Hi, I'm Cheryl Klein,
writer (please scroll down for book listings) and counselor
in Windham, Maine,
with more than two decades of experience
offering women and men
hope, help and healing through published articles, books and telehealth
mental health counseling services.
Many of my clients identify as unmarried, never married, un-coupled, divorced or widowed and have come to me seeking strategies for managing life on their own. Others simply feel alone in facing the challenges before them.
I also work with those facing issues that do not focus on being alone or un-coupled, particularly anxiety ,depression, grief, etc., in connection with personal relationships, work challenges, parenting difficulties, social relationships, etc.
How may I be most helpful to you?
Cheryl Klein, M. Div.,
Licensed Pastoral Counselor
Email: WeFlySolo@me.com
Phone/text (207) 892-SOLO (7656)
amazon.com/author/hopehelphealing
Professional verification provided by Psychology Today
Please note: If you are in crisis or this is an emergency, please contact 911, your local hospital emergency room, the local Maine toll-free crisis hotline (888)568-1112
or the national toll-free crisis hotline, 988
FAQS about counseling:
Q: What kinds of issues do new clients bring to counseling? A: Those who begin counseling often bring their struggles with difficult relationships or situations, at home or at work. They often talk about feeling sad, anxious or angry about what's going on, and are seeking rememdies and strategies that might help with their feelings. Q: How might counseling help? A: To be sure, most of us have family and friends with whom we might talk about our feelings. But sometimes it is helpful to have the observations, perspectives and coping strategies that a trained counselor may provide. Clients in my practice have often shared their need for an impartial, unbiased understanding of what's going on, and help expressing their needs to family and friends whose view may be a bit more limited. Q: How does a new client get started in counseling? A: After gathering some background information, so that I may better understand a new client's life, we begin with whatever feeling or issue is most important to each client, and together, we develop a plan for working towards resolution. The agenda for each session always belongs to each client, so that we always talk about what's most important. Q: So, at what point does "pastoral" counseling become part of a therapy session? A: In my (virtual) office, it might be a topic of conversation in the very first session, or at some other time, or it might never be something we discuss. "Religion" or "faith" is always discussed only at the request of each client. Q: How long does it take to resolve issues involving difficult relationships, situations, or feelings? A: That differs for each client. My goal is to provide a confidential setting to process what's going on, and to reach a conclusion as quickly as possible. Other questions? Please ask!
Cheryl Klein, M. Div., LPasC Phone/text (207) 892-7656 Email: WeFlySolo@me.com https://www.amazon.com/author/hopehelphealing
BOOKS
Learning the Fine Art of Flying Solo: A counselor's step-by-step survival guide
ISBN- 979-8-9871691-3-1
Published in June, 2024, and appearing on the Harvard Authors BookShelf (Harvard Magazine November/December 2024) I developed and designed this volume to offer support and guidance for those who are facing life on their own, or who feel alone, even in a committed relationship. None of us would ever choose to be alone, right? Still, there may be times in our lives when we find ourselves alone, managing life on our own or feeling alone in a relationship (which many say is the worst loneliness imaginable). And, in managing life alone, we may come upon challenges and situations we’ve not yet faced as individuals.
In this book, I draw upon more than two decades in working with singles (never married, divorced, etc., of all ages) and others who feel alone, offering a step-by-step game plan for successfully managing life on your own until (and unless) the right person comes along. Fresh perspectives, support and affirmations from the pages of the author of Flying Solo Newsletter provide even more food for thought. Here is a listing of some of the contents:
-Finding Sure Footing (understanding the process of grieving the loss of a partner)
-Finding Confidence (learning to stand in one's own truth, despite what others might believe is "best" for us)
-Finding Comfort (recreating a sense of comfort and learning a new "bedtime story" to help us sleep)
-Finding Care (accessing medical services and community support)
-Finding Security (safety online and at home)
-Finding Energy (nourishing and providing for our bodies, especially in stressful times)
-Finding Necessities (being a first-time car buyer or home buyer)
-Finding $$$ (extra income opportunities such as home-sharing, starting a business, etc.)
