and everything else you write and do to help others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

(Reader)

I read your article on searching for bad news and it changed my life. God bless you!!

(Reader, Australia)

Dear Dr Stone, I live in Melbourne, Australia, so I won’t be visiting you for therapy any time soon! However, I’d just like to say thank you for some of the material on your website, particularly the articles on searching for bad news and self-compassion. I’ve been struggling with a nasty case of harm OCD for over a year now, and your articles have been very helpful to me. This is an incredibly cruel disorder. Thank you for helping to lighten the burden for me.

(Reader, Los Angeles)

Hi Heather, I just finished reading your work “searching for bad news” and was amazed about how it resonates, pinpoints and deeply explores issues I have been battling my whole life. Thank you!

(Reader, Canada)

Hi, I’m a ___ year old living in Canada, and I came across your article while I was researching “Cheating OCD”. I have to say, I loved it and connected with it on a fundamental level. I’ve been dealing with a lot of internal conflict, and always thought I just had an anxiety issue. I started picking up books earlier on anxiety, but most of them don’t touch on this specific set of fears. But after reading your article, it feels like I have some form of clarity, and for the first time it feels like someone actually put into words the way my mind works. Thank you.

(Reader, Canada).

Good evening, I needed to reach out to you. I was searching for something that might help me with my problem, and found your article. When I read it, I immediately recognized the “you did something” person as me. I was floored at how accurately it described the person I am. It is a truly horrible, painful and exhausting feeling. I’m just trying to get started on this journey of fixing myself. Better late than never. I have a long way to go. Your article did me a great service. Did it fix me? No. What it did accomplish is to make me realize I’m not alone, and that there are people out there suffering from this, and people who understand it. I don’t believe you were hard on our group, you were simply matter of fact about it. I decided I needed to reach out to you and say thank you. It provided some relief internally. You’ve given me the ability to verbalize how I feel and think. It’s a good start. I wish this problem was as easy as turning it off, but I know it’s going to be an uphill battle…and I’m going to need some help. Thank you again for the article. I needed to read it.

(Reader)

I have just finished reading your article, “searching for bad news” after I tried to find out what is wrong with me. This is the first article I’ve read that describes exactly what I feel and the unwanted behaviors I engage in. I have seeked out therapy before but always felt somewhat misdiagnosed. This is why I am reaching out to you. I felt so understood by your article. It makes me feel less crazy and more validated that this is an actual problem I am dealing with and that my thought patterns do not actually represent the truth. It’s tiring to be constantly afraid. Your clients are very lucky to have such a great therapist!

(LMFT; Author: New Harbinger Publications)

Wow Heather, this is really terrific. It is a great, useful and unique angle. You could write a book proposal with this!! I will link it to my website.

(Psychologist; Addictions Specialist)

Your 12 steps are SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL and HELPFUL!!! You’re so gifted! Can I share them to my patients????

Chaplain, OCD Spokesperson/Liason

I deeply connected with the philosophy of thoughts anonymous! I love the connection, remain inspired by your creativity, and am thankful for all you bring to the world!!!

(Psychologist, Blogger)

Hi, Heather, I just came across your website – some very useful information there, thanks! I am a psychologist and also run a blog. I would like to feature an interview with you on my blog, if you’d like. I have a special section for interviews with outstanding psychologists. Let me know what you think! Thanks for considering.

(LMFT; Addictions Specialist)

That is a really cool application of the 12-steps. You do such great work.

(Psychologist)

Heather, Your article is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with me. Your thoughts and reflections will serve as a resource when working with clients and designing their treatment. It is a work of art and you should be so proud. Your thoughts are clear and insightful. As your colleague, I deeply appreciate your ability to create new perspectives from principles that so many can relate to and have come to rely upon in their lives. I am inspired by your compassion, intelligence and determination. The world needs you. Thank you for this important contribution.

