Stories of light and hope from those who have healed . . .

Stories of light and hope from those who have healed . . .

Making My Way Out of the Darkness of Depression and Anxiety

My name is Julie H. I’m a 50+-year-old marketing director. I began seeing Dr. Lee almost a year ago when my depression and anxiety had become almost unbearable.

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety related to PTSD when I was in my early 30’s. Throughout the years, I tried talk therapy and almost every depression, mood stabilizer, and antidepressant on the market. They would work for a while but the depression and anxiety always came back and increased.

In the spring of 2018, I was at my wits end. I was so depressed that I could hardly motivate myself to do anything, and I was having so much trouble concentrating at work that I was fearful of losing my job. I told my friends how I was feeling and they tried to help and were incredibly supportive, but they didn’t know what to do for me.

Finally, at a family dinner, everything came out about how horrible I felt and how hopeless everything seemed. When I went home, I, unfortunately, left my family in a state of complete fear—they were so afraid that I may try and hurt myself.

Being open that day changed everything. My brother’s girlfriend saw how hard I was struggling and reached out to me. She told me about Dr. Lee and how she had taken her son to see her and that Dr. Lee used a more holistic approach to treating mental disease. I didn’t have anything to lose at that point, and I was willing to try anything.

When Dr. Lee and I started working together, I was taking five heavy-duty psychiatric medications: Xanax (on and off for 20 years), Trazodone (15 years), Cymbalta (5 years), Wellbutrin (3 years), and Latuda (one month). I was eating a lot of junk food and was, in general, a pretty unhappy person.

We started off with energy work and breathing exercises (Energy Breaths). But, what I didn’t expect was our starting to reduce the amount of medication that I was on. It seemed that, over time, my body and systems just became desensitized to them and they really weren’t working anymore. However, Dr. Lee stated that we still needed to come off the medications slowly because my body needed to detox from them and coming off of powerful medications like the ones I was on too quickly could be dangerous. To help support my systems—especially through the tapering process—she added smoothies and supplements to my diet. And we incorporated meditations into my life.

In the beginning, when we started tapering off the medication I was concerned. I had grown so used to the idea of having to be on medications. However, we slowly started reducing my medications while increasing the supplements to help support my systems. During this time, I felt I was continuously getting better and always felt I was able to work and concentrate on my job. Dr. Lee’s mind-body techniques also helped me to relax and keep my mind clear and able to focus.

It’s all been working great. A year ago, I was isolating myself from everyone and would barely leave the house. Now, I’m seeing friends on a weekly basis. I’m quilting again regularly and am spending lots of time outdoors walking my dog. I’ve even started a paleo diet to further help improve my health, and I’ve lost some weight.

About four months ago, I remember telling friends that I felt “normal.” Not manically happy or incredibly depressed, but content. I told them that I don’t think I had ever felt that way before. The feeling hasn’t left. I have now been off of all my psychiatric medications for two months. My job is going great, and I feel blessed.

For anyone thinking about seeing Dr. Lee, I would say, be open to the process. It’s different from anything you tried before, but with time, it makes a huge difference.

Thank you, Dr. Lee, for all your help.
— J. H.

Healing from Panic Attacks, Depression, and Marijuana Use at Age 18

“I am a 19 year old woman who began working with Dr. Lee when I was 18 years old. Before I began working with Dr. Lee I was experiencing minor depression and anxiety. My psychiatrist at the time wanted to add Zoloft to enhance the effects of the Prozac I had been prescribed. Two weeks later, I began experiencing severe panic attacks with weakness, shaking, shortness of breath, and nausea. In addition, I was experiencing hair loss, insomnia, acne, and extreme fatigue. My panic attacks became so severe that I missed flights and had to be put in a wheelchair just to make it to the gate. I had been smoking marijuana heavily for 2 years, 4-5 times a day. But, at the time, I had abruptly stopped smoking due to travel, which probably worsened my anxiety. Because of my symptoms, I wasn’t able to return to college for spring semester.

