The following was given to me by one person I had worked with in therapy over the past years.
“I am on my own journey in life, and Counsellor, Dan Metzger knows this. I write this to tell you how Dan made this journey with me. His acceptance and perseverance brought me through despair, loneliness, and self-doubt. His honesty and loyalty to my "true self" has challenged my arrogance, rigidity, and distance. I have learned to love and be loved, both in imperfect ways.
Several years ago I sought Dan's help with counselling during my divorce. After a few weeks, I wanted to take a retreat, and asked Dan if he could help me arrange one. He provided suggestions, logistic support, and sent me on my way. It was a difficult week for me, but I was kept from total despair by the red token Dan lent me to remind me that he would be on the journey with me. On my return, he laughed when I told him that I accidentally dropped the token in the ocean and waded waist deep in cold water to retrieve my hope. Over the next months, I visited him many times through phone counselling and in person, as I rebuilt my life. I guess I am still in awe by his ability to "just be there" without judgment.
A few years later I decide to pursue an advanced degree. I was able to gain admission into three good programs, and my test scores were higher than most of my peers. Now I wanted Dan to be an intellectual challenge for me, and he engaged at this level and more. He certainly was willing and able to talk about all the concepts, principles, and research I was discovering. He also was forthright in getting me to pursue my inner goals, my inner journey. I remember difficult times when he would not let me "get high" on competition and winning; but kept pushing me to "get real" and accept both my successes and failures. As a therapist, he was so encouraging whenever I acted in faith and courage; it was like the outcome didn't matter to him. What mattered was being honest with myself and going forward in spite of my doubts.
I still have difficulty with loving; perhaps that is the human condition (Dan says it is). But where receiving love was my greatest block, Dan helped me understand that receiving love “is the loving thing to do”. Dan conveyed to me that all those around me will somehow benefit from my success on the journey. I think he really believes that.”