Testimonials

"I had suffered from depression, panic attacks, and low self-esteem since childhood. Having made no progress after years of traditional psychotherapy and drugs, I was desperate to end the pain. I needed to go much deeper in order to heal. My search for a credentialed therapist with a spiritual approach led me to Rusty Stewart.

I felt connected with Rusty at our very first meeting. What impressed me immediately was Rusty's philosophy that "there is no hierarchy " in the therapist-client relationship. He saw himself as neither teacher nor healer, but as facilitator in the self-healing process.

Rusty was always supportive but not patronizing, challenging but not confrontational. He was patient and gentle. He insightfully asked the questions that I needed for answer for myself. He would frequently reach for a book from his own collection and "suggest" that I might enjoy reading it. More often than not, the book contained several "ah, ha!" moments for me. At our next session, I'd ask, "Why didn't you tell me that I'd see myself in this book?" Rusty would just smile.

The most powerful experiences I had in counseling with Rusty were the integrative breathing sessions. The sensation of energy flowing through the body is beyond description.

After 7 short months, our work together was finished. Spiritual healing and personal growth are ongoing processes, but I am well on my way thanks to Rusty."

--- A grateful 51 year-old female client

"Before studying Holistic Integrative Breathing, I was afraid of change and afraid to be alone. I was drowning myself in school work and defining my character with clubs as well as focusing all of my energy on the act of love. I had spent the past 7 years of my life in and out of controlling relationships and had very little independence. As a result, I had very little understanding of myself. I knew I needed to grow and mature if I was going to graduate college, move on to graduate school and fulfill my dream of becoming an art therapist.

The day I participated in my first workshop with Rusty featuring the breath, was a turning point in my life. With his spirited interest and support, I along with a friend, began an independent study for college credit using his breath work CD's. Rusty always kept our interests in mind and offered non-judgmental support and understanding with our new found growth and experiences. He is an encouraging guide, teacher and mentor.

Since I've begun the breath work, I have a new perspective on myself and life. I was constantly living in the past or the future. I never took the time to appreciate the moment or even sit still. I'm more motivated, more grounded and even more articulate! I have a new understanding of who I am and my actions. I am able to recognize my imbalances and with the breath I can work to change them.

During long periods of time when I was unable to do the breath, and then upon returning to it, I notice a significant difference in my mood, my energy level, my motivation and love for life. Growth and maturing, in combination with breathing everyday, has really helped to give me the courage to move on with my life independently. I'm living each moment to its fullest and finding strength and courage inside myself that I didn't know I had."

--- From a female in her early 20's

"Since finishing this course last June I’ve been intending to write a testimonial based on my own experience. There were many facets of my life that this course covers where I wasn’t even aware I needed support and empowerment. Rusty has a very gentle, tender and positive approach to his teaching. His way of supporting each person as they journey through their work is very loving and compassionate. The energy generated within the group is a gift unto itself and happens quite naturally. I felt very fortunate to share 6 months with 5 other individuals who were all working as hard and intentionally as I and whose energy was infectious which created a safe and warm space for everyone to do their own work and to support one another. While it isn’t necessary to have been an EE graduate to take Rusty’s course, I was grateful to have the workshop “under my belt” as a base for my continued personal growth work. If you can make this commitment and are interested in continuing your personal growth work at a much higher level, I would like to highly encourage you to consider taking this course."