Freedom! Sweet, lasting freedom!

Dear Jim and Marilyn,

Decades of re-occurring anxiety and panic attacks plagued my life. In November 2021, I contracted my first case of COVID-19. It was medically classified as a moderate case, which triggered the worst anxiety and panic attacks I had experienced in years. I knew I needed help. My local search proved to be a dead end, so I turned to the internet. Leary about online therapy, I prayed, asking God to guide me to the person He wanted me to have. That is when I landed at your website (anxietycentre.com).

As I prayerfully scrolled through the list of your providers, reading everything about them, my spirit sparked on Dr. Marie Filion. She had the experience I needed, but most importantly, she was a Christian. When reading her bio, I realized that we also had similar life experiences. Her story inspired me; I thought if she had overcome the challenges she faced, she could help me.

My History

As stated, 30 years of intermittent episodes of depression and anxiety had brought me a myriad of good (not “great”) therapists and a host of medications. Every therapist provided me with advice to assist me in “managing” my condition. With one, I worked through the “Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” by Edmund Bourne, others through Bible studies, some dove into my past to find answers, and some focused on managing my stress. Yet, none tied it all together. Until Marie…

Marie

How was Marie so different and effective? The short answer is that she was my miracle worker from God. The longer answer? The November 2021 COVID-19 episode triggered a terrible imbalance in my brain and neuro system. I literally was a walking panic attack. Movement (getting up and walking) actually triggered an attack. I thought I was losing my mind. My heart rate stayed elevated with palpitations. I have thyroid disease, so, hormonally, I was off, as evidenced by hyper TSH, T3, and T4 blood test results. My PCP wanted to medicate me with an antidepressant. I was totally against this. At that time, I was 15 years free of taking antidepressants and did not want to start that vicious cycle again.

Prior to that, I had spent 20 years weaning off and on various types of these drugs, only to have none of them truly work. They just left me with bad side effects and no true lasting results. Based on my refusal to start an antidepressant, my PCP prescribed 30 pills of .5-strength Xanax to take PRN with a prescription to seek counseling.

Marie discussed all my options for treatment, which helped me reach the conclusion that I would take the Xanax as needed, not use an antidepressant, and follow her program to the letter. Because of working with Marie, I only used 10 of those pills (all during the first few weeks of therapy) and ended up discarding the rest.

Marie’s Program

When I think about the effectiveness of her program, which I often do, I praise God for gifting her to be a great (not just “good”) therapist. One who understands that you must treat the WHOLE person. One who takes the time to learn about the person and what makes them tick. One who has the philosophy that she doesn’t want to make them better, she wants to see them healed.

In her program, she was clear with her instructions, loving, praying, and supportive. She also emphasized the importance of doing my homework. As a speech-language pathologist, I understood that her brief weekly session would not help me if I did not do as she directed. Therefore, I was all in. She presented the 6Rs, and the steps of this technique got me moving again without anxiety. She provided questionnaires to help me and her learn more about who I was and how I responded to situations and experiences in my life. With her profound understanding of the brain, she enlightened me about the interconnectedness of my brain and other biological processes, offering me techniques to restore physical equilibrium.

I have a heart condition called atrial tachycardia. My cardiologist has told me it has probably been there since birth. It took decades to discover this. Once discovered, he told me it probably had caused most of my panic attacks. I have had many tests, heart medications, and procedures (including ablations) to diagnose and attempt to treat this condition. In the end, my cardiologist respects that I do not want to take medication, so he has educated me on what to expect with the advice that I can always choose later to take medication to regulate my heart. I quit taking heart medication in 2019.

With Marie’s knowledge of biofeedback, she introduced me to the app “Inner Balance” (I still use it today). From this app, I learned to regulate my heart rate and bring my palpating heart back into a normal rhythm—with NO medication! In addition, this tool she gave me has proven invaluable in preventing panic during episodes of irregular heart rhythm.

Her vast experience in psychotherapy helped me deal with past hurts and the negative patterns they created. She guided me with love and Scripture that allowed God to heal me. Through her, I learned that to become an overcomer, I need to see the situation or person for what it is, dive deep into Scripture to find the answers, choose to forgive, and know that experience made me a better person. Thus, truly handing it over to God.

The Results

Freedom! Sweet, lasting freedom! I know life is hard, believe me, I know. But I now walk into each day with tools, strategies, and a deeper understanding of God. Will I ever have another panic attack? Who knows? I actually don’t think about that anymore because I know I have everything I need to get through it if I do, so I don’t fear it. I have not even had a hint or thought of another panic attack since Marie treated me.

I am now living a richer, fuller life. I travel…often…without the fear of being somewhere and having one. I publicly speak without thinking I might have one on stage. I engage in writing with the intention of inspiring others through devotionals and Bible studies. I have helped many of my friends through situations of anxiety and depression. I commenced this year by authoring devotionals on a weekly basis that I send out to a database of recipients.

Around three weeks into their implementation, I received a message of gratitude from a man in his sixties. He stated God was using the devotionals I was writing to heal him from depression and anxiety. He is now medication-free and stronger in the Lord. That is what Marie has done for me. In turn, I will use what I have learned from her to encourage and inspire others. Believe me, I have recommended her to many people over the past few years! I personally feel she is a shining star for your centre that others (therapists included) can learn from!

Those who fulfill their God-given calling function under His authority and harness His power. The outcome of this type of work frequently defies comprehension through human rationality, but nonetheless, are real results. I truly believe that Marie operates out of her calling, and I am a testament to the success of her treatment approach.

Many Blessings!