Testimonials
Telephone Counselling
I have seen numerous Psychologists and Counsellors throughout my life, but I can honestly say none of them have come close to Wendy's knowledge, skills and ability to relate. Coming from a past of traumatic emotional abuse and intimidation, everyday I was living my life scared, unhappy and very sad. No matter what I did (ate, shopped etc, etc) I would end up back in that dark, gloomy fog. It wasn't until I spoke with Wendy who bought light to my situation and started to make me see how, when and why I was feeling like that.
After years of money, time, frustration and various other health care professionals, in only 3 months Wendy has given me the right tools and strategies that are 'right' for me, to embrace life and release the past.
I found one of the biggest set-backs with counselling is when a problem arises you have to make an appointment to see the counsellor, by the time you get there the issue has buried back down. As soon as a issue came up, I was able to immediately get into contact with Wendy, no matter how trivial I thought the problem was, and Wendy would be there to clear it up for me. Courage to Change has been a huge support to me in this regard.
Today, with the support of Tyrosine and knowing Wendy is only a phone call away I feel life is a lot more enjoyable and clearer. I have a very positive outlook on life and I know Wendy has been the catalyst for this.
Pauline Scerri, Gerringong
15/3/2010
Hi Wendy
I think that telephone counselling is good in more ways than one. For me, being able to keep the cost down is an important factor but mostly it's the convenience and ease of it. When I'm feeling anxious, depressed and bad about myself I don't have the confidence and courage to go out and seek help especially if I have to travel to an unfamiliar place so being able to do it from home was very helpful to me. I don't think I would have gone through with it otherwise. You were very easy to talk to and the whole experience was very positive. The information you sent me afterwards is very helpful and informative, I also appreciate that you have made yourself accessible via e-mail.
Pauline B, St. Clair
15/3/2010
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your support, since my session with you and the info you sent, plus the Tyrosine. I have found a vast improvement in my wellbeing. My mind is settled and I am functioning again. Still early days but the room for improvement is the biggest room in the world. I am able to by Tyrosine from my local health food store and am on to my second tub (wouldn't go without it).
Gloria F, South Bundaberg, Q’ld
15/3/2010
Hi Wendy, Understanding co-dependency has helped me to make positive changes in my life. As I have changed myself this has lead to other more positive dynamics developing in my relationship with my husband. I can see how I was martyring myself. I now have the courage to set limits for people around me and being ok with saying “no”. Not taking on responsibility for other people’s actions helps others to change – I know that now. I also have found Tyrosine effective in helping to take the edge off my stress. Thanks for your help Wendy!
Rebecca S, Narellan
I have struggled for years with depression, low-self esteem, moodiness, and weight. I was asking for help when Wendy's life changing book appeared on a book shelf. Wendy explained to me what was happening chemically in my brain which has never been explained to me before. I am now on Tyrosine to fix this problem and after only 2 days I feel happier and brighter. With Wendy's guidance and support, I know I can live a healthy and much happier life and beat the many obstacles that have suppressed me for many, many years.
Pauline Scerri, Gerringong
Wendy, How wonderful you truly are. Thank you for your kindness, thoughtfulness and your knowledge. I will take all of what you have given me and start to build the new me. Again I thank you. Have a great day.
Jacquie T, Baulkham Hills
Update from Jacquie on the 12/2/2010
I am 58 obese and have tried every conceivable diet know to mankind, including an operation. Nothing has helped. I realized (yes I must be a very slow learner) that my problem is in my head and that I am actually a foodOholic. I did a web search and was blessed to find Wendy Perkins. As I am in the struggling working class category it has never been an option to have long term counseling. I called Wendy and she sent me her book “Want to lose weight…but hooked on food?” Reading this book gave me great comfort to know that even at my age help was available. I called Wendy and set up a phone counseling appointment, the fee is minimal especially when you add up the benefits and the ongoing information and Support Wendy gives. Wendy is honest and caring not to mention thoughtful, she gave me so much to work with. I had been to a counselor before but the cost would have been endless and after 4 sessions I never once came out feeling better nor did I feel I had any answers or anything to work with, I just felt they told me that I was a victim. Not to mention because it was a phone session, I was in the comfort of my own surroundings and this helped me relax. I strongly recommend Wendy’s phone counseling sessions to anybody no matter what their circumstances or problems.