When I first began working with Dr. Lee, she came up with a nutritional/supplemental regimen and taught me plenty of energy techniques to help with all my crazy problems. At first, I questioned whether supplements and these profound energy techniques would really work. Despite my doubts, I decided to dive in and give it my best shot. While it wasn’t an easy process and took 11 months to get to where I am today, I’m so glad that I decided to stick with it because now I’m doing great!

I just finished up my first semester back in school with straight A’s! Yay! I have completely stopped smoking marijuana, and was able to withdraw from all of the meds I was on. My hair is thicker, I’m sleeping normally, my energy is fine, and my skin has cleared up. I can finally go out and hang out with friends without fear of having a panic attack in front of them, and I can get on a plane!

My recovery means so much more than not being sick. I have learned so much about myself and the healing process that I am now planning on attending medical school and becoming a holistic psychiatrist. This journey has led me to uncover who I truly am and live as my most authentic self. Thanks to Dr. Lee and all her help, I no longer wake up dreading the day ahead, but now am excited to start each day.”

— K. G. M.

Stabilizing from An Inappropriate Cymbalta Withdrawal

I am a 56 year old woman who was experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, chronic belching, low mood, vision changes, nausea, memory problems, focus issues, no appetite, and so much digestive discomfort.  I had stopped Cymbalta at the end of October, 2016 per my psychiatrist’s recommendation.  My mood was fine at that time when I stopped 60 milligrams abruptly after being on an antidepressant for more than 10 years. Other than occasional headaches, my severe withdrawal symptoms began approximately two months later.

When I spoke with Dr. Lee on the phone, she recommended that I gradually go back up to my original dosage of Cymbalta, because she was concerned about the severity of my withdrawal symptoms.  I was so thankful to have been given Dr. Lee’s contact information and to have spoken to her on the phone.  This gave me such tremendous hope.  I noticed right away that my symptoms decreased.  Within a few days of restarting the Cymbalta, my symptoms improved. 

When I began working with Dr. Lee, I was started on some nutritional supplements and learned some energy medicine techniques.  She also referred me to an excellent acupuncturist to speed up my healing process.  I also did a lot of research on my own, and learned that not only was I experiencing withdrawal, but I also had some underlying issues with infections with Epstein Barr virus and Herpes Zoster/Non-rash shingles.  I also used essential oils that I had to help support my healing.  I continued to see my chiropractor who had referred me to Dr. Lee.  This also supported my recovery.  The collaboration between the holistic physicians was truly an integrative approach that allowed me to heal faster and feel supported fully.

Within about three weeks, I began to experience better days.  Once I was stabilized, Dr. Lee began to decrease my Cymbalta gradually with the proper support.  I’m feeling great and write this with sincere gratitude and such feelings of joy.  I feel that Dr. Lee gave me excellent care and support throughout the process.  I look forward to my next testimonial when I am completely off the Cymbalta for more than three months.
— SS

Overcoming Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Marijuana Addiction at 22

I am a 22 y.o. guy with ADHD and anxiety disorder.  I’ve had this diagnosis since I was seven years old.  When I first came to Dr. Lee I was chronically using marijuana from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to sleep; had been on a stimulant (Concerta) since the age of 7 and had been on anxiety medication (most recently Zoloft) for the same time period.  It was difficult knowing that I could not start my day off right without smoking some marijuana.  It was doubly difficult knowing that I couldn’t sit down and do a task without having my medication. I found that my short-term memory was slowly fading away, and I was going through serious bouts of depression & anxiety.

I came to Dr. Lee a little hesitant on how a holistic psychiatric doctor would be able to help overcome struggles I had been dealing with for quite a while.  As a side note—I came to Dr. Lee drinking approximately 7 cans of Mountain Dew a day—within the first 2 weeks of my treatment, I noticed that I no longer had the desire to have that beverage.  It was at that point that I knew Dr. Lee was onto something. Originally I was never able to meditate; I wasn’t able to focus on just my breathing for more than just a few seconds.  With Dr. Lee’s help, I was able to overcome that obstacle and learn to focus my breathing and quiet my thoughts to help myself.

