Testimonials
I started getting acupuncture from Kathy during the late winter of 2012. I have had regular acupuncture in the past, starting in 1995, but had not had regular acupuncture treatment since about 1998 or 1999. I was interested in working on/working through the long grieving process I’ve been going through since the illness and death of my parents; a period that spanned 2008 through 2011. I felt like I was “stuck” in the grieving process and wanted to make sure I kept working through it. Was not expecting a miracle cure or a sudden end to the grief (i.e. my expectations were normal) but I wanted some help moving forward.
I simply don’t have enough great things to say about Kathy’s perception, sensitivity and skills as a practitioner. Week by week I could feel things moving and shifting for me. There were still ups and downs but my overall trajectory was positive. By May I was feeling more like myself than I had since my dad got sick in 2008. I’m still feeling that way. This is a huge relief and monumental victory for me. I feared I was going to feel somewhere between “blah” and “sad” forever. But Kathy’s treatments helped me get things moving and work through them. I still grieve for my parents, of course. But it’s no longer a preoccupation. Kathy is already a wonderful healer. She is going to continue to grow into an AMAZING acupuncture-ist. She has a true Gift. I’m so lucky to have her in my life!!
S.A.
I am honored to write this letter for my fellow classmate and colleague Kathy Twombly.
Kathy has a number of unique healing qualities that she brings to her patients and colleagues. I’ve had the privilege of working with her in clinic as well as being her classmate for three years, and I don’t think anyone would disagree with me when I say Kathy is the embodiment of the healing presence.
Kathy’s integrity, honesty and work ethic are well known, and she holds herself to the highest standards. She is fully present when she is with you or with a patient; she honors her word, holds the space for amazing work to be done and is full of care and compassion for others. These qualities make her a great healer.
Kathy is not afraid to ask difficult questions of you as a friend, colleague or of her patients. She holds the space in such a way that one feels free to speak and be completely open. One of her gifts is her ability to create a safe space. This could be in a treatment room with a patient or in a corner of the classroom during break time. Her high level of integrity and compassion enable you to relax and be open. In addition, she is fully present to you. You never feel for a moment that her attention is drifting or that she is not right there with you.
I personally had a difficult situation in clinic not too long ago when I suspected one of my patients would divulge information about a sexual assault in one of her treatments. I didn’t know what she would reveal so I wanted to have a partner that would create a safe space, be fully present and be there to help me and my patient with this sensitive and highly emotional topic. I had no doubt who to ask; I asked Kathy. Kathy was able to do all of these things and was also there to help ask helpful questions and guide the conversation. In the end, my patient felt safe and she shared valuable information that aided me in crafting treatments that served her. Kathy was the perfect partner.
I would not hesitate to recommend Kathy as an acupuncturist; she is truly a gifted healer. Her gifts have not only served her patients and friends but have been an integral part of keeping the class of September ‘09 afloat!
R.I.
I am a fifty-four year old professional female musician and teacher. I hold a BA in music, a Masters in Education and work for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. I am the single mother of four young adults and grandmother of four young grandchildren.
My work with Kathy Twombly through acupuncture at Tai Sophia has and continues to help me heal, grow and gain insight into myself. I have had a few physical medical issues that have required attention that I have not been able to get positive results for through my family physician and several specialists. I fight depression and have survived an abusive relationship that has deeply affected me and my children. On two occasions in the past I have voluntarily checked into the psychiatric ward of Inova Fairfax Hospital in an effort to deal with the depression issues through behavioral therapy coupled with medication. I have worked with private counselors. None of these therapies have helped as much as my experience with Kathy at Tai Sophia.
Kathy offers knowledge, a safe environment and an open, honest approach to my health and whole being that allows me to relax, share and trust. She listens intently as I describe where I am in my journey and develops sessions that help with both immediate and long-term issues. The healing energy she possesses along with her nurturing makes it possible for me to gain the most out of every session. Frequently I have profound responses to the treatments and Kathy gently guides me through so that I understand what we are working on in order to go deeper and more fully heal. I am comfortable sharing these reactions at the session and through correspondence between sessions.
I plan to continue my work with Kathy in order to heal and move forward in ways that I have not been able to in the past and was not sure I would be able to at all. The work requires some risk taking and trust on my part. It is a personal journey I share with her and know that I am safe in every part of it and receive the best possible care and guidance.
T.H.
I am so grateful to have worked with Kathy Twombly on my life journey. Her focus on healing my body from the blockages caused by everyday living and lifelong wounds and challenges was so successful. When we’re asked, “How do you feel?” about something happening in our lives, it is our natural tendency to identify an emotional feeling. Kathy Twombly’s great gift to me was teaching me the difference between “How do you feel” and “Where are you feeling this in your body?” Becoming aware of where I am blocking energy in my body has opened my mind to understanding mind, body, spirit connectedness and recovering my good health. The beautiful souls of New Hampshire are so blessed to have Kathy’s gifts available to them.
Valerie McCarry, Centreville, VA
I ran into Kathy at a local coffee shop about a year ago. We had worked together many years ago. I had never tried acupuncture but thought I would give it a try as I trusted her and felt comfortable with her. My first visit was amazing. She takes the time to talk to you about what is happening in your life and what you are looking to get out of treatment. After a few visits my anxiety and shoulder pain had all but disappeared. I now go for monthly visits to maintain my optimum level of health.
She is a very kind and caring practioner who I have recommended to many friends who have also found relief through her healing.
J.B.