Jacquie T, Baulkham Hills
Dear Wendy, I wanted to tell you how I bought 'Hooked on Food' at my local newsagency in Warwick last week. WOW. It is clear, concise and I think is going to be a great help to me. All I can say is 'thank you' Sincerely
Libby B, Goomburra, Queensland
Hello – to anyone who is suffering depression. I have struggled with depression for almost a year. I turned to Wendy after trying many other forms of treatment. Wendy helped me to understand the role of co-dependancy in my negative relationship with a friend. After speaking to Wendy, I learnt about the way my brain chemicals were affecting my life. I now take Tyrosine which has helped me to become more confident and motivated, particularly at work. People are starting to notice than I am much happier these days, and I am really starting to feel positive about my future. To anyone out there who is feeling any of the symptoms of depression, please do not give up. Wendy's counselling services are all about recovery. The phone counselling service is convenient and affordable, and Wendy is always there to offer advice about recovery when ever you need it. Thankyou Wendy for all that you have done for me. Thankyou for always replying to my emails so quickly. You gave me hope when I thought it had gone. I now look forward to my future because I know that no matter what happens, I can through it. I have been through the hardest thing I've ever had to go through and I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Kimberley L, Camden
Hello Wendy - Understanding ,challenging it was good knowing you had experienced similar situations in your own life .You didn't just agree with me you challenged my thinking. I felt I had learnt different strategies at the end of each session.
Jenny A, Lakes Entrance, Victoria
Hi Wendy, The phone counselling worked for me. No need to travel anywhere or to get dressed. What I liked about Wendy’s approach the most is that her job is not done after she hangs up. Wendy will follow up and actually give you “homework”. In other words Wendy works with you and that not just during the phone counselling. With modern technology in place (e.g. internet, skype, mobile phones) phone counselling is certainly a powerful tool. Regards
Beau B, Darwin, 18/2/2010
Hi Wendy! A heartfelt testimonial to you and those you liaise with - As you know, when I contacted you I was at wits end over where my son’s life was heading. He had suffered with mild depression for many years but at the age of 30, due to circumstances, had slipped into a state of severe depression. Luckily he is married to a very supportive woman who is also the mother of his three adorable children. Over the past 12 months he has been subjected to as much ECT treatment as he could have, has spent 3 weeks at a mental clinic, has had regular psychology visits and was taking what we now know to be excessive amounts of prescribed drugs administered by the psychiatrist he has been under during this period. By Christmas time this year, I was on the verge of “giving up” as it seemed that we had tried everything and wondered how much more our son had to go through. Through our persistence to research and to learn and understand what was happening to him, we were put in contact with you and those you work with. After speaking with you for the first time, I felt that we now had something positive to move forward with. Everything you said just made so much sense to us. Even though at first, our son was reluctant to try anything else, we were at least able to convince him that the supplements that you suggested were an important part in the healing process. Again, with your support we learned that it is OK, and indeed important, to be heard by the medical profession and this intervention instigated welcomed changes in levels of medication. With the introduction of supplements and the altered medication, we saw immediate improvement and though we know that our boy is not out of the woods yet, we look forward to supporting him through the next important phase of recovery – your counselling. Your willingness to listen to those who best know the person who is suffering and the encouragement you give to continue the fight, have taken us to a happier place that we haven’t been able to visit for some now.
LB – Qld.
Hi Wendy - I purchased your book, after our telephone conversation, and then quickly went out and purchased some Tyrosine (Mood Food). Within 24 hours of taking Tyrosine, I felt I had turned back the clock on 20 years of emotional eating. I have been taking it for 1 week now and I have not had one single emotional eating craving (whereas I used to battle 10 to 20 cravings a day). I feel energised, happy, stable and I am finally able to feel pleasure. I am happily shocked about Tyrosine and what a difference it is making in my life. THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER. You mentioned on the phone this is only the tip of the iceberg and I believe you. More people need to know about Tyrosine. I have now been on tyrosine for almost 2 months. After battling with emotional eating for almost 20 years every minute of every day, in the last 2 months I have not once felt the desire to eat from my emotions. Tyrosine is truly incredible. I feel the most wonderful release in my life. I keep walking past people in the street and can't help but wonder if they also suffer from emotional eating. All I want to do is whisper in their ear 'tyrosine'. More people need to know about this. The more people that know about this book, the better. Thanks for everything and more
Celeste F, Sydney
Hi Wendy, WOW! Tyrosine is amazing stuff. I feel like a new woman in a matter of a few days. I have wanted for so long to feel normal again. I thought I would never feel like this again. Happy, calm, secure, not afraid, not angry, not sad, not tearful and so many more negative emotions I have endured for so long. It is definitely a good start. I know I will have some setbacks but at last I have the right information to move forward and a better mind to cope with everything in life I sincerely thank you for writing that book and helping me. It is early days but I think I am gaining confidence in myself now to move on and forget the past and make a happy life for me.
