There are so many memories, thoughts and feelings that come to mind when I think of Aileen.
My mind pops with memories:
· Meeting Aileen for the first time in Manhattan where she taught me “the spiral!” I walked around for days feeling new!
· Aileen’s relationship advice: Aileen pointed out to me gently and kindly that joints work best when there is space between them! She also encouraged me to give good relationships a chance – and that has led to a happy, twenty-four year marriage.
· Sentics, art, color, tears, laughter, “kitten piles” and “lily time” . . .
· Watching a video together of women during natural childbirth that deeply and positively influenced the birthing experience of my sons.
· Her love toward me- especially when I have been sad or vulnerable:
· Her full, soft, enveloping hug when my cat, Beauty, died.
· The tone of her voice when I was going through a hard time with one of my sons
· The sense of always being seen and heard when in her presence.
The things I learned from Aileen make up the essence of who I am as a therapist, but most importantly, Aileen opened up a new freedom of movement for me – and made room for my spirit and my joy in the room. She welcomed and encouraged the 20-year-old woman I was to be bigger and louder and less apologetic.