My Essential Speaking

A couple of years ago I changed my job to one that required periodic speaking in front of audiences that could range from 10 to 50 people with a potential in the future to become as big as 500 people. My experience of speaking at that time was one of utmost terror: my heart would be pounding, hands shaking, my mouth scorched dry, my voice trembling, and I had a bad stomach pain to boot. I decided to deal with this issue and after trying several different things, came to found this program. The program offers 12 30-min online video coaching sessions with Doreen along with text lessons and recorded videos. Initially, the way it went was I reviewed each step of a 12-step online course before meeting with Doreen, then we discussed my answers to the online exercises and delved into underlying issues that came up during this discussion. With time, we began focusing more on these issues, of which the fear of public speaking was only a symptom. It was deeply fascinating and enlightening to learn how a natural creative spirit in some of us can be so smothered and suppressed in childhood that speaking from a heart or speaking in front of strangers feels like a life-threatening situation. I couldn't have come to know it without seeing Doreen. She is a very calm and gentle but deeply compassionate therapist. She lets you lead the conversation and listens attentively but she quickly detects the areas of concern and guides you toward exploring and resolving the difficult issues. She is able to tap right into the heart of very old and painful wounds and help you gently and slowly untangle and heal them. As a result of this "untangling", I was able to have public speaking experiences that went from slight nervousness in the beginning of the program to complete confidence and even excitement and joy while speaking these days. I highly recommend this program.

This was an excellent course, I walked away from this course with more confidence speaking in groups and with individuals. I learned that I can have fear, but embrace my fear as my friend. All the techniques learned in this course have taught me how to refocus and be comfortable with myself.

Essential Speaking is an exceptional course, very well planned and executed. Dr Downing is remarkably knowledgeable and inspiring. I highly recommend her professional expertise along with her extraordinary gentle presence and empathetic approach. She has helped me to expand and evolve in ways I didn't think were possible. Forever grateful!