"Gaetane is compassionate and can empathize with the pain of others, and others’ difficulties without judging or making the patient feel worse about the problem. Being comfortable working with different types of people, Gaetane also ensures that her patients feel comfortable and safe as they're confiding their deepest secrets and most embarrassing problems. She has a very genuine interest in other people. She respects and gives positive regards for the person being helped. And I must say, she is the only person I go to when I have a problem. She is more then a counselor, she is a true friend." Iva, February 16, 2011

“Gaetane is a fantastic counselor. I have gone to counselors periodically throughout my life whenever I feel I am in a rut and need to make some changes or just to get a fresh perspective on things. Gaetane has been the best counselor I have ever been to. Every session with her proved to be an eye opening and profound experience for me.  Gaetane is very easy to talk with, she is professional and non judgmental. I highly recommend her.” Caroline D.

"Gaetane has some great strategies for empowering yourself and generating positive energy in your life. Whenever I have a coffee shop session with her at Starbucks I leave feeling invigorated and ready to take on the world.” Betsy A.
 

“Gaetane gave me some practical advice with my teenagers and on parenting issues that helped me establish a positive family dynamic and stop the chaos that was going on at home. I learned that the things I was sick of, couldn’t stand anymore, and made threats about, in my relationship with my children were just clues that I needed to set some boundaries. They were also clues to changes I needed to make within myself. Mean what I mean. Gaetane taught me how to set boundaries, how to follow through with consequences, how to stop nagging, how to take time for me, and so much more. Thanks to all of this my kids don’t smoke pot anymore, have good conduct at school, don’t slam doors at home, we don’t yell and scream at each other, and we actually do things together. I am so grateful. And the best part … this all happened over coffee (well, lots of coffee!) at this small coffee shop named Café Agora, a great place to feel comfortable. Laura B. “

“Gaetane your motivation and positive energy moves mountains.  Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with me.  Your talent brings energy and balance to anyone who wants to make changes in their life, even those with the most difficult circumstances.  Your kind heart and patient nature give you the ability to truly heal lives.”  Patricia H.

“I came to Gaetane at the end of my rope. I had struggled with being overweight my whole life and had tried every diet you can think of. Gaetane Pauwels helped me to understand and heal the issues that were driving my binge-eating. I lost the weight and have kept it off. I am now working on other goals and don't even think about my weight.” Rene

“I had been in and out of counseling for 20 years and still had no self-esteem. After 7 weeks of working with Gaetane Pauwels, at this little coffee shop named “Agora”, I finally accept and respect myself. I’ve also learned how to say ‘no’.” Linda.

“My goal in therapy was to find relief from the terrible anxiety that I had been dealing with my whole life. Gaetane helped me meet my goals and beyond! I have overcome the issues that came from my abusive childhood, and my fear and panic are minimal and manageable. You are awesome Gaetane.” Patrick

“I didn’t even know what was wrong when Gaetane and I began working together. I thought I must just be a ‘loser.’ Gaetane helped me to understand that I was dealing with co-dependency. Now that I understand what co-dependency is, I’ll never allow myself to suffer that way again. Gaetane helped me to understand that there is no such thing as a ‘loser’.” Brian

“I was skeptical about therapy when I started working with Gaetane. I had felt lousy for so long and thought I had tried everything. Gaetane finally helped me to overcome the fear and low self-esteem that I had been struggling with. Jason

I was struggling with emotional eating and it was very frustrating because I didn't know how to deal with it.  You helped me to get in touch with the underlying emotion that I was avoiding and you taught me how to free myself from it.

The three most significant improvements in my life, thanks to our coffee shop session, are:

1.  I'm no longer using food to avoid or distract myself from unpleasant emotions.

2.  It's easier for me to stay focused and clear about what I really want in other areas of my life as well.

3.  I know what to do to regain my focus if I start to feel overwhelmed or out of control.

Thank you, Gaetane! Barbara C.

Initially I was very timid to join group therapy and was actually frightened because I was scared how other people would view me.  I see in group that a lot of people share the same problems that I have and that I'm not alone.  It's been a very positive experience for me and I am learning how to deal with the pain in life in a much more positive way. Cedric

As I sat in Gaetane’s office for the first time, I felt trepidation knowing I was going to be opening an emotional wound.  Not only is my emotional well being improved, but my physical ailments have decreased as well.  If you are looking for a conscientious, caring, empathic listener to help you no matter what your issues, I can truthfully say Gaetane has empowered me to heal.  She manages to create a therapeutic alliance that is comfortable, while at the same time gently nudging me toward peace of mind.  Debbie R.

When first meeting with Gaetane I was scared, beaten down emotionally, defensive, aggressive, paranoid and at times, I feel, rude.  Gaetane was patient, kind, understanding, warm, nonjudgmental, and consistently treated me in that manner until I gradually felt safe, unafraid, trusted her, and let my guard down.  She is a woman of high integrity, honestly cares about her clients' well being, and is compassionate and committed to helping her clients succeed on their road to wellness.  She addresses both emotional and physical issues that affect an individual as a whole.  Gaetane is very flexible, approachable, and can be reached virtually anytime, even when it is necessary for her to be out of town.  She respects my privacy which allows me to feel comfortable to discuss whatever I would like with her. I have done a lot of bad stuff in my life but she accepts me. Gaetane offers viable solutions to everyday problems and dilemmas.  She has extensive knowledge of resources available to accommodate clients' needs, whether they be financial or otherwise.  Gaetane's willingness to make clients feel at ease is evidenced by her casual, comfortable, relaxed, “coffee shop office setting, if needed”.   As in every profession, there are individuals that are excellent at what they do and those who merely go through the motions.  Gaetane is excellent at what she does and does it well.  She truly understands, is empathetic, and most importantly, she listens.  I highly recommend Gaetane as a therapist.  Tanya W.