As obnoxious as it may be mixing a list of supplements every evening, or stocking up a pill dispenser once a week, the helpfulness of the regimen outweighed the inconvenience.  After being on medications for close to 15 years I found that with Dr. Lee’s help I was able to get off of them in just over 4 months.  In addition, I was able to drop my habitual weed smoking habit about a month after I stopped the medications.  I have been off all of these substances now for close to 3 months and haven’t felt this great in a long time.  During all of this, I was still able to hold a full-time job and was promoted to manager position as well.  I applied to finish a program in college and was accepted recently much to my satisfaction.

Ultimately, this whole experience has helped me gain self-confidence, the ability to know I can overcome hurdles thrown at me in life, and the know-how to keep a positive attitude when the going gets tough.
— MS

Healing Depression and Anxiety While Going through a Divorce

I am a 36 year-old Chinese-American female, who is an architectural lighting designer. My acupuncturist recommended Dr. Lee, because I was struggling with grief and bereavement, when my husband unexpectedly ended our thirteen-year relationship.

I was devastated, suicidal, and felt completely alone. I had severe anxiety, waking up every morning with horrible dreams and panic attacks. I was also constantly crying, unfocused, and had no appetite.

When I went to see Dr. Lee, she put me on a nutritional regimen, and we spent part of our time doing psychotherapy and energy work. I found Dr. Lee to be deeply insightful and intuitive, in pinpointing my subconscious processes even without needing a lot of information from me. Those insights helped me to support my physical healing along with the vitamins.

In addition to seeing Dr. Lee, I started an exercise routine and began going to church. I developed my faith and relationship with God, which I never had before. I leaned on my relationships with my family, friends and dog. I listened to a lot of podcasts and read a lot of books, to learn how to control my mind set, and to put me in a positive frame of mind. I took a class from Sharon Fan on the Yuen Method to healing, which was insightful.

I just recently returned from my vacation trip to India and was able to thoroughly enjoy it. I feel peaceful, strong, and in control. I feel that the silver lining to this divorce has been finding myself and becoming free from fear.

I started working with Dr. Lee in April, 2016 and now I find myself strong enough to appreciate life. I came to Dr. Lee with unopened bottles of Xanax, Ativan, and Prozac that I didn’t want to take. I am so glad that I didn’t have to rely on drugs to heal.

My goal is to continue to grow in self-love and to maintain my spiritual, mental, and physical health.
— EPL

Healing from ADHD, Depression and Anxiety in a 24 year old Student

I am a 24 y.o. male, studying therapeutic recreation in college. I started Zoloft when I was 16 years old, to treat my depression. Right away my depression resolved, but over time I started to have trouble with my attention and focus. I lost my libido about six months after starting Zoloft, and it never returned, even after I stopped the medication.

After being on Zoloft for about eight months, I felt like I was getting brain damaged. My thoughts felt scrambled, and I couldn’t think properly. I weaned off Zoloft under another psychiatrist. I was then put on Abilify, and then the psychiatrist put me on Adderall to help my attention. Abilify didn’t do much for me, besides a little weight gain and perhaps a little more focused. He switched me to Zyprexa, and I was on that from 17 to 18.

By the time I came to see Dr. Lee, I had been taking Ritalin 25 mg per day, Concerta 36 mg in the morning, and Saphris (an antipsychotic) 5 mg twice per day. I was also self-medicating with guarana (1600 mg per pill, up to 15 pills per day). I felt ‘crappy all the time.’

I couldn’t sleep well at night. I wasn’t hungry during the day. I became addicted and tolerant to the caffeine in guarana. I felt suspicious of people, nervous, hopeless, and tired.

Dr. Lee started me on a regimen of supplements and taught me how to do meditation. I learned about what the supplements did for me, and she demonstrated the connection between my mind and my body. I learned about the healing effects of nutrition.