OCD Spokesperson/Liaison

Dr. Stone, In addition to treatment, your article on “Searching for Bad News” made a huge impact in my recovery. I am currently proposing a talk/panel for the IOCDF Conference If you have any interest, I would love to include you as a part of this panel. There is absolutely no pressure, but we would be honored to include you in this proposal for the panel and provide more information (as your insight on seeking bad news is truly profound). Regardless, thank you for all that you do and the inspiration you offer each day!

(Reader)

(Reader, Canada)

Hello Heather, I just read your article…Searching for Bad News….and a few others….and found comfort in doing so. It described me and what I am currently going through. I appreciate the way in which you have helped me already. I am grateful that you crossed my path this morning.

(Reader)

I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for your writings: “Searching for bad news…” has helped me IMMENSELY to understand how my brain works and how I can reassure myself and leave my poor husband out of this. You have my appreciation forever!

(Reader)

I wanted to thank you for your articles “Searching for bad news, and the follow up article for the “You did Something” group. Your article allowed me to see what could be going on with me, and how to handle it.

(Reader, UK)

The articles on your website are really helpful!

(Reader)

I’ve had anxiety issues throughout my life and I am actually seeing a therapist currently, but I came across your site and I just want to tell you how wonderful I think it is and how incredibly helpful your articles were and are to me. I could see myself over and over in so much of what you describe and your suggestions for coping, although sometimes counterintuitive as you noted, are so, so helpful. Thank you so much for being so generous as to allow people to read these articles without cost….the internet can be an incredible source for good because of therapists like you….there are people out here that you are helping so much. With gratitude,

(LMFT, Author, New Harbinger Publications)

WOW!  This is an amazing piece Heather.  You are a really clear writer and make you points in a strong voice.  You should see if you could get this published in a bigger arena.  I am curious what kind of response you have gotten.  I think it is a challenge to say what you did, in that people get caught up in the idea that the threat is real.  But to me, and you, if the threat is real, it is even more important not to take a reactive stance. So Bravo!

(Reader)

That article enabled me to understand myself so much better. I wish we lived closer, so I could be a patient, but I will continue to read that article when I am feeling bad. Thank you.

Website Visitor

Thank you, Heather. This is brilliant. I like that the Higher Power is Reality. While I believe in God, I always felt that it didn’t quite belong in the 12 steps, and that it made it cheaper somehow. Thinking of Reality as a Higher Power seems so much better!

Just another thank you from a stranger in a strange land.

I just wanted to reach out and thank you for your kindness and wisdom in your articles. I self identify with the group “you did something bad.” When scouring the internet a couple of years ago for information and help on my condition, I found so much solace in your articles (the older ones on a black background) on hypervigilance, coping with ambiguity, and searching for bad news — which when trying to find again just now to reread for comfort, I saw you have updated them on your new website. I can’t stress enough how deeply I connect with them. Sending love and light. –David

Beautiful, I just learned

Beautiful, I just learned about Willingness yesterday and wow! A whole new ball game.

Hello Heather. This article is

Hello Heather. This article is a breath of fresh air for me as I have been working with a client with POCD. My gut has been telling me that I am on the right path, but my fear of misdiagnosis is always present. The client told his psychiatrist about his thoughts and was told he ought to be locked up, away from society. He approached a treatment team for help and was told they don’t treat pedophiles. He has severe OCD and is also worried he might be a rapist and a serial killer. Thank you so much for this article that provides so much grounding.

Powerful…

This was beautifully and thoughtfully written ! Be kind to yourself a concept we all take for granted. I also loved , your comment , that belief systems remit on there own , give it time , without escape !
Thank you for a beautiful website which is filled with wonderful ideas of how to be the best you ! 🙏

(Psychologist)

I just read your thoroughly informative article on POCD, shining a cautionary light into a dark and stigmatized corner of clinical practice that really deserves more conversation. Thank you for advocating for the need of extreme discernment in cases that have elements of the presentation you described.

(Client)

I just love this article and think it’s well said, practical, and brilliant.