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Testimonials
Hello Dr. Gilda,
The Country Cures empowerment training you conducted for our Female Veteran SHEroes is really paying off. I created a Tenants Association in the building that houses our veterans so we can deal with the issues we have there. I have never felt so strong in my life! A BIG, HUGE THANK YOU. I also just received my certificate of completion as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor from Lehman College. I am so very proud of myself, but it was because of YOU that I can actually say that.
Lisa Spencer, US Navy Veteran
In the years that Dr. Gilda Carle has been counseling guests on my show, her practical advice and vibrant personality have endeared her to millions of viewers. She’s the best in the business.
Sally Jessy Raphael
America’s Favorite Relationship Expert
American Media, Inc.
The name you know: Dr. Gilda Carle. After you read ‘Don’t Bet on the Prince!’ you can bet that your attitude about life will change for the better.
Mr. Blackwell, Hollywood Fashion Designer, Creator of Worst Dressed List
Dr. Gilda is an absolute wonder. Whether she is successful by hypnotizing us into believing we are terrific, or she actually teaches us how to be terrific, is a mystery I will never unravel.
J. Richard Goldstein, M.D., Former New Jersey State Commissioner of Health
The Dear Abby of the New Ages
Laura Smith, WABC Radio On-Air Host, Cumulus Media
Busiest television therapist in the business.
The New York Times
The camera loves her. She looks like a film star.
Rex Reed, Film Critic
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I had the pleasure of being your student in The Psychology of Communication. I am sure you do not remember me, but I could never forget you. You have an overpowering ability to touch the lives of others. Your class offered an experience that was meaningful and unforgettable. Thank you!
Keneisha Platt-Mckie
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Thank you for my private coaching session with you. WOW. You saw things that I could not and did not! But you were so on target! I can’t thank you enough.
Carol Marlin
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I was thrilled to receive an answer so quickly for my personal coaching session with you, Dr. Gilda. Thank you! You say I should be “a killer at work and a kitten at love.” Yikes! Can’t I just be Cinderella? No, I suppose not. Been there, done that anyway. Guess we will just ride this wave. Thank you again. I will be in touch. What a great service you provide!!
Name Withheld for Privacy
Hiya Dr. Gilda,
I finally had the opportunity to use what you taught me. My manager asked me to prepare a presentation for the Department Vice President, the Senior Executive Vice President, and the President of the Company. I felt no anxiety, just a desire to show who I am, what I have learned, and what I can do. After my presentation, on his way out, the President stopped by my desk to shake my hand, and compliment me!
Thank you, Dr. Gilda. Without your experience, strength, and coaching, I could not have projected your concept of my power image on these very influential people.
Larry Crilley
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I think the true test of knowing yourself is putting into effect what you learn from your classes. Your course made me want to celebrate life again and grow friendships. For a long time, I had been focused on pleasing my immediate family, caring for my home, and juggling my marriage. But through you, I found my former self, the Capital “I.” You helped me deal with my emotions and get them under control. Now, I benefit at work, in my home life, and in my marriage. Every time I feel that I am slipping, I pick up your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” and read a couple of pages. You empowered me to think of myself as a “Work in Progress,” and my happiness is in my hands. I can also never thank you enough for all the time you’ve given me outside of class.
Maria Corea-Gray
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I want to say thank you for a great learning experience. I feel that I have grown so much in the little time we had together. In my whole 28 years of living on this earth, I have never met anyone like you, so loving, giving, sharing, and kind. I’m sure you are blessed, but I know there are so many more blessings out there for you because of the work you are doing, and it all comes from your heart.
I wanted to say thank you for what you have done for me. Your class and your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” will help me be a better person, and I will continue to work on myself. I just can’t say thank you enough. I will be keeping in touch. May God continue to shower you with His blessings.
Aisha Shinaul
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I wanted to update you, or more specifically, thank you. Because of you, and the advice you gave in your classes, I have now been promoted! I got the news yesterday from my boss. I will be receiving additional responsibilities and will now have 5 people reporting to me. I’m a bit nervous about that, but I look forward to the challenge. The clincher was when the V.P. pulled me into someone’s office to congratulate me personally.
Because you taught me to speak up and to go for what I want, I sold my abilities and was included in upper management meetings. My organizational skills and take-charge attitude were a few reasons mentioned about why I was given this promotion. I am wiser, and soon to be richer—thanks to you.
Thank you for everything.
Jodi Hauptman
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Before taking your class, I didn’t even know that I was lost in life. I thought things were going fine, not realizing that “I” (with a Capital) was missing from the equation because I was so busy handling everyone else’s problems.
Your self-assessments and class discussions have helped me rediscover myself, set boundaries, and grow. In your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” I cried my eyes out completing Assessment #6, “Do I Put Myself First?” I discovered how resistant I was to honor my own priorities. This was an eye-opener for me.