-Finding Friends (expanding a community of friends and acquaintances for life's journey)
-Finding Happiness (learning the secret to reaching a happy and peaceful space)
-Finding Help (community resources that may make all the difference in our lives)
-Finding Faith (whether in a church or temple community, or simply on our own)
PLUS taken from the pages of Cheryl's FLYING SOLO NEWSLETTER (published 1997-2001 but surprisingly still relevant):
- "Dear Cheryl" advice column of readers' inquiries with potential responses
- Words of hope, help and healing.....
- A "history" of singles
- Table for 1, please!
- The Fine Art of Vacationing Alone
- Motherless on Mother's Day
- Life in the Gray(ing) Lane
- Planting New Seeds
- Why 11 is (still) my lucky number
....AND MUCH MORE!
Nope, most of wouldn’t choose to be alone and it’s okay to remain ready for the next love in your life. But why not make the most of this time to learn and grown and become your own best self? Hope, help and healing are yours for the taking!
The Maine-ly Love Trilogy (fiction series)
Inspired by my own life experience, and writing under a pen name, C.L.Klein, I have published the "Maine-ly Love Trilogy," a three-volume fictional story about two individuals, once high school sweethearts, whose paths cross much later in life, and begin an unexpected "second-act" romance.
Book #1: Once Upon A Time In Maine: The List of 100 (ISBN 979-8-9871691-0-0 (published in 2022):
CC seems to have it all: counseling work she loves, a beautiful home in Maine, midway between the mountains and the shore, and a brand-new Cadillac for her milestone birthday. What she doesn’t have is her breasts, lost to cancer. Grateful to have her life spared, CC nonetheless wonders if she should get back into the dating game but asks herself.....what man would want a breast-free chick, of any age? In her more positive moments, she creates a list of 100 things she'd want in her next partner.
Serendipitously, her path crosses that of Mitch Levy, her first love and high-school sweetheart. After several decades, and despite being nearly 1,000 miles apart, they begin a romantic distance relationship, with emails flying through cyberspace at warp speed.
As they catch up on where life has taken them, both CC and Mitch come to realize there are embers of their young love still glowing. Both have been married and divorced, with a couple of kids, now grown and flown. It isn’t long before they begin to plan a romantic rendezvous, and, as they do, CC gathers all her courage and tells Mitch about her cancer experience and the new shape of her body, as well as other limitations life has placed on her. Mitch claims to accept, love and lust for her, nonetheless. Will they be able to pick up where they left off, or will their paths diverge? Book #2: Midnight at Spring Pooint (ISBN 979-8-9871691-1-7) (published in 2023): CC is startled to discover that Mitch isn’t who he appeared to be. Some secrets are revealed, but not enough for CC to feel completely comfortable or secure with him. The couples she counsels in her everyday professional life unwittingly offer her food for thought about the unwritten, unspoken nuances of loving another on a 24/7 basis, as well as negotiating the reality of forgiveness. Her relationship with Mitch has blissful moments, followed by devastating disappointments. Through her travels to see Mitch in Cincinnati, as well as adventures on her own, CC develops a clearer understanding of who she is, at this point in her life, as well as what she wants, and what she absolutely, positively will not tolerate. When his behavior pushes her to the brink, CC wonders if these are simply relationship glitches that will be worked out, over time, or if she should run, not walk, in the other direction. How could a love affair, so intoxicating at times, go so terribly wrong? Book #3: Daybreak, Up On Kettle Cove (ISBN 979-8-9871691-2-4 (published in 2023): CC makes yet another of her annual pilgrimages to the sunny South, to escape Maine’s bitter winter. Mitch continues to monitor her coming and goings, clearly un-comfortable with not knowing exactly where CC is, or with whom. She decides to explore the idea of a retirement village, out of curiosity. Finding herself in a physically challenging scenario, she calls upon Mitch for help, but he falls short. As her southernmost adventure comes to a close, she makes a right turn, choosing not to visit Mitch on her way back to Maine. The Valentine’s Day disaster from the previous year is still crystal clear in her memory. Strangely, Mitch continues to believe that he did nothing wrong on that fateful day. The saga of his life seems to be presented in half-truths, at best.
