Close-Up Talk Radio spotlights Helen Hipp of WithinU Life Coaching

Jericho, VT – It can be stressful having a child with special needs – it’s stressful to be a parent in general – but it can also be wonderful experience as well.

Helen Hipp is a psychotherapist and life coach and the founder of WithinU Life Coaching, where she works with adults with special needs and their families by opening their minds to abilities, capabilities and alternate possibilities.

“Their challenges are achievements waiting to be faced,” says Helen. “My belief is we all have special needs. My job is to give life to their thoughts with action steps that inspire. Many people view special needs from a perspective of hardship, but my son Raymond has taught me a lot through his courage and determination. It’s just a wonderful gift he’s given me.”

Helen’s son Raymond, now 29, was given the diagnosis of Asperger’s as a child. In 2013, Helen published A Different Kind of Safari, a children’s book about celebrating differences and encouraging one’s potential. A Different Kind of Safari puts into words the essence of Helen’s teachings and beliefs, epitomizing her goal to have a positive impact on someone else’s life by helping them find their own answers.

Helen and her family went on an African safari back in 2001. During the trip, they came upon a pod of hippopotamuses. Standing on the outside of the pod was a pink hippo that Raymond named “Rosie.” The tour guide explained that Rosie was standing on the outside because she was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the pod because of her differences. Of course Raymond could understand that experience.

Says Helen: “It’s an empowering story. It’s got a wonderful, universal message that everyone can relate to and it’s fun, too!”