Judy K, South Yamba, Qld
Dear Wendy, How much you have helped me, I'm truly very grateful to you, keep up the good work. I was at my wits end, I have much happening in my life, my husband suffers from depression, and I have food addictions, I often feel up and down, my aunty told me about phone counselling, it was very different to what I expected, I have not regretted giving Wendy a ring, With the information I received from her I feel I can start going forward in my life. A big part of the session spoke about supplements, Paul needed to start on Tyrosine and several other supplements, but I also started to take Tyrosine, It makes a huge difference to how I feel, I am more focussed and my brain is not so scattered, I also feel more optimistic about life and more motivated, I feel Tyrosine will help many people, I believe it will be something Paul and I will both use to improve the life we now lead. Thanks again Wendy, we'll also get stuck into some of the books and tapes very soon, I now feel we have a chance at a normal sort of life.
Sharon Wagenaar. WA
Dear Wendy,Thanks for your help, you were a life line when I needed it most. Today is the best day I have had in ages. No crying, no frightening feeling. Thank you so much.
Faye Falvey, Queensland
Thanks so much Wendy for your help and support over the past few months. This is the best thing that's happened to me this year. Being able to talk to someone at short notice with no time limit is great for me. you know what I mean! I'm going to get my daughter to try the tyrosine and see if it helps her motivation – I know it's been great for me and I don't have as many "blank" moments. I thought that was just my age but I now realise it was my brain chemistry or lack of brain chemistry – you know what I mean. Thanks again and I'll certainly be in touch if I need you at short notice. Cheers.
Carol U, Sutherland Shire
Hi Wendy, So much of what you said to us in that hour rang so true for me – can't wait to read the whole story. But I am thrilled to tell you that since I met you at Mark's Retreat, I am going great, and I have removed almost 9kg. Yeah – who would have thought! And, almost as importantly, I now don't drink (lots of) alcohol everyday 5 days last week I had none! More importantly I feel fantastic, and although I'm not at home base yet, gee I've come a long way. Good luck with the book and all that you are doing – like I said at the retreat – you have changed my life! Cheers
Jo Tregar, Melbourne
One-On-One Counselling
 Before |  After |
I’ve lost 15 kilos in 12 weeks and people tell me how great I look.
I can’t believe the difference when I look at photos taken of myself only a few months ago. I’ve changed my eating habits and this was not at all difficult, in fact, it has become a way of life for me now. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. I cut back on carbs and increased my protein intake. I believe if I continue on a modified version of Dr. Cabot’s weight loss program, that I will never have to diet again.
This is really a new way of thinking and I am not even drawn to foods that are unhealthy.
Dr. Cabot’s program educated me to choose foods that give me energy – I’ve lost that sluggish feeling and feel fit and healthy.
I had health problems with both my knees due to excess weight. Now I can walk without complaining about knee pain.
An added bonus was that my wife also lost weight – she’s the cook!
Col Baker
Ulladulla
 Before |  After |
I have been fighting a weight problem for over 20 years and last August I hit my heaviest weight at 112.3 kilos. To date I have ‘released’ 26 kilos. (I say released not ‘lost’ as lost indicates that it needs to be found and I never want to find that weight again!). I knew I had to do something about my weight and had spent a few months seeking help at every corner.
I have tried a lot of weight loss programs on and off over the years, successfully losing weight but never reaching my goal and never maintaining the loss - always gaining a little extra when the weight returned. I would start a diet on a Monday and crash and burn by Friday. I would get more and more depressed as the dress sizes in my wardrobe would increase and decrease constantly and before I knew it I would have a range of clothes from 18 to 24. Every day there was an excuse – I’m too tired, I’m too busy, I’m too depressed…I can’t. Every year I got bigger and bigger and would just block out as much hurt and pain I felt over my situation as I could. I cannot begin to tell you of the frustration I have felt over the years losing and gaining weight continually. I remember telling a health care professional once that I was so confused as I knew what to do to lose the weight and that I was an intelligent person and understood the concept but could never just stick to it.
One day I came across a book in my local second hand book store. I remember at the time the book, which was crammed amongst the hundreds of books on the shelf seemed to jump out at me with its bright red spine screaming “Can’t Lose Weight? YOU COULD HAVE SYNDROME X”. I remember Insulin Resistance being referred to as Syndrome X whilst I was researching on the Internet so I picked up the book written by Dr Sandra Cabot. Standing in the book store reading the Introduction in the book I remember feeling excited about the prospect that this person may actually know what she was talking about. Even more exciting for me was that the Doctor was based in Camden, which was an easy 2 to 3 hour drive from my home. I bought the book and took it home devouring it from front to back in no time at all. The information was life changing for me. Every chapter seemed to have an answer to my situation and I can’t tell you the amount of times I said to myself “Oh my goodness, she is talking about me here”.
