01/12/2025
Client Testimonial from Sean Cooper:
New Paradigm’s program successfully blends mindfulness practices with modern trauma modalities to create space for new growth and a new sense of hope. Some of the philosophies (waking early, observing silence for the majority of the day, restricted electronics access) may seem intense at first. After completing the program, I would not want it any other way and know it would not be as effective without them.
Dirk has a kind of mindful maverick quality to him that makes him a very effective therapist. While grounded in researched backed methods like meditation and EMDR, he diverges from the conventional strategies of talk therapy and seeks to dive into the root of the issue without wasting time with extraneous tangents. He will challenge you, sometimes directly, but never without compassion and your best interest at heart. I found this to be a refreshing approach compared to past experiences with traditional psychologists. After all, most of us have come to New Paradigm’s gate because the conventional methods haven’t yielded much success. It is clear that all the pieces of the program have been well thought out to work together and were fine tuned over many years and many patients. Try to remain open minded, listen more than speak and slowly put the ideas into practice over the two weeks.
When the work is challenging, sustenance is all the more important and that’s where Kae comes in to the program with her amazingly delicious, healthy meals and afternoon snacks. Gratitude comes easier in the morning when you know you have three of her meals to enjoy during the day. There is also a fun cooking class towards the end of the retreat and recipes to take home!
Sonny is the yoga and fitness instructor who can generally be seen working hard and uplifting people with his positive spirit. He really is the definition of diligence and his morning walks, albeit feeling painfully early at first, became something I looked forward to.
If you’re feeling stuck or can’t move on from the past, I would recommend New Paradigm as a potential catalyst for a healthier perspective. None of us can change the past, but we can remodel our view of it to better suit a positive path moving forward. Thanks for all the wisdom, care, food, memories and good laughs.
All the best to you Dirk, Kae and Sonny,
Sean
