Using creativity as a catalyst for change with art therapy and nature-based activities

Angelo F.

During my healing journey, there were moments when words just weren’t enough. I needed something deeper—something that could express what I couldn’t say, process what I couldn’t name, and bring beauty into the parts of me that still felt broken. That’s when creativity became my medicine. Through therapeutic art and connecting with nature, I found a way to transform pain into purpose. Singing, drawing, cooking healthy meals, writing, walking in nature—all of it became a sacred release, a return to my authentic self. I discovered that you don’t need to be an artist to heal through creativity—you just need to be willing to express yourself in new ways, even if you are an artist. These practices continue to support my emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and help me stay grounded. I now guide others to reconnect with their inner child, tap into their intuitive voice, and use creativity as a bridge to deep transformation.

Exploring holistic wellness as a recovery path from the cycle of anxiety and addiction

Angelo F.

For many years, I turned to alcohol and marijuana to cope with my anxiety. At first, they seemed like a quick fix, but over time, I realized they were only masking the issue, not solving it. I reached a point where I knew I had to find a better way to manage my anxiety without relying on substances that only made things worse. My struggles with anxiety and addiction began early. My parents’ divorce when I was 8 left me feeling isolated and insecure. As a teenager, I turned to substances to numb the anxiety that overwhelmed me. By the time I was 21, alcohol became my crutch. I drank to cope with anxiety, but it only made things worse, leading to lost jobs and damaged relationships. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep living this way. I began exploring more holistic ways to manage my anxiety, focusing on rebuilding my self-esteem. The tools that helped me most were rooted in self-love, forgiveness, and mindfulness. Practices like therapeutic art, qigong, and nutrition helped me connect with my body and calm my mind. Today, I’ve rebuilt my life with peace, joy, and self-compassion. I’m committed to helping others do the same, knowing firsthand that healing is possible. With the right tools and support, you can break free from old patterns and create a fulfilling, anxiety-free life.

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.

Becoming a single mom and learning to cope after loss

Gabrielle G.

When my kids were born just 13 months apart, I thought the biggest challenge would be keeping up with their energy—but nothing prepared me for doing it alone. I started as a co-parent, but when their father walked out in 2020, everything shifted. Suddenly I was a single mom, managing the chaos and emotions without a partner to lean on. My own mother stepped in to help, and for a while, we made it work—until her sudden passing last year turned my world upside down. One night she was babysitting, and the next morning my daughter sent me a photo of her lying still. She had passed in her sleep, and we didn’t know until that terrifying moment. Since then, I’ve had to rebuild—emotionally, logistically, spiritually. I got my kids into counseling, and I’m starting therapy myself this month. Grief led me down a rough road, including a period of heavy drinking just to get by. But I’m choosing recovery and showing up for myself and my children one small step at a time. I know how lonely it can feel when it’s just you, trying to be everything for everyone, but I also know it gets better. If you're trying to hold it all together while grieving, I see you—and I'm here to talk about it.

Navigating life after losing a spouse

Kate T.

After 21 years of marriage, I unexpectedly became a widow. As the second oldest of twelve children, I was used to taking care of others, but nothing prepared me for the grief of losing my spouse. I had to stay strong for my children, but I struggled with loneliness, sadness, and anger. Over time, I found strength in my faith, family, and friends, realizing that grief doesn’t have to consume you—it can coexist with life’s joys. When I remarried, blending families brought new challenges, but I learned to honor my late husband's memory while embracing my new life. Now, I’m passionate about helping others navigate the journey of losing a spouse, offering support and practical advice to those who are grieving.

Navigating postpartum depression and anxiety

Kathryn D.

When my son was born, I thought the hard part was over. But what I didn’t expect was how much harder the emotional side would hit me. Sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and a sudden sense of loneliness made every day feel overwhelming. I had struggled with anxiety and depression before, but postpartum felt like an entirely different world. Therapy helped, but what made the biggest difference was learning to be patient and kind to myself, especially when friends and family weren’t always there in the way I needed. The experience opened my eyes to things I had never experienced before, and now I want to share what I’ve learned. I want to help other new moms feel less alone and remind them that it’s okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and put their mental health first.

Surviving childhood human trafficking

Kelly S.