As the Maine winter melts into spring, CC visits Cincinnati two more times, once for professional training, and once for pure pleasure. Mitch continues to place barriers in the roadway of their joint journey, and CC finds herself running out of patience. Looking deep inside, she feels akin to so many others, both women and men, who find themselves bitterly disappointed when what seemed like a “perfect” love seems to disintegrates.Is she caught up in a fantasy?
In her own words, CC shares her questions about why she stays in this relationship, which offers her so little joy, peace, comfort. It wasn’t like that, in the beginning, either decades ago or now. CC ponders the possibility of addiction. Is she is addicted to love, romance, fantasy?
She shares with him her plans to celebrate both Passover and Easter, and once again, he lacks respect for the expanse of her faith, which is as strong as ever. She knows that God is with her, every step of the way, but Mitch offers only disapproval.
Finally, with anger and frustration mounting. CC arrives unannounced in Cincy, and at Mitch’s home, just before the 4th of July. She spots his car in the driveway, gathers up her courage, walks up to his door and knocks. Mitch clearly is upset that she has shown up unannounced and it isn’t long before sparks fly, some CC anticipated, but others that were completely unexpected.
Confused and angry, in a blur of emotions, CC makes her way back to her van, and without even staying in Cincy, begins her drive home on the same day, back to the sanity of Maine, wailing and sobbing into the music on her playlists. The daybreak at the book’s end brings Cheri Cohen not only the light of a new day and a new adventure, but also peace and joy, that have come seemingly come from out of nowhere. CC has lived, she has loved, and she moves ahead more confident about who she is, what she needs and what she deserves. Where to find these books? Both ebooks and paperbacks are available on Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/hopehelphealing
Serendipitously, her path crosses that of Mitch Levy, her first love and high-school sweetheart. After several decades, and despite being nearly 1,000 miles apart, they begin a romantic distance relationship, with emails flying through cyberspace at warp speed.
As they catch up on where life has taken them, both CC and Mitch come to realize there are embers of their young love still glowing. Both have been married and divorced, with a couple of kids, now grown and flown. It isn’t long before they begin to plan a romantic rendezvous, and, as they do, CC gathers all her courage and tells Mitch about her cancer experience and the new shape of her body, as well as other limitations life has placed on her. Mitch claims to accept, love and lust for her, nonetheless. Will they be able to pick up where they left off, or will their paths diverge? Book #2: Midnight at Spring Pooint (ISBN 979-8-9871691-1-7) (published in 2023): CC is startled to discover that Mitch isn’t who he appeared to be. Some secrets are revealed, but not enough for CC to feel completely comfortable or secure with him. The couples she counsels in her everyday professional life unwittingly offer her food for thought about the unwritten, unspoken nuances of loving another on a 24/7 basis, as well as negotiating the reality of forgiveness. Her relationship with Mitch has blissful moments, followed by devastating disappointments. Through her travels to see Mitch in Cincinnati, as well as adventures on her own, CC develops a clearer understanding of who she is, at this point in her life, as well as what she wants, and what she absolutely, positively will not tolerate. When his behavior pushes her to the brink, CC wonders if these are simply relationship glitches that will be worked out, over time, or if she should run, not walk, in the other direction. How could a love affair, so intoxicating at times, go so terribly wrong? Book #3: Daybreak, Up On Kettle Cove (ISBN 979-8-9871691-2-4 (published in 2023): CC makes yet another of her annual pilgrimages to the sunny South, to escape Maine’s bitter winter. Mitch continues to monitor her coming and goings, clearly un-comfortable with not knowing exactly where CC is, or with whom. She decides to explore the idea of a retirement village, out of curiosity. Finding herself in a physically challenging scenario, she calls upon Mitch for help, but he falls short. As her southernmost adventure comes to a close, she makes a right turn, choosing not to visit Mitch on her way back to Maine. The Valentine’s Day disaster from the previous year is still crystal clear in her memory. Strangely, Mitch continues to believe that he did nothing wrong on that fateful day. The saga of his life seems to be presented in half-truths, at best.
As the Maine winter melts into spring, CC visits Cincinnati two more times, once for professional training, and once for pure pleasure. Mitch continues to place barriers in the roadway of their joint journey, and CC finds herself running out of patience. Looking deep inside, she feels akin to so many others, both women and men, who find themselves bitterly disappointed when what seemed like a “perfect” love seems to disintegrates.Is she caught up in a fantasy?
