Dr. Siegel, who prefers to be called Bernie, not Dr. Siegel, was born in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Colgate University and Cornell University Medical College. He holds membership in two scholastic honor societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha and graduated with honors. His surgical training took place at Yale New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veteran's Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He retired from practice as an assistant clinical professor of surgery at Yale of general and pediatric surgery in 1989 to speak to patients and their caregivers. In 1978 he originated Exceptional Cancer Patients, a specific form of individual and group therapy utilizing patients' drawings, dreams, images and feelings. ECaP is based on carefrontation, a safe, loving therapeutic confrontation, which facilitates personal lifestyle changes, personal empowerment and healing of the individual's life. The physical, spiritual and psychological benefits which followed led to his desire to make everyone aware of his or her healing potential. He realized exceptional behavior is what we are all capable of. Bernie, and his wife and coworker Bobbie, live in a suburb of New Haven, Connecticut. They have five children and eight grandchildren. Bernie and Bobbie have co-authored their children, books and articles. Their home with its many children, pets and interests resembled a cross between a family art gallery, museum, zoo and automobile repair shop. It still resembles these things, although the children are trying to improve its appearance in order to avoid embarrassment. Many years ago, as a teenager and young adult, I struggled with an undiagnosed syndrome. At times, the symptoms ranged from deep depression to uncontrollable anger to thoughts of suicide. Although it was confusing to me, there were other times when I felt healthy, energized, and normal. Because I kept my struggle a secret and because I didn't know where to turn for help, the shame of not being able to control my emotions contributed to deep feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. As I grew into a young woman, I made unhealthy choices in relationships and in life decisions all in a desperate attempt to ease the pain of worthlessness. As I entered into my early thirties continually masking the craziness inside me, an extraordinary exchange occurred. For the first time in my life, I shared my secret struggle with a dear friend. Although I was embarrassed and frightened as I disclosed my story, my friend not only listened to and comforted me, but she guided me to a doctor who she thought could help me. Within a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (once known as PMS!) and was given a comprehensive treatment plan that included everything from medication to life-style changes to counseling. From that day forward, I committed myself to my recovering program, determined I would not waste another moment suffering, nor would I keep it silent! After experiencing several years of wellness, I was determined to help other women, and their families, suffering from PMDD (or PMS)! In the 80's and 90's, PMS was not only a topic of bad jokes, but it was still largely dismissed as a legitimate medical disorder. I set out and did the following: I started leading psycho-educational support groups for women with PMDD and continued doing so for three years. I authored a book entitled The PMS Puzzle and spoke to groups educating as many people as I could about the truths of PMS. In the mid-90's, I went to graduate school to obtain a Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling so that I could gain more knowledge on how to further my skills in helping others. Before moving into private practice, I worked as a therapist in a large faith-based counseling center for almost a decade. I honed my skills around the areas of abuse, trauma, grief/loss, addiction, codependency, domestic violence, and all kinds of betrayal. I have been a frequent speaker and workshop leader at professional organizations, including a three time presenter at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist's Annual Conferences (2010 -2012). In our lives, there are so many variables that are out of our control. However, how well we choose to live our lives even amidst adversities is within our reach. It is up to each of us to embrace our recovering and to rejoice in the journey. Books I have written include: Breaking Through Betrayal: And Recovering The Peace Within (2010), Betrayal-Proof Your Relationship: What Couples Need to Know and Do (2011), and Cyber Bullying No More: parenting a high tech generation (2012). Learn more at www.HolliKenley.com