I began treatment with Dr. Lee on 8/12/16, and I was able to wean off all my medications by 12/16/16. During the withdrawal, I was able to attend my college courses. My mood, appetite, libido, and sleep continued to improve over this time. My attention and focus were similar. I could learn the material in class more quickly.

I am much happier with my cognitive functioning and with life. I feel normal. I also feel that I am getting better each day.

I feel like I’m not a prisoner any more to drugs, and I’m not dependent on them any more. I am through with drugs, and I never want to get on them again.

I would like to tell everyone about how integrative psychiatry can heal them of their own drug dependencies. I would recommend this approach, because it actually works, and it’s healthier.
— PEC

Healing From Identity Issues and Life Crisis

I am a 58 y.o. man whose family crisis precipitated my own. Dormant for decades, but occasionally visible at times, I realized that I did not know who I was – no longer trusting the most fundamental characteristics of my life and self, having no sense of authenticity, or having any sense of what I was doing and why. I questioned my life in all its many aspects. This was accompanied by anxiety, anger, fear, self-imposed pressure, and resentment for many actual interpersonal conflicts or even perceived slights. My marriage was challenged, my ego was bruised, and my sleep was erratic (even with a sleeping aid). I had gained weight, had not exercised, or felt good in any way. My feelings of general anxiety and fear fed on themselves, and I felt depressed. I was a mess.

I attempted to call other practitioners, but only two responded and only one, Dr. Lee, actually called me. I felt desperate and made the appointment, but even as I did so, my skepticism of her approach and my natural fear of dealing with these various issues started to increase. While I have been always open to alternative ways of thinking, my spouse and I thought I needed a more “traditional” approach. Indeed, I thought I had diagnosed myself and knew what medication and therapy was needed. However, her alternative approach, although I did not know it when I started, was better.

Dr. Lee is a capable and caring practitioner. She is perhaps the most non-judgmental person I have ever met. She took all the necessary time (especially noteworthy in the first session) to listen to me thoroughly, posing comments and questions to ensure her understanding while challenging me to think everything through. She offered differing viewpoints to challenge my understanding of what I thought I knew. She also led me to perceive another possibility that I had either rejected earlier or was unable to see.

I felt much less anxious after our first session, and over time, I appreciated her eclectic use of various techniques. From the first day, she put me at ease, allowing me to talk openly and candidly while she listened attentively. As we moved forward over our visits, she introduced the energy medicine concept and later introduced appropriate dietary supplements. I was doubtful about the use of such supplements, but I am pleased I started. I should add that she never forced the use of the supplements, or even strongly suggested them, but she did allow me to consider them when I was ready. I have incorporated the energy medicine concept and use of some supplements to help in other aspects of my life, and both are helpful. She offered different ways of thinking about the same problem, many of which led to some soul-searching after the visit was over. Not surprisingly, some of my own readings were reinforced by her. She also offered items to read, which augmented our actual face-to-face sessions.

I have a new found perspective, one I did not think possible earlier. My anxiety has decreased significantly, I sleep generally soundly most evenings, my interaction with my spouse has improved, and I feel better mentally and physically. Dr. Lee has been a blessing.
— K.L.

Successful Recovery from PTSD, Panic Attacks, Depersonalization, Anxiety, and Loss of Reality

I am 35 y.o., and have successfully gained my life back after having a severe mental breakdown due to trauma. My symptoms included frequent panic attacks, depersonalization episodes, the feeling that I was dead, that life was a set-up, that I was trapped in a system I had no control over, and that I was trapped in my body. I felt I wanted to die, but I was terrified of dying too. I was afraid of everything, and everything seemed overwhelming. I could not tell what was “real” and what was my imagination or dreams. I felt that I would never be ok again. Even though initially I could not leave my bed, except to go to my doctor’s appointments, because of my anxiety, I began to feel better and to have hope soon after I began treatment.

Before my breakdown, for three years, I lived abroad in a war-zone, where I had a very stressful job and life conditions. On top of this, I had travel to other continents frequently, financial problems, and sudden heartbreaking issues regarding my partner. I got to the point where my mind and my body could no longer function, and I broke-down.