When I was a little girl at about the age of four years old in 1982, I was kidnapped by local outlaws, that included members of the occult, and drug up into a child human labor and sex trafficking ring against my will. I have been an eyewitness to true horror, crime, and war since that time, with government, police, and military officials even becoming involved. Flashing back, I believe that I was a child POW, and have memories of spending time on military bases without my family’s knowledge. I used to be so full of fear that I didn’t know how to communicate with anyone about what was happening to me with local community members, who also had children that were classmates of mine and my siblings. Some of my earliest memories start when I was in preschool and began being separated from my peers after my parents would drop me off for a short time. It was then that I began receiving “alternate learning experiences.” I was brought back and forced to pretend as though I had been there the entire time. This all came out in my therapy after surviving breast cancer. My family didn’t understand what was happening to me because this was such a large organization of human traffickers, many who were heavily involved in clubs, gangs, and the mob. This severe abuse was evening happening inside my schools, with district staff participating in the trafficking. I was able to navigate the challenges this abuse presented through sheer will and determination. I have always had a strong Mennonite faith because of my paternal grandmother and our ancestors on her side of the family. I was also extremely fortunate to have been born into the family that I was, because they had financial security and provided for most of my basic needs. This abuse has had a negative impact on me throughout my lifetime though, and led me to developing eating disorders, complex PTSD with major depression and anxiety, trust issues, job loss, threats of homelessness, struggles with interpersonal violence, a history of substance abuse, and more adversities. I am still here fighting though, and have been sober since 2020. I am open to sharing more about my personal lived experiences with anyone who needs validation of their own from an empathic, compassionate, and listening ear.

Incorporating mindfulness into your life

Ronna P.

As I entered adulthood, I felt an intense need to overachieve in nearly every area of my life to feel accomplished. I was deeply committed to my full-time job, raising my children, and squeezing in workouts—either at 5 a.m. or immediately after work before picking up the kids from daycare. Weekends were no different: packed with family outings, visits to relatives, errands, and late-night social events. I felt a great sense of pride in filling every single hour of the day.

Making a realistic self-care plan

Ronna P.

When I was growing up, the idea of self-care wasn’t something we talked about. From my family, community, and the people I looked to for guidance, the message—sometimes spoken, sometimes implied—was clear: Be a “good” girl. Take care of others. Make their needs your priority. Seeking happiness for yourself was seen as selfish. I didn’t question this mindset—it was simply how I lived. As I became an adult, the pressure to make everyone around me happy became overwhelming. I valued my friendships and relationships with my parents. Then I entered the workforce, got married, and became a mother. I poured everything into supporting others. I wanted to show my love through care and presence. But I had no understanding of what I needed to stay healthy—mentally or physically. Eventually, this left me disconnected not only from myself but also from the very people I wanted to be there for. It took time to realize that declaring, “I’m not doing anything for anyone today!” once a year on Mother’s Day wasn’t self-care—it was a cry for help. It felt hollow and unsustainable. I still believe deeply in nurturing those close to me. But now I know that honoring my own needs is just as essential. After leaving my teaching career, I immersed myself in the world of self-care and began working with adults on their social-emotional well-being. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with people who, like me, were trying to figure out how to take care of themselves without guilt or shame. And now, I want to support you in building a self-care plan that fits your life—on your terms.

Recognizing survival mode and reconnecting with the person you’re becoming

Rose T.

For years, I didn’t realize I was living in survival mode—it just felt like life. I had grown up with abandonment, trauma, and instability, and when I ran away at 20, I entered a whole new phase of just trying to get through each day. I was homeless, using substances to numb the pain, pushing myself through school even though I was mentally breaking down. I didn’t have time to think about healing—I was just trying to stay alive. But survival mode comes with a cost. You can’t dream, build, or grow when everything is about coping. It wasn’t until I started therapy and had safe people reflect back what I’d been carrying that I began to connect the dots. The choices I made, the relationships I stayed in, the way I doubted myself—it was all rooted in unprocessed pain. Once I could see that, I started to shift. I learned how to pause, how to care for myself without guilt, how to create safety that didn’t come from control or chaos. Now I help others recognize when they’re stuck in survival and start the process of becoming who they truly are—not just who they had to be to get by.

Healing and rebuilding trust after betrayal

Rosy F.

Experiencing betrayal deeply impacted my sense of trust and connection, leaving me feeling confused, hurt, and uncertain about how to move forward. Navigating the emotional turmoil and the ripple effects on my relationships taught me valuable lessons about resilience, setting healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-compassion. Through empathy, self-reflection, and supportive conversations, I gradually began to heal and rebuild trust—not just in others, but most importantly, within myself. This journey allowed me to redefine my personal values, strengthen my emotional boundaries, and establish more authentic and fulfilling relationships. If you're working through the emotional challenges of betrayal and are seeking support in your healing process, let's connect. You're not alone in this journey.

Managing anxiety and rebuilding after a painful breakup

Sheri H.

