Coping with everyday stress that is keeping you from moving forward

Amber H.

Sometimes we cant pinpoint exactly why we are feeling down or overwhelmed, we just are. I understand this feeling all too well because I have experienced it often. I have a history with depression and anxiety and I know how important it is to talk through our everyday stressors and get an outside perspective. The little things add up overtime and become a heavy load to carry. I am here to listen and to support you. I can reassure you that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed and I can offer suggestions and techniques that I have used to stay grounded in the moment.

Managing your stress

Ambika M.

I am no stranger to stress! My background in health psychology and experience with the therapeutic process can help you achieve your goals of managing and coping with stress, in addition to regulating emotions. The mission isn't to rid our lives of stress - which is impossible - but to develop a healthy relationship with life's challenges and ourselves, and feel comfortable facing unpleasant emotions.

Prioritizing your self-care practices for mental wellness and balance

Angela V.

I’ve often been the person who put everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. For years, I ran on empty, believing that if I didn’t show up for others, I was failing them. But I learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. I burned out, lost my sense of self, and forgot what it felt like to truly nourish myself. It took time to recognize that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking time for myself doesn’t make me selfish; it makes me whole. I began learning how to set boundaries, how to say no without guilt, and how to listen to my own needs with love and respect. Now, I’m committed to helping others reclaim their well-being, create space for rest, and understand that caring for yourself isn’t a one-time act—it’s a continuous practice. If you’re feeling drained, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your inner peace, let’s explore what self-care could look like for you

Rebuilding your life after numbing the pain

Denise M.

When I lost my father to lung cancer, I didn't just lose a parent, I lost my sense of direction. I had no tools to process it, so I turned to weed to help me escape the emotional weight. It worked, until it didn’t. I was spending too much, checking out, and falling into relationships that mirrored my pain. But the turning point came when I looked in the mirror and decided I was done failing myself. I quit cold turkey and recorded a video to mark the moment. That was over a decade ago. Since then, I’ve devoted my energy to coaching others who’ve used substances, relationships, or distractions to numb grief, heartbreak, or hopelessness. I understand what it’s like to lose yourself trying to survive. And I know the courage it takes to come back home to yourself. If you’re ready to shift your mindset and start showing up for your life again, I’m here to help you take that first step.

Navigating recovery from prescription medication addiction

Jasmine L.

I began misusing prescription medications like Adderall and Xanax for years without realizing I had a problem. These medications were prescribed to me, so I didn't see my behavior as addiction—it was only when I started seeing a new psychiatrist that I understood I had been struggling all along. That moment was a turning point. With the right support and a shift in how I approached my mental health, I began my recovery journey. Now, with over nine years of active recovery, I’m passionate about helping others who are facing similar struggles. My experience with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder has shaped my approach to supporting others. As a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, I use my own story to empower those who are trying to build a life free of substances. I know the road isn’t easy, but I believe that healing is possible—and I’m here to help others believe that too.

Navigating single parenting, blended families, and co-parenting

Jessica T.

I'm a mom of two boys, 6 and 11, and a stepmom to a 22-year-old, as well as a grandma to two young girls. For over 20 years, I've worked as a mental health practitioner and social worker, and I’ve been through a lot of personal challenges that have shaped my ability to support others. I’ve experienced the ups and downs of single parenting, navigating co-parenting dynamics after my divorce, and stepping into a blended family. Along the way, I’ve faced the unique challenges of parenting children with behavioral and mental health struggles, which has taught me a great deal about patience, resilience, and understanding. As someone who has also struggled with depression and anxiety, I understand how hard it can be to juggle the demands of parenting, self-care, and relationships. I want to offer support to others going through similar situations, whether it’s adjusting to life as a single parent, managing the complexities of co-parenting, or creating a harmonious home in a blended family.

Rebuilding life and finding strength after losing a loved one

Larry K.

After losing the love of my life, I realized this grief was different from previous losses. It felt like my life was a beautiful vase shattered into a hundred pieces. I tried to pick them up and put them back together, but I couldn’t do it alone. Some pieces were too far away, others didn’t fit, and I was frustrated and in despair. That’s when I accepted the love and help offered by those around me. Others could reach pieces I could not and helped me fit them back together. Together, we created a new vase—different but functional and ready to be used again. I learned not to be too proud to accept help because I wouldn’t have gotten up without it. Wisdom, I found, is simply knowledge gained through life’s hardest experiences. Prior to the death of my Wife, I had experienced the loss of my parents and other close family members. But they were no more than a punch in the gut. You fall down, sit for a bit, get up and go again. My Wifes loss was completely different. It was as if my life was a beautiful vase that had fallen to the floor and shattered into a hundred pieces. I had to sit down and try gathering the pieces and try putting them back together again. Needless to say, I could not seem to do it by myself. Some pieces were too far away. I could not figure out how to make other pieces fit together. i was frustrated and in despair but that is when i realized how much love and help i had around me and I accepted this gift. Some people could reach the pieces that i could not reach and brought them back to me. Others had the ability to fit pieces back together that i could not do. By drawing on our strengths together we were able to create a new vase which is functional and ready for use again. Do not ever be too proud to accept the help that good people want to shelter you with. I would have not been able to get off the floor again if it wasn't for the help and love given to me by others. Wisdom is nothing more than knowledge gained through life's experiences.

Staying sober after using cannabis to cope with trauma

Lauren R.