I wasted no time in starting the Syndrome X Diet and making an appointment to see Dr Cabot. At my appointment the Doctor refined my eating program and suggested natural supplements that my body would be lacking after all these years of abuse to help me lose weight. She also told me straight up that if I were to continue to eat in this destructive manner that I was heading for (if not already had) a multitude of health problems including diabetes, cancer and heart disease
I asked her at the time if there was anyone in my area that she could refer me to, to help me lose weight and she suggested I see Wendy Perkins at the Dr Sandra Cabot Weight Loss Support Centre in Ulladulla. By the time I saw Wendy I had lost 4 kilos and felt that this time maybe I would succeed. I felt so comfortable with Wendy and was impressed with her vast knowledge and experience with people with addiction. In the past I felt helpless when I craved certain foods and felt addicted to anything sugary. I felt like a junkie who couldn’t calm down until she had her ‘fix’. It was a helpless feeling – one that is hard to explain because society recognises alcohol and drug addiction but you hardly hear of food addiction in the same vein.
At times I felt despair, hopelessness, depressed, fatigued, lacked confidence and felt that I had no control over my emotions or eating habits. I have always tried to look on the bright side and would say to myself that I was lucky I had a loving family, a beautiful home, a job and that I should be thankful for my good fortune. I constantly felt guilty about my lack of control and I had this nagging feeling that something was missing in my life.
With an understanding of how certain foods were hindering my weight loss I was now learning from Wendy how my mind was also holding me back. I had to turn my thinking around. No more negative thoughts about what I can’t do and more positive thoughts about what I can and will do. I needed to visualise myself at my goal weight. Imagine myself fit, healthy and happy. It really does work and it must reflect from inside out as people are starting to comment.
In addition to my new lifestyle and, perhaps most importantly, I have learned to enjoy exercise. I’m not talking about the gym here, just plain old walking to start with – just getting off my ass and moving! First it was walking on flat ground. Soon I was climbing hills and making sure there were a few in my routine. Exercising is also great for mental health and I marvelled at how good I would feel after pushing myself a little further each day. I really was approaching this weight loss with all the help I could get – mind, body and spirit.
There is a bounce in my step now and I am embracing this new healthy lifestyle. Wendy’s counselling over the months has helped me become a happier person who is finally taking control and I know that this time I will reach my goal and stay that way forever. No ifs, no ‘butts’. I now totally believe in the power of the mind and positive thinking. This was and still is a very important part of my journey to being a healthy and happy human being. When I face a stressful situation now, I take steps to avoid relying on food as my comfort. My mindset has completely changed and I can’t stress how important that is when facing any battle. It not only has helped me ‘release’ this weight, it has helped me take up an exercise regime and face other challenges in my life.
I wish I had met Dr. Cabot and Wendy Perkins years ago and gained control of my life as I feel I have missed out on so much by hiding behind this weight problem. But like I said, I try to look on the bright side. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I’ve travelled this long, exhausting road for a purpose. I no longer sweat the small stuff. I appreciate the little things. I feel calmer mentally and stronger physically. I still have another 16-20 kilos to release and can’t wait to reach my goal so much so that I can feel myself running towards it.
My mantra as I pound the pavement on my walks is “I am strong, I am healthy, I can do it!” And when I walk or jog that extra mile at the end of a particularly hard slog I have a mental picture in my head of throwing my arms in the air as if I am crossing the finishing line of a marathon and I dance a sing “well done!”
Angela Hollen
Ulladulla
February 2008
Hi Wendy,
You have changed the way I see a lot of things, I’m not so judgemental. I still struggle with my "Dysfunctional Family” and for 64 years, I thought it was okay, now I know it wasn't, and I don't have to fix it for everyone, just me. I am back at the Gym, have more energy and more interest in life, I am still a work in progress, thank you Wendy.
J.Smith Appin NSW.
I have been seeing Wendy since early September this year, and I cannot recommend her more highly. I was looking for a permanent answer to my battle with food and I have finally found it. I was at a point where I just couldn’t do one more diet.