The first 5 days of this experience seemed like the end of my life and my visit to hell. My family helped look for medical treatment, and my best friend referred me to Dr. Lee. I was so scared! I did not want to take prescription medications and was afraid that I was going to end-up in a psychiatric hospital or a prison. Her support changed my life!

Dr. Lee’s warmth and presence made me feel that I could trust her, and most importantly her confidence in the effectiveness of energy and orthomolecular medicine, her ability to explain it to me, and her believe in my own ability to heal, allowed me to recover. Dr. Lee’s holistic approach worked at many levels. The physical, through a series of supplements to detox and strengthen my body. The emotional, through cutting-edge techniques that helped me let go of the emotional trauma I was carrying. The mental through psychotherapy. And, the energetic through breathing techniques and energy healing.

Dr. Lee helped me to re-connect to my vitality–the energy in my life. Without having to take any prescription medications, in a matter of 6 months I was able to be on my own outside my flat going on a train to another city. I was still afraid but I was able to try it, to trust life and live life. By the 9th month, I was able to fully go back to a new job and to continue building a fulfilled life.

Dr. Lee is one of the best doctors and healers I have ever met. I highly recommend her and wish that our healthcare system could offer more of this type of holistic care that includes the physical, mental, emotional and energetic aspects of our being.
— L.J.

Healing from Eight Years of Postpartum Depression and Hypothyroidism

I’ve been seeing Dr. Lee twice a month since October, 2013, to treat the effects from severe postpartum depression that began eight years ago, as well as to help mitigate medication side effects, and to eventually wean myself off of them. Initially, I was on a high dosage of an antidepressant (200 mg, when the regular dosage is 50 mg), two thyroid medications, and experienced almost constant and painful GI symptoms and shoulder pain with no obvious cause. However, I was still feeling depressed and anxious.

I had tried many supplements, eliminated many foods, endured various diagnostic procedures, physical therapy, seen many doctors and practitioners, both conventional and holistic, with little to no relief. I felt I was sliding downward, my body and spirit breaking down. I was losing interest in life and things I used to enjoy and feared the effect it had on my son and all other relationships in my life.

I took various supplements she prescribed, and she used EFT, guided visualization, and orthomolecular/functional medicine for about two months, and I was pleasantly surprised at how soon I started feeling better.

She explained to me the risks, cost, and approximate duration of treatment, if I wanted to get off my medications, as well as what to expect in the process, and what symptoms to look out for. It was a significant time and financial commitment for me, but I chose to go ahead, because I felt my physical health was being significantly and negatively affected by my long term medication use. Yes, I could have chosen to change or add medication to try to address all the symptoms, but why risk putting more chemicals and potential toxins in my body, and likely more symptoms, when I had an effective alternative to actual health? And, as a holistic practitioner myself I most certainly wanted to make use of the very techniques I know to work.

I am now on my 8th month of treatment and feel increasingly better: the mental fog and lack of concentration, fears and anxiety are lifting and mostly gone, GI and shoulder pain are mostly gone, and most importantly, I’m beginning to feel like my old self again – happy, looking forward to things, and connecting with people. I’m starting to trust that my body can heal itself, and that I will be OK. My resilience to normal life obstacles is coming back. I am coming back. All this while steadily decreasing not only the antidepressant, but also both thyroid medications – I’m down to less than a third of what I used to take and looking forward to being medication free soon! I just wish I found Dr. Lee much, much sooner.
— R.O.

Holistic Healing from Depersonalization and Panic Attacks

My son started experiencing depersonalization episodes and panic attacks around age 14. It took him about a year to communicate what was happening to him. After a couple of sessions with a psychologist, she recommended psychiatric treatment for him, which probably meant treatment with antipsychotic medication or the like. Unable to face the possibility of having such a young person on that type of medication, I started exploring possibilities and ran into Dr. Lee.