In her own words, CC shares her questions about why she stays in this relationship, which offers her so little joy, peace, comfort. It wasn’t like that, in the beginning, either decades ago or now. CC ponders the possibility of addiction. Is she is addicted to love, romance, fantasy?
She shares with him her plans to celebrate both Passover and Easter, and once again, he lacks respect for the expanse of her faith, which is as strong as ever. She knows that God is with her, every step of the way, but Mitch offers only disapproval.
Finally, with anger and frustration mounting. CC arrives unannounced in Cincy, and at Mitch’s home, just before the 4th of July. She spots his car in the driveway, gathers up her courage, walks up to his door and knocks. Mitch clearly is upset that she has shown up unannounced and it isn’t long before sparks fly, some CC anticipated, but others that were completely unexpected.
Confused and angry, in a blur of emotions, CC makes her way back to her van, and without even staying in Cincy, begins her drive home on the same day, back to the sanity of Maine, wailing and sobbing into the music on her playlists. The daybreak at the book’s end brings Cheri Cohen not only the light of a new day and a new adventure, but also peace and joy, that have come seemingly come from out of nowhere. CC has lived, she has loved, and she moves ahead more confident about who she is, what she needs and what she deserves. Where to find these books? Both ebooks and paperbacks are available on Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/hopehelphealing
What I love about my work: "It is deeply rewarding to serve as a coach, guide, mentor for those who are looking to make changes in their lives, in order to chart a new path to individual happiness. I know that making changes (even small ones) in our lives, can be challenging and I offer patience, confidentiality and compassion to all, as they move forward in their own time and in their own way." Cheryl Klein, M. Div.
Telehealth services are available Tuesdays through Fridays, with most insurance being accepted (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (some policiies), Cigna, Evernorth, Harvard Pilgrim, Magellan, Martin's Point, UHC. We will begin with what's brought you to seek help, and work with strategies and solutions until we find what works best for you.
Minimum age for counseling services for individuals is 21. No services are available for couples, families or children.
I am unable to accept Maine Medicaid, MaineCare or Medicare due to government requirements that prohibit licensed pastoral counselors from serving as providers for government insurance, due to the constitutional "separation of church and state."
We're living in challenging times and sometimes life can feel overwhelming, for the best of us. Let's look together at whatever challenges you're facing, and find options for decreasing stress, increasing energy, and taking good care of yourself. Understanding self-care, and learning to say "no" without feeling guilty may often be part of our work.
If you are new to counseling....
If you are finding yourself alone, for the first time, or "yet again," you life might be at a standstill, or perhaps you are feeling stuck. I will draw upon my own lifetime challenges and experiences to help, whether you are single by choice or by chance (relationship ending). Together, we can move through and beyond whatever grieving might remain, to consider options for creating a richer, fuller life.......wherever you are, whoever you are! Let's explore new interests and new circles of friends, based entirely on your own level of comfort. Being alone can offer time and space for peace and quiet, but it need not mean feeling "lonely."
When you're ready, here's how to get started.....
When you contact me (by text, voice mail or email), my first questions to you if you are seeking to begin couneling, will be regarding what insurance you're planning to use (if any) and what your availability for sessions might be. I am covered by most insurance but not all (see above). Together, we will look at what appointment times might be available, and when we find one that looks like it will work (or an every week or every-other-week basis), I will then email you the Informed Consent and New Client Registration forms to complete and return (by email or text message).
If there are questions or information you're not comfortable with providing in these electronic documents, we can take care of this togeter during the first session. When the time for your session comes, you'll be contacting me at my phone (207) 892-7656, whether phone or video. Most clients seem to prefer audio, but the choice is yours.
I'll want to hear what's most important for you, at each session, and listen carefully, so I can provide you with support, strategies, tools to help. We'll work together on a one-session-at-a-time basis, at the same day and time each week, which seems to work best for most counseling clients.
I'm always ready, too, to answer your questions and concerns about my training, background or any other aspect of our work. I am both humbled and grateful to be invited on the life journeys of my clients. Having worked on three hotlines before establishing my own private practice, I am well-versed in providing comfortable, effective telehealth sessions.