I started using cannabis heavily in my 20s to cope with CPTSD symptoms from childhood sexual abuse and other traumas. At the time, it felt like the only thing that helped me manage the anxiety and flashbacks. I didn’t think I had a real problem because cannabis isn’t treated like a serious addiction in our culture. But eventually, I saw how much it was numbing me and keeping me stuck in unhealthy relationships and environments. Getting sober in 2018 was one of the hardest and most important things I’ve ever done. I had to leave an abusive relationship, get on proper medications for my mental health, and build an entirely new life. 12-step programs, therapy, and support from friends and family were key. Now, I’ve been sober for years, and my life is much more stable, peaceful, and full. I understand how complicated it is to let go of something that once felt like a lifeline, and I would be honored to support you if you’re navigating this too.

Rediscovering who you are after emotional burnout

Meredith S.

For a long time, I coped with life by disconnecting and emotionally checking out and going through the motions just to get by. It wasn’t until I started therapy that I began to truly understand what I had been avoiding and how much of myself I had lost along the way. The process of healing was slow, and at times uncomfortable, but it gave me something I never expected: a clearer sense of who I really am. I leaned into things that made me feel alive again like travel, hobbies, deep friendships and slowly began rebuilding from the inside out. Along the way, I’ve supported others as they navigate similar journeys of rediscovery. Whether it was helping a friend find a therapist, encouraging someone to set boundaries, or being a steady voice during a life transition, I’ve learned how powerful it is to be seen and supported at just the right moment. Now, I hold space for others who feel stuck or uncertain, offering guidance and genuine care as they find their way back to themselves.

Recovering from a painful breakup and finding your worth

Mia C.

I was in a relationship where things took a dark turn after discovering an email my partner had left open. That moment led to a confrontation that spiraled into emotional abuse, and I knew I had to walk away for my safety and sanity. Leaving wasn’t easy—it was painful, destabilizing, and shook my self-image. But deep down, I held onto a sense of self-worth, even when everything around me felt like it was falling apart. The breakup was one of the hardest experiences of my life. It took time to rebuild, to sit with my grief, and to reconnect with the parts of me that had been dulled or buried in that relationship. I realized that healing isn’t linear and that rediscovering your self-worth is a powerful, ongoing process. Now, I help others see their own light during similar transitions. I’ve learned that holding space—without judgment—can help people find the clarity they need. You don’t have to go through heartbreak alone, and I’d be honored to walk with you through the early stages of healing.

How self-kindness makes you stronger

Mike C.

I thought resilience meant pushing through—gritting my teeth, swallowing feelings, and forcing myself to ‘just deal with it.’ But that left me drained and butting against as brick wall. You see, strength isn’t just enduring struggles; it’s about adapting, processing, and allowing yourself space to heal. Self-compassion was the hardest piece. I didn’t realize how much I held myself to unrealistic standards, expecting perfection where I should’ve offered myself grace. Over time, I started embracing the idea that strength isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about acknowledging it and choosing how to move forward with care. Through my work in peer support, I’ve helped others cultivate resilience in a way that feels sustainable—balancing the need for self-protection with the power of self-kindness. If you’ve ever felt like you’re being too hard on yourself or struggling to recover from challenges, I get it. Let’s explore ways to navigate life with strength and softness.

Navigating stress and balancing relationships

Nicole D.

I’ve spent much of my life juggling multiple roles—educator, author, and caregiver—and I’ve learned how easy it is to become overwhelmed by the weight of it all. Several years ago, I met a wonderful man, and that relationship taught me a lot about emotional intimacy. But as someone prone to overworking, my stress levels spiraled, triggering depression at times. Balancing my career with my responsibilities as a parent, while also dealing with my own mental health, was tough. There were moments when I felt completely drained, and as the strong friend, I had a hard time asking for help. The truth was, I needed someone to listen to me, but I was often the one holding space for others. I spent a lot of time reflecting and healing from this cycle. One of my most profound realizations was the importance of creating emotional space in relationships—not just for others but for myself, too.

Turning sobriety into a superpower after a life in sports and partying

Ricki C.

I started drinking when I was 14, the same night I scored the winning goal for my varsity hockey team. That moment taught me something I didn’t even realize until years later: that alcohol could buy me social currency, confidence, and belonging. I carried that belief through Division 1 athletics, parties, drugs, and eventually into a professional career. When I retired from hockey, I lost my identity and started drinking and using even more to fill that hole and hide my social anxiety. It wasn’t just hurting me, I was emotionally and physically scaring the people around me. I started noticing I couldn’t follow through on creative projects or personal growth because I was always recovering from the night before. What finally changed was realizing I was being watched by my little cousins. I wanted to be the kind of man they could look up to. Getting sober wasn’t instant, it was a series of attempts that each taught me more. Once I began asking my friends and family for support and was honest about my journey, it finally stuck. That was over six years ago. Now, sobriety isn’t just something I manage - t’s my superpower. I get to live with clarity, create with purpose, and show up fully for others. I’ve had countless coffees and calls with people who are curious or struggling, and I always let them lead. I’m just here to support, never judge.

Rebuilding trust after parental emotional abuse

Victoria F.

Growing up, my mother was emotionally abusive, isolating me from other family members and making me feel unsupported and unloved. The impact of this isolation created deep anxiety and depression, and the worst part was that it made me unable to trust anyone, especially in relationships. I struggled to form connections with others because I didn’t know how to trust after being hurt by the one person who was supposed to love me unconditionally. It wasn’t until I started therapy that I began to understand how her behavior shaped my view of relationships. Through therapy, I’ve been able to reframe the way I think about my relationship with her, but the damage still lingers. Rebuilding trust has been a long, hard journey, and it’s still something I work on every day. I’ve learned that trust isn’t something that can be rushed—it takes time and effort. As a peer support specialist, I now use my experience to help others who are struggling with trust, particularly those who have been hurt by a parent. If you’ve experienced something similar, I can help you take the first steps toward healing and rebuilding the trust you deserve in your relationships.