Dr. Lee prescribed a natural holistic approach that included changes in diet (mainly avoiding wheat, dairy, refined sugar, and corn oil), natural supplements and energy medicine. After less than six months, my son’s symptoms improved substantially going from dozens of episodes a day to a few, milder, more manageable episodes a week. Side effects of these treatment included losing more than 65 pounds (without dieting), stabilizing after reaching his ideal weight, increased frequency in smiles and eye contact and increased frequency in prizes and awards won at school. Another benefit was, that since all the family went on the same diet, his brother’s acne disappeared once he stopped taking dairy.

Dr. Lee takes the time and effort to connect to the patient and family and is always researching and looking for methods to improve her rates of success and the well being of her patients. She has a very innovative, heartfelt approach that works amazingly well. Moreover, my son adores her and loves to go to her visits.
— C.S.

Treatment Resistant Depression and Anxiety Heals Completely Using Holistic Psychiatric Approach

When I met Dr. Lee I was pretty much at the end of my rope. I had suffered from mild to moderate depression, social anxiety, and general anxiety since the age of 12, and for the past 15 years I’d been searching for a way to heal myself from these mental anguishes. By the time I met Dr. Lee I had almost tried it all; medication, meditation, supplements, alternative energy work, exercise, nutrition. I truly wanted to take the holistic/alternative approach and had dabbled in it but not to the extent and the depth that I would find in Dr. Lee’s practice. She was extremely professional, yet compassionate and visibly concerned at each of our sessions. She was extremely knowledgeable in regards to supplements and nutrition, and she was extremely thorough in creating a treatment plan that used a variety of modalities. In a short time (about 4 months) I was feeling more positive, more confident, more energetic, and most importantly, more like myself again. And for that, I am forever grateful to Dr. Lee – for helping me find myself again!! I recommend Dr. Lee to anyone who is suffering with any type of mood or anxiety disorder. She works wonders!
— A.D.

Successful Withdrawal From Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (Effexor XR) and Maintaining Wellness

I am a 35 year old woman who began seeing Dr. Lee in April of 2009. My therapist recommended that I see her for help with depression and anxiety with frequent panic attacks. I was sleeping only three to four hours a night, and sometimes not at all. I had originally wanted to take medication, as I had some relief from my depression on Prozac several years earlier. However, I was taking Zomig for frequent, severe migraine headaches and therefore could not take several classes of drugs. I had been taking a prescription medication for migraine headaches since 2002.

I was somewhat nervous about trying an alternative health approach, but Dr. Lee quickly eased those fears during my first visit. She thoroughly explained her energy medicine techniques, as well as how nutrition and the use of nutritional supplements worked together to promote healing. I left that first appointment still depressed, but with a strong sense that I had finally found someone that understood what I was going through and could actually help me get well.

After about three weeks of diet changes, weekly appointments, and taking the supplements, I felt as if a dark fog had been lifted from around me. It was as if I could see and feel sunshine again. I could sleep again. I was happy. The panic attacks were gone within another two weeks. I went to a party without any social anxiety for the first time in my life. It was amazing. The only health issue that I still had was the headaches. They hadn’t gotten much better, although through using essential oils, I had slightly decreased my use of Zomig.

I would have been thrilled with just that amount of healing. I had my life back, and I was more than willing to deal with the headaches, as bad as they were. But with a bit more homeopathic and nutritional support, I was able to stop taking Zomig after three months. I rarely get a headache now. And when I do get one, it is mild and really just a nuisance. In addition, I have gradually been able to decrease the amount of nutritional supplements necessary for maintaining my health.

Dr. Lee is exceptionally gifted. I am so grateful for having found her. I would not hesitate to give her my highest recommendation.”
— W.B.
Successful Withdrawal From Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (Effexor XR) and Maintaining Wellness
“You are most likely reading this because you are looking for help or a solution for getting off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (Effexor XR). I, like you, was looking for help several months ago and was directed to Alice Lee, MD, as an option to consider. I have my wife to thank for guiding me, her support, and for finding Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee was the best option for me and was able to get me off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride, rid me of the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and I was still a normal person and was able to work full time throughout the process.