When my first real relationship ended, I was completely blindsided. The breakup was sudden and painful, and even though I had supportive friends, I constantly worried that I was leaning on them too much. I felt stuck—replaying every moment, wondering what I did wrong, and questioning if I’d ever feel whole again. On top of that, I battled intense relationship anxiety and felt like I was unraveling emotionally. That heartbreak, though, taught me how to rebuild. I became more open with my circle, talked things through, and eventually started supporting others going through the same. One close friend came to me after catching her partner cheating. She wasn’t ready to leave at first, especially because addiction and emotional manipulation were involved. I became her safe space—no pressure, no judgment—just someone who could walk with her through the confusion. Together, we unpacked her experience over time until she felt strong enough to make the decision to leave.

Navigating life after divorce

Susy C.

After my divorce, I found myself in a completely new world. I was a newly single mom with two kids, navigating everything from daily routines to handling the emotional weight of the change. At first, I didn’t know where to turn. It was overwhelming trying to balance everything on my own, but I knew I had to keep it together for my kids. The loneliness was tough, especially when it felt like no one could truly understand the depth of what I was going through. Slowly, I began to lean into the support around me—friends, family, and even professional help. Over time, I learned how to rebuild my life, not just for me, but for my kids too. I found strength in knowing that I could face difficult situations, and I also discovered the importance of clear communication with my ex-husband as we co-parented. Now, as a married mom with blended family dynamics, I feel I can share what I’ve learned to help others navigating similar transitions.

Fearing the worst before my bipolar 2 diagnosis gave me hope

Tova C.

I remember standing outside the mental health assessment center, almost unable to move. My heart was pounding, and I was terrified, not just of being seen, but of what they might see. What if they told me something was really wrong with me? Something permanent? Something unfixable? For so long, I had lived in confusion, misdiagnosed and barely managing anxiety, depression, and a constant feeling that something deeper was going on. I had started to believe maybe I was just broken. But inside that building, for the first time, someone asked the right questions. And instead of judgment, I felt understanding. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder in my mid-40s—and to my surprise, it didn’t feel like the end of something. It felt like a lifeline. I finally had a name for what I was experiencing, and more importantly, a path forward. Starting a mood stabilizer changed everything; the noise in my brain quieted, and I could finally think clearly. That moment of diagnosis was what I needed to find wellness, not the end of hope. Through peer support groups, I've learned how it feels to be supported and also hold space for others who are standing in that same place of fear and uncertainty. If you're there now, I’d love to help you walk through it.

Self-care that actually feels like care (not just another thing on your to-do list)

Vanessa S.

For a long time, I thought self-care was bubble baths and face masks. But when I was going through trauma, grief, parenting struggles, and just trying to survive, it didn’t matter how many candles I lit. I needed real care. The kind that helps you breathe again. The kind that says: “I matter, too.” Self-care for me became turning off my phone. Saying no. Crying when I needed to. Getting outside. Drinking water. Eating something nourishing. Letting myself rest without guilt. Slowly, it became less about what looked good and more about what actually helped me feel like myself again. If you’re tired, burnt out, or feeling like you’ve lost touch with yourself, this space is for you. We don’t need perfect routines. We need compassion, honesty, and grace.

Supporting a child with special needs while managing your own anxiety

Zach R.

When my nephew was diagnosed with developmental delays, I stepped in as a regular caretaker. At the same time, I was managing my own long-standing anxiety, which sometimes made the unpredictable moments even harder. I had professional experience as a children's behavioral technician, but caring for a child I loved so deeply brought a whole new layer of emotions. I had to balance structure and patience with self-compassion, learning to manage both his meltdowns and my own internal spirals. Therapy helped me create routines for him while also giving myself permission to not be perfect. Over time, I saw how showing up consistently—even on the hard days—built trust and resilience for both of us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting or caregiving while struggling with your own mental health, I’d love to be someone who truly gets it.

Supporting a child with special needs while managing your own anxiety

Zach R.

When my nephew was diagnosed with developmental delays, I stepped in as a regular caretaker. At the same time, I was managing my own long-standing anxiety, which sometimes made the unpredictable moments even harder. I had professional experience as a children's behavioral technician, but caring for a child I loved so deeply brought a whole new layer of emotions. I had to balance structure and patience with self-compassion, learning to manage both his meltdowns and my own internal spirals. Therapy helped me create routines for him while also giving myself permission to not be perfect. Over time, I saw how showing up consistently—even on the hard days—built trust and resilience for both of us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting or caregiving while struggling with your own mental health, I’d love to be someone who truly gets it.