Wendy is extremely down to earth, easy to speak with, and she tells it how it is! This was exactly what I needed. I was initially reluctant to start taking the Tyrosine, which Wendy recommended, as I felt that this may be just another ‘fad’ and I was looking for a long term answer. How wrong I was. Tyrosine has made an amazing difference to my life. Finally for the first time in many, many years I can go through my day and my week without food being the centre of my thinking. I have a new clarity of thinking that I can hardly believe. It has given me more energy and a lot more motivation. It has being been truly amazing!!!
Debbie D
NSW November 29, 2009
Hello Wendy
Thank you so much for helping me understand why I am, the way I am. I had never heard of co-dependency until I spoke to you and now realise what I have been suffering with all these years. I know your book is about over-eating and I don’t have that problem, but I do understand now how co-dependency has driven my life since I was a young girl. It’s good to know that I can change and be happier with myself and my life. Thanks again and I look forward to our next meeting.
Ruth R, Orangeville
Wendy, Both times after seeing you, I've walked out feeling a world of difference. I know I am okay again when I can smile in my own company (and sing in the car!) – that's always a true sign. Thanks again.
Pam O Edensor Park
Thanks for your counselling support. Tyrosine has helped me so much. Since being on Tyrosine I have felt so much better. I have been able to do so much more as I have more energy. I can even think better as my head isn't foggy anymore. I have also felt that my cravings have been curbed. Taking Tyrosine is a part of my everyday routine.
Karen Tuckwell
Hi Wendy, You have changed the way I see a lot of things, not so judgemental, I struggled with "Dysfunctional Family" for 64 years I thought it was okay, now I know it wasn't, but I don't have to fix it for everyone, just me. I am back at the Gym, have more energy and more interest in life, I am still a work in progress, thank you Wendy.
J.Smith Appin NSW
I wish I had met Dr. Cabot and Wendy Perkins years ago and gained control of my life as I feel I have missed out on so much by hiding behind this weight problem. But like I said, I try to look on the bright side. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I've travelled this long, exhausting road for a purpose. I no longer sweat the small stuff. I appreciate the little things. I feel calmer mentally and stronger physically. I still have another 16-20 kilos to release and can't wait to reach my goal so much so that I can feel myself running towards it.
Angela Hollan, St. Georges Basin
I've lost 15 kilos in 12 weeks and people tell me how great I look. I can't believe the difference when I look at photos taken of myself only a few months ago. I've changed my eating habits and this was not at all difficult, in fact, it has become a way of life for me now. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. I cut back on carbohydrates and increased my protein intake. I believe if I continue on a modified version of Dr. Cabot's weight loss program, that I will never have to diet again. This is really a new way of thinking and I am not even drawn to foods that are unhealthy. Dr. Cabot's program educated me to choose foods that give me energy – I've lost that sluggish feeling and feel fit and healthy. I had health problems with both my knees due to excess weight. Now I can walk without complaining about knee pain. An added bonus was that my wife also lost weight – she's the cook!
Col Baker, Ulladulla
Thanks to Dr. Cabot's Weight Release Program I have lost 10 kg in 9 weeks. I still have a way to go before I reach my goal weight, but with the help and support of Wendy Perkins, my weight loss counsellor, I know my goal is achievable. She has shown me a different approach to weight loss by combining a diet tailored to Body Type and Active Meditation, which helps to unlock the reason why I over-eat. I know that success will be mine!
Julie T. Ulladulla
I felt like I was drowning in a sea of fat until Dr. Cabot's Medical Quiz discovered I had a health problem that has since been addressed and I lost 3 kilos this week. I'm finally getting the help I need after all these years.
Val C Ulladulla
I am 80 years old and consulted Wendy 7 weeks ago. During this time I have lost 5 kilos and as it is much harder when you are older to lose weight, I am very pleased with the results. The programme is so easy to follow. I have just changed my eating habits and I am eating more now than I have ever had before.
Jean W Campbelltown, NSW. September 1, 2009
Weekly meditation groups helped me to stay positive and on track with my weight loss program. I'm so happy now I can fit into clothes that have been hanging in my wardrobe for years
Carol M Ulladulla
I can't believe how well I feel on Dr. Cabot's program. I have extra energy and have lost that bloated feeling – I feel great
Fran Ryan Mollymook
People keep asking me if I've lost weight and I've yet to tell them that it's all due to Dr. Sandra Cabot's weight loss program. Won't they be surprised when I reach my goal weight and tell them how I achieved it
Sylvia P Ulladulla
Warning: filemtime() [function.filemtime]: stat failed for /home/kusnet/public_html/vhosts/www.couragetochange.com.au/templates/testimonials.tpl in /home/kus/webapps/vhosts_old/inc/smarty/sysplugins/smarty_internal_template.php on line 443
