Linda Feig Knipe

I hold a Master's Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Counselor Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo preceded by a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam. My careers prior to counseling were in social work and as a Red Cross Executive Director. I also spent several years as a trade magazine executive. I have traveled extensively and am an active volunteer and leader in my community.

I am also survivor of rape.

For more than half of my life I held the common misperception that burying feelings and soldiering on is a healthy and desired means of showing strength. I discovered in my first Counselor Education class at the age of 40 that perhaps I was mistaken. I was provoked into full blown PTSD symptoms.

This is background. The real story, purpose and value of my book, Braving Therapy, is how we overcome adversity. Life is hard. Life has its ups and downs, but when things are really tough and we can persevere through it, we learn. This book is about using the tough times of life to learn and grow, to be more authentic versions of ourselves. Braving Therapy is about reaching out and getting the help we need. Facing ourselves, our perspectives, and how we have functioned up to now in order to get by takes courage. Getting help through therapy requires vulnerability, but it can be life-changing for those brave enough to persevere through it.

My passion and purpose in life has always been to lift others up. When I needed it myself, and finally let others in, they lifted me up.