If you are reading this, you may have also tried getting off this medication by yourself, or with the help of a traditional-by-the-book-physician who has not done the research, or been on Venlafaxine Hydrochloride themselves. If you have tried to get off this drug the usual way, you did so by reducing your dosage to the next lower dosage provided by the drug maker. You then experienced what I can best describe as reality on delay (or stuttered) and emotions that … well … if you have done this you know what I mean. The emotional trauma of just trying to get off this stuff is worse, much worse, than being on the stuff.

It is then you realize that you are drug dependent. At least this was when it really became apparent to me. Your mind and body cannot do without it. Yeah, I was there too. I tried to get off twice using the method mentioned above. During the second attempt I reduced my dosage, as directed by my physician (not Dr. Lee mind you!), from 300mg to 150mg. Wow … I thank God for the snow blizzard in DC (aka “snowmageddon”) that week. I could not imagine being out and about while trying to adjust to a 50% drop.

I called Dr. Lee, during this second attempt, at the insistence of my wife. At the time I thought I was doing “Ok”…yeah I was having some difficulty but considering the circumstances I thought I was “good.” Not! When I spoke to Dr. Lee, I could hear the concern in her voice. This was my first call with her. Not that it was easy to tell she was concerned, but it was clear she was concerned. Now, in hindsight … I was so out of touch with reality as a result of the reduction…it was significantly ill advised to do what I did.

I started seeing Dr. Lee almost immediately. She helped me to get back to my normal self at 150mg, since I was about two weeks into the reduction, but was still having trouble. I later learned, from my body’s reactions thereafter, that any 50% reduction was a huge step for me. For example, if I were at 2 mg and went to 1 mg…it would be tough.

I went through Dr. Lee program for several months. It took a little over a year for me, but the process got me off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride and did so in a manner that was easier on my body, supported good nutritional habits, and gave me so many more benefits. I hope you realize, as I do, that it was not simply about getting off Effexor. There was the underlying issue(s) that caused me to be depressed and anxious in the first place, before I took Effexor. Well, Dr. Lee helped me through that using a style that was more hands on and did not leave me to talk about and figure everything out myself. Think about it … If I could talk myself through my issues, I would never have been on Venlafaxine Hydrochloride let alone talk to that style of psychologist. Hey, it might not be for everyone, but it worked for me, and I am off!!!

When I read many of Dr. Lee testimonials, one stuck out for me. It was a CEO, a successful individual, who echoed many of the things I was experiencing. And he was a successful, strong willed person based on my interpretation of his writing. Who am I? I am a success story in anyone’s book. I grew up in “da hood”, went to the #1 school in the nation for an undergraduate degree, did some world record breaking work in the area of computer design, and have made at least 6 figures in salary since I was 20-something … and sometimes 7 figures in income. In case you are wondering I am 45 now. I know struggle, determination, hard work, and success! This is all to convey even “successful” people need help sometimes and this is not about weakness.

The true indication that you are off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride is knowing that you will stay off AND you will not have to use another antidepressant again. Did I say I am completely off all med’s? Just so that is clear, I am off. I have been off since Jan 2011. Again, how did I know I was off and this really worked for me?

Well, I was completely off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride by January 1, 2011. On January 15, 2011, I had a serious issue that led me to the emergency room. Around March 15th, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was scheduled to have the second of two procedures to rid me of this disease on April 29th. Just before the surgery on April 25th, I got the news that my mother had to be taken to the hospital. She too was diagnosed with colon cancer. She died the following month on May 14th. I was in the hospital for about 9 days (April 29th – May 8th) and could not eat or drink ANYTHING for about 7 days. Imagine if I had been on Venlafaxine Hydrochloride during this time. Even I can’t.

Thankfully I was able to attend my mother’s funeral. I was cleared for travel only because the surgeon could not tell me not to attend my own mother’s funeral.