I refuse to let people take advantage of me anymore. I have an issue exploding right now at work where I’ve been treated unfairly. Because of you, I am able to stand up for my rights. The old me would have spoken meekly to my boss, and that’s as far as it would have gone. No more, though.
You have also helped me in my marriage. Of course, I continue to do a lot for my family, but I am now aware that I have needs and wants that must come first sometimes. And I communicate them without feeling guilty. For everything, thank you!
Lisa Pegues
Dear Dr. Gilda,
You are the reason I keep pressing on. You are an inspiration, and your books encourage me to know that no matter what the obstacle, as long as I have faith and confidence in myself, I will eventually come out the victor.
If I had a different professor during this time, I would have dropped out of school. But you make it your personal business to keep us going. You are the reason I kept coming to class: it was like the therapy I needed, you know? It was my getaway.
When I write a book about my life, I would like to dedicate it to you, and quote a few of your Gilda-Grams, refer people to you, and recommend they read your books. I’m serious. You are a great inspiration!
Patricia Wakhu-Parker
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Because of you, I’m a changed person. I’m a completely different person, but I’m a better person.
Even though I think I received the full benefit of the class and have learned so much, I was all over the place with my healing process.
Thank you so much, Dr. Gilda. You have forever changed me.
Patricia Reid
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Thank you for everything!! You have truly been a LIFE SAVER. No one knows just how much. Without you, I would still be in the doldrums somewhere, LOST.
I speak to all my friends about your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” Godspeed to you.
Cathy Charles
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I hope you continue to teach MBA courses at Con Edison in the future. We had a blast in your course, especially during our Henny Penny reenactments of the roles of leadership and followership. Those skits we did were hysterical. You have that special way of bringing to light our “inner thoughts,” which then makes us reflect more deeply on who we really are as people. Best of all, you made the class FUN. THANK YOU for being you!
Wayne Westervelt
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Thank you very much for our private coaching session. You are very insightful. Your astute advice has helped me end my relationship. We have decided to meet and talk as you suggested, and now the end appears to be taking care of itself. I appreciate your insight and your support.
Carl Wright
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I learned a lot about myself from Self-Assessment #4, “Ask for What I Need and Want,” in your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” I compare myself to the person I was 10 years ago, 5 years ago, 2 years ago, and today. How I’ve changed! Ten years ago, I wouldn’t even have considered asking for what I needed or wanted. Five years ago, I would have asked what people other than myself needed or wanted. Two years ago, I would have avoided the question altogether because I would have been embarrassed for needing or wanting anything. But today, I have found my voice. A bit quiet at first, but I’m getting the hang of it. My voice has become quite pronounced, and now I notice there are people who want to listen and people who can’t help but listen. I have surprised myself with my progress.
Thank you for everything. You really touched my life in ways that I will never forget and will always be grateful for. I can see the growth and personal achievements in every one of us in the class. We will each walk away a richer person. You have given us all a truly special gift, and again, I thank you. You are really a beautiful person.
Forever your student,
Nora Durling
Thank you, Dr. Gilda! When I started this year, I figured it would be as empty as the previous ones. Thank you for helping me start a new beginning in my life. May you continue maintaining good health and continue inspiring so many of us.
Hugs and kisses,
Guilaine Jeannis
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I wanted to take this time to thank you personally for providing insight into my misguided parenting. You helped me see the dangers of self-indulgence and of living my life vicariously through my children. I learned the need to let go. I know now that some things need to be experienced by my children themselves.
Gregory Baxter
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Please nurture your great sense of humor and vivacity. Your vivacious character and bubbly personality are able to illuminate any measure of darkness. What impresses me most is that these traits are so genuine. I deeply appreciate your concern for all of us. Though many times I fail to take your advice, it’s not because I don’t want to, but because of circumstances beyond my current control. I know I need to slow down. Maybe you need to tell me how you are able to keep such a tight schedule yourself, and still maintain such a high energy level. Let me in on the secret, Dr. Gilda!
You are precious! Keep sweet, and we all love you. Thanks for keeping it REAL!
Love ya,
Pauline E. Whyte
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I was a student in your Industrial Psychology class at Mercy University. I want to thank you for being such an amazing professor and someone who, to an early twenty-something, was a great motivator for me. You’d flash into class with that sassy red hair, and I just knew I attended the right banquet to dine as you dropped your knowledge on us. I was in awe! And now, at 53, out of all my college professors, your name is the only one I remember. Why? Look in the mirror and then look behind you. I am one of the many in the wake of a legacy of encouragement and motivation that you have created. I have been blessed and am proud to have you as one of the building blocks in the foundation of my successes. Thank you!
