My Mental Health Journey

I have struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories from childhood are filled with anxious thoughts, depressive episodes and negative self-talk. On top of it all, at the young age of 16 I developed a chronic illness that exacerbated all the things I was going through. I was a people pleaser, a perfectionist, and had very low self esteem. Ultimately, I needed a higher level of care. As a last attempt at "fixing myself" I attended an Intensive 90-day outpatient program.

 

During my time at this treatment center I learned a lot, but most importantly I learned how trauma can affect everything. I was not a bad person. I was not crazy. I was not defective. I was actually having very normal reactions to the circumstances I was experiencing. I also learned that even though things were not my fault, and many things were out of my control, it was my responsibility to make a change and work on my mindset and my reactions. I also learned that I was allowed to be kind to myself, and that the negative voice in my head needed to be replaced by a compassionate voice. After completing the program and making a total mindset and lifestyle shift, I began to see amazing results.

 

After graduating from the program, I began working as a peer support specialist. As someone who had been on the receiving end of treatment for a large majority of her life, I feel that my role was, and still is that of a peer, not that of a superior. I know intimately how it feels to suffer, and therefore how to assist others in improving. I am also eternally grateful to have been hired by this particular treatment center, and to have worked there alongside therapists for several years developing my skill-sets. Due to my vast personal and professional experience, I am so proud to offer personalized support to others. 

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Areas of Specialty:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

• Movement-based therapeutic dance 

• Support groups

• 1-on-1 peer support

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To this day, I am still navigating through my own mental health struggles with compassion, understanding, and without shame.  I will walk alongside you and equip you with the tools to assist in navigating your own challenges in a way that feels empowering to you. I write this to you as someone who wholeheartedly loves and accepts themself, and as someone who is committed to teaching others how to cultivate self-love.