So when I think about, “Am I really off this stuff?” I know that I am. I went through hell right after being off and did not relapse into a clinical depression. All the work that Dr. Lee and I did the months before was solid, and it worked. I thank God I was off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride by the time of my surgery. I am not sure how I would have survived if my body and mind needed to have that drug.

You are wondering if Dr. Alice Lee is part of the solution to your prayers. I know she guided me to a better place. I am free … and I hope you will be too!
— P.W.

The Freedom to be Happy and Pain-free: Healing From Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Migraines

I am a 35 year old woman who began seeing Dr. Lee in April of 2009. My therapist recommended that I see her for help with depression and anxiety with frequent panic attacks. I was sleeping only three to four hours a night, and sometimes not at all. I had originally wanted to take medication, as I had some relief from my depression on Prozac several years earlier. However, I was taking Zomig for frequent, severe migraine headaches and therefore could not take several classes of drugs. I had been taking a prescription medication for migraine headaches since 2002.

I was somewhat nervous about trying an alternative health approach, but Dr. Lee quickly eased those fears during my first visit. She thoroughly explained her energy medicine techniques, as well as how nutrition and the use of nutritional supplements worked together to promote healing. I left that first appointment still depressed, but with a strong sense that I had finally found someone that understood what I was going through and could actually help me get well.

After about three weeks of diet changes, weekly appointments, and taking the supplements, I felt as if a dark fog had been lifted from around me. It was as if I could see and feel sunshine again. I could sleep again. I was happy. The panic attacks were gone within another two weeks. I went to a party without any social anxiety for the first time in my life. It was amazing. The only health issue that I still had was the headaches. They hadn’t gotten much better, although through using essential oils, I had slightly decreased my use of Zomig.

I would have been thrilled with just that amount of healing. I had my life back, and I was more than willing to deal with the headaches, as bad as they were. But with a bit more homeopathic and nutritional support, I was able to stop taking Zomig after three months. I rarely get a headache now. And when I do get one, it is mild and really just a nuisance. In addition, I have gradually been able to decrease the amount of nutritional supplements necessary for maintaining my health.

Dr. Lee is exceptionally gifted. I am so grateful for having found her. I would not hesitate to give her my highest recommendation.
— W.B

Savin’ Eleven: Healing From Depression

I am 11 years old. I walked into Dr. Alice W. Lee’s office with worries, problems, and sadness. A few months later I walked out of that office stress and worry free with a smile on my face. What Dr. Lee has done was truly amazing. She taught me techniques and strategies to handle my problems in a healthy way including Emotional Freedom Technique, TAPAS, and supplements. Within a week of being her patient I started to feel better, have more energy, and be happy. I’m so glad I had the chance to work with her as a patient.
— S.R.

Choosing for My Child: A Mother’s Perspective

One night last fall I was tucking my 10 year old daughter into bed and she was happily telling me all of the things that she wanted to do. Within minutes her mood changed. She started crying and hyper-ventilating. She was so upset and was worried that she wouldn’t be able to sleep. After a long while she finally settled down, and I thought that it was over, but it wasn’t. Over the next few weeks things seemed to get worse. She cried all the time and told me she felt miserable. She seemed to be fine at school but at home, unless I could find something to distract her, she clung to me and cried. She told me she wanted to go to sleep and never wake up.

I realized that this was not something that she was going to snap out of. I took her to see a friend who is a therapist. The friend told me she thought my daughter was depressed and suggested I take her to a psychiatrist. My friend was familiar with Dr. Alice Lee and recommended her.

When I started reading Dr. Lee’s website I was pleased to learn about her alternative ways of treating depression. I was reluctant to start my young daughter on what might turn out to be a life-long dependence on medication. From the first appointment I noticed a change in my daughter. Within a short time she was back to her old self. She avoided wheat and dairy products for two months, and she takes her supplements. Now when she starts to feel anxious or depressed (which rarely happens) she does Tapas or EFT and feels better quickly. I am glad that we went to Dr. Lee, I feel that my daughter has the tools now to stay mentally healthy her whole life.
— D.R. (S.R.’s mother)