Tanya Hargat, RN, CEO/Heart and Crown Publishing, Th.D. (Doctor of Theology)
Dear Dr. Gilda,
Thank you for writing the recommendation that will surely impress a law school admissions board. It means a great deal that you have so much confidence in my ability. Your words depict a woman who is an anomaly in the academic arena. I consistently put your insight to practice to exude confidence in this harsh world.
One Gilda-Gram that resonates with me daily and helps me through tough times is: No decision should be made out of weakness; make all decisions out of strength. This mantra is the foundation for my journey. Thank you, Dr. Gilda, for your recommendation and especially for your wisdom.
Forever your apprentice,
Michael Marquis
Hi Dr. Gilda,
As I left class last night, I could not help but wonder if our course was just a dream. I went so fast. In this short time, I feel like we are family. I know so much about you, and you know a lot about me. People compare you to Mother Teresa, and I definitely agree. You are a stranger who came into my life for a month, yet you have given me more love and awareness for myself than most people I have known during my whole life. Honey, your mission to change the world is surely working! I busted my butt for many years to change things like racism in the church, drugs and violent abuse, low self-esteem, and other problems of poor people. I suffered for crimes committed by poor Blacks and Hispanics. And I spent most of my life trying to prove that there are good minorities.
Now, with your help, I am able to move on. This was the reason I became so emotional at the end of my final presentation last night. Thank you for giving me the tools to discover ME and to learn how to sell myself. I am definitely ready to present my 30-second “commercial” to anyone I meet in the future.
This is only the beginning. I have a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a manager and what the real power of communication is. After all these years, finally, I have become a Capital “I.”
Dr. Gilda, I am going to miss seeing you in class next week. I love you for showing me how to love me. Thanks, Angel Dr. Gilda,
Frederick D. Fulford Jr.
A real role model for teens
Jenny Jones, Host, The Jenny Jones Show (National TV)
Dr. Gilda is our fave know-it-all.
Teen People Magazine
The warmth and sincere concerns of this professor are real and are genuinely appreciated by her students. Far more than communications classes, hers are truly self-improvement workshops. I call Dr. Gilda ‘Mother Teresa with lipstick and The Wall Street Journal.’
Wayne Cioffari, Dean, Mercy University MBA Graduate Program, New York
Dr. Gilda is not only bright, articulate, and passionate, but she is also very empathetic. I watched her literally drink in everyone’s story–no mean feat–especially given the time constraints. She was personally responsive to each and every one of us. The results were amazing!
She blows into a room and is larger than life. We were soon realizing that our lives could be as large as we wanted them to be to fit our expanded boundaries. She empowered us to believe that not only could we achieve our dreams but that we deserved to! Dr. Gilda obviously loves what she does and deserves the highest praise, and she deserves our thanks for sharing her gift with us.
Joyfully,
Lily Bornstein
Dear Dr. Gilda,
I felt like I needed an oxygen mask as I started to write Self-Assessment #1, “My Story,” from your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” Why was it necessary for me to go through so much heartache for so many years? When I had opportunities to change, I backed away, making excuses all the time. Why was it necessary to have everybody’s support in order to make positive changes in my own life?
Since last Wednesday, I haven’t put your book down. It is the last thing I read before I close my eyes at night. What I am learning is that I and only I must decide what is best for me. In doing these Self-Assessments, I realized that I lost so much of myself. I had the opportunity to exercise my rights many times but never wanted to rock the boat, always feeling that others knew what was better for me. Also, I learned that I never had positive goals. I let people and things around me set a “cap” on what I needed. W at a terrible thing to allow others to dominate me! I wondered how I could have ignored the constant lessons that kept coming up in different forms during my life. But your last words to me today were, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Thank you very much for being my teacher. You appeared at the beginning of my new journey.
I am getting better every day. I realize, Dr. Gilda, how overwhelmed I had been for so long. I take it minute by minute. Once again, I thank you for all the best you’ve wished for me. God has richly blessed you. Stay healthy and well.
Annie Samson
Testimonials from Readers of “Don’t Bet on the Prince!”
“Self-Assessment #7 is the one that will most stay with me. We had to create a commercial about ourselves. I was nervous even though I was alone. It made me realize I do not need to fear anything. The confidence I need is within me. Because of this Self-assessment, my next presentation at work got me a big promotion!!! Dr. Gilda, not only do you save lives, you also increase people’s incomes!! How can I thank you?”
Don’t Bet on the Prince!’ has changed me because I never looked at life as I do now. I have stopped ‘overfunctioning’ for people, and I let them make their mistakes and learn from them. My husband and I do things for each other more often, and we talk about everything, which we had never done. This book made me appreciate what I have. Thank you, Dr. Gilda!
“Self-Assessment #13 was so real! I learned that while I see myself as strong, friendly, and a good companion, I am attracted to an even stronger, aggressive, less friendly, and for sure, non-available mate. This is the attraction that got me into my abusive marriage. I wish I had taken this Self-Assessment before I got married! Despite all the counseling I’ve had, I never gave this information any thought. I will never be the same again.”
“I have a 28-year-old daughter who is obsessed with finding her ‘prince.’ She still doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. But her heart keeps getting broken. I gave her ‘Don’t Bet on the Prince’ and she wrote in the margins. Every woman should earn her own living whether she has a man in her life or not. My daughter senses that, but she doesn’t love herself enough to want it. Would you please take her on as a Coaching client?”
“The relationship I am in now is really a security blanket. I have him around to feel secure in knowing someone is in my house. But is he fulfilling my needs? No! He is just there. Thanks to “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” I am ready to end this sick cycle.”
“I think my responses to the Self-Assessments were disgusting! I know I am better than responded. I’ve learned I need to listen to my inner feelings and not allow anything else to get to me!”
“According to Self-Assessment #19, I learned that I am more in touch with my fears than my feelings. As you said, this is typical for most men. Sadly, my most difficult feeling to express is anger; I am afraid it will turn to rage. After doing this Self-assessment, I learned how to express my anger assertively, and say NO so I feel good, just as the book prescribes.”
“For a while, after having children, I lost myself. As I write this, I cry because I bet on my prince, handing myself over to him, and hoping he would fill my needs. How could he when he, too, was seeking a protector and provider? I will not be a mother to my 38-year-old husband. Because of this book, I got ME back—and just in time.”
“Dr. Gilda after reading ‘Don’t Bet on the Prince!’ and having some private coaching with you, I learned to let my man continue to be the homebody since I am the go-getter. I followed your advice to leave him alone. Now I can happily work the job I love and attend college. He is managing our 3 kids, and I could not ask for a better arrangement. Thank you!”
“From your book, I learned that it’s not about what he can offer you; it’s about what you can offer yourself. If that means Dude is not in the picture, that’s okay. Live life to the fullest. I love that message.”
“Dr. Gilda, you are truly an awesome woman. I wish I could keep your book in my back pocket to retrieve each time I have another problem with a woman I love.”
“My husband left me. Just like that. He packed his belongings and left. I was distraught and deeply depressed. How could I be discarded like trash? In the process, he also deserted his children I depended on this guy for approval, affection, protection, ad validation. He was emotionally, mentally, and physically abusive. But I helped him achieve his goals, and kept hoping he would reciprocate. From your book, I realized I handed him full control of my life. I divorced the sucker. When he sees me now, I am strong, confident, and independent, and he wants to reconcile. Ha! Sorry, I’ve come too far to go back. Thank you, Dr. Gilda.”
“Don’t Bet on the Prince!’ and your Self-Assessments are uncanny!! Seriously, I can’t get over how each chapter and Self-assessment feels like it was written for me. I was not surprised by what I learned about myself because I already knew my weak points. But your book helped me see WHY I acted and felt that way, and then it gave me steps on how to change my behavior. Wow!”
“What breakthroughs! I realized my wife will never be able to read my thoughts, and what may be good for me, may not be good for her. Thanks to Self-Assessment #18, I questioned how I love my wife. I learned I must not encourage her addiction to my approval. I was unaware of my detrimental behavior. You revived our relationship and, most importantly, our friendship. You helped me grow into a potent, effective, and optimistic man and husband. I’ glad I read your book!”
“I lied to others and felt guilt. I lied to myself and accepted. I now know that neither is right.”
“Your book showed me that although I’ve been with my husband for 22 years, he hardly knows me. For years, I have held back on how I felt, just to appease him. Now I am prepared to go after what I deserve in life. I’m no spring chicken, so I must act now!”
“I’m really into this book! I never realized any book could make me re-evaluate my life and my ways. I told my husband about it, and we talked for hours about things we never discussed before. We promised to talk about our issues and to stay friends forever. I bought your book for friends, and they love it, too.”
“Finally, I realize why I have been tired and angry for so long. I also realize I can change this and get relief. I leaned that despite the good intentions of 12-Step programs, when you are with a partner who turns on you and says how ‘boring you’ve become’ or how ‘you never give me what I need,’ the only steps you need are ‘Get up and get out,’ your famous Gilda-Gram. I love this! When I went to Alanon, as much as I shared with the people there, I wasn’t getting better. I was just getting better at staying with them. I was so inspired by your words, I began to apply my knowledge in many ways, including negotiating a higher salary after whining about it for a long time. As your chapter title instructs, I asked for what I wanted (what a novel idea!) and, believing I deserved it, I got it!!! I am no longer waiting for the prince to return my glass slipper. Instead, I will treat myself to a pedicure and a new pair of shoes!”