Coping with domestic violence through alcohol and drug addiction

Alea H.

For most of my life, I battled addiction, depression, and feeling misunderstood. My drinking started in my teens and grew worse after my divorce, as I tried to numb the trauma from years of domestic violence. I also struggled with opioid addiction after being prescribed painkillers following the birth of my twins. Life felt like pure survival, and there were many moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it. But when I looked at my children, I knew I had to find a way out. Leaving my abusive partner was one of the hardest things I ever did, but it saved both me and my kids. I moved states to break away from old patterns and found support through a recovery coach. Piece by piece, I built a new life focused on healing and helping my children, including learning how to advocate for my neurodivergent son. My journey is living proof that even when life feels broken beyond repair, recovery and hope are possible.

Navigating single parenting after divorce

Alejandra M.

I got married young, but by the time I was 28, I was going through a divorce and adjusting to life as a single parent. My son’s father chose not to be involved from the beginning of my pregnancy, and I had to make the decision to move forward on my own. It wasn’t easy. I faced financial struggles, loneliness, and moments when the lack of family support made everything feel heavier. I leaned into support groups and community resources, connecting with other women going through similar experiences. Through that, I found strength and learned how to advocate for myself and my child. Over time, I built a network of friends who felt like family and taught myself how to balance parenting, working, and healing from the loss of my marriage. I also sought therapy, which helped me manage the anxiety and depression that showed up along the way. Now, I am passionate about supporting others who are facing the overwhelming reality of single parenting, reminding them that it's possible to rebuild a life full of joy, stability, and love.

Post-pandemic loneliness as a single adult

Ambika M.

I didn't expect to spend so much time with myself in my 30s. Without a childhood bestie and/or long-term partner, the pandemic and associated remote work heightened the challenges of transient adult friendships and seeking a relationship offline. Bandage advice like joining Meetups may not work for the sensitive introvert. I'd love to help you navigate feelings of loneliness and share strategies for living contently and hopefully.

Navigating loss with love and honesty

Angela V.

I’ve known the weight of grief—the kind that rearranges your world without your permission. I’ve lost people I deeply loved, including both of my parents, and each loss carved a different shape into my heart. There were times I felt like I was floating in space—disconnected, overwhelmed, and unsure how to move forward when nothing felt the same anymore. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. It shows up in waves: sometimes fierce and crashing, other times soft and aching. I’ve also grieved relationships that ended—romantic ones and friendships—that once felt foundational. And I’ve learned that grief is not just about death, but about the loss of what was, or what we hoped would be. What’s helped me most is learning to feel it all without rushing the process. Giving myself permission to remember, to cry, to laugh, to talk about them. To honor the love without denying the pain. If you’re grieving someone or something right now, you don’t need to carry it alone. We can talk about your person. Your heartbreak. Your healing. No fixing—just presence, empathy, and space for your story.

Rebuilding your life after addiction and finding healthy love

Ashley M.

I spent years battling addiction, beginning with painkillers after a major surgery in 2010. What started with prescriptions quickly spiraled into filling meds from multiple providers, and after a series of personal crises, I realized I needed help. I went through treatment and leaned heavily on therapy and support groups, slowly finding my way to sobriety. Parenting brought a whole new layer of responsibility and strength—officially adopting my son in 2020 was one of the proudest moments of my life. In relationships, I have learned the hard way what unhealthy love looks like, surviving emotional and financial abuse before eventually separating and moving on. Today, I’m in the healthiest relationship I’ve ever had, and I continue to help my now-husband on his own sobriety journey. Through everything, I've stayed committed to self-care, therapy, and showing up authentically. I’d love to be a supportive ear for anyone trying to rebuild after addiction, difficult relationships, or big life transitions.

Navigating friendship changes during big life transitions

Carrie M.

Becoming a parent changed my friendships in ways I never expected. Some friends drifted away when I couldn't make last-minute plans or stay out late anymore. Others seemed uncomfortable with my new reality, like they didn't know how to relate to me once I had kids. I felt guilty for not being as available, but also resentful when friends didn't understand why a simple dinner out now required two weeks of planning. I was grieving the spontaneous connections I used to have while trying to figure out who I was in these relationships now. The loneliness was real. I found myself surrounded by people at playgrounds and school events, but craving the deep conversations and authentic connections I used to have. Making mom friends felt awkward—were we connecting as people or just because our kids were the same age? I struggled with boundaries, too, feeling like I had to say yes to every social invitation to prove I was still fun, even when I was exhausted. I was trying to maintain my old friendships while building new ones, and doing neither very well. What I learned is that friendships, like everything else, need to evolve with your life stages. Some relationships naturally faded, and that was okay. Others deepened in unexpected ways when I got honest about what I needed and what I could offer. I discovered that quality mattered more than quantity, and that showing up authentically—even if it looked different than before—was better than pretending nothing had changed. If you're feeling disconnected from old friends, struggling to make new ones, or wondering how to maintain meaningful relationships while parenting, you're not alone in this shift.

Navigating the grief of friend breakups

Carrie M.

I never expected to grieve a friendship like I would grieve a death, but that's exactly what happened when a close friendship ended. We'd been through everything together—celebrations, heartbreaks, major life changes—and suddenly we weren't speaking anymore. The silence felt deafening. I kept reaching for my phone to text them about random things, only to remember that we were no longer part of each other's daily lives. The loss felt so profound, yet I didn't know how to talk about it because everyone else seemed to move on from friendships more easily. What made it harder was that there was no clear ending, no funeral, no ritual to mark what we'd lost. Just an awkward fade, unspoken hurt, and the strange experience of seeing pieces of their life on social media while feeling like a stranger. I found myself questioning everything—was I too much? Did I misread our connection? The friendship had shaped so much of who I was, and suddenly I had to figure out how to be myself without that reflection, that shared history, that person who knew me in ways others didn't. The healing wasn't linear. Some days I felt angry, other days grateful for what we'd shared, and sometimes just deeply sad for what would never be again. I learned that it's okay to mourn a friendship, to feel confused about how something so meaningful could just end, and to take time to process what that relationship meant to you. If you're navigating the loss of a close friend—whether through conflict, distance, or just growing apart—the grief you're feeling is real and valid.

Reinventing yourself at any stage of life

Christina S.

I tell everyone, I have lived a million lives in this one life. Although in my opinion, that is the best way to be. Try everything and see what sticks. Why limit yourself? It can be scary starting over and reinventing yourself in a new career, city, friend group, etc., although staying stuck and unhappy is even scarier.

Female friendships, from sisterhood to tension and everything in between

Christine D.

Female friendships can be soul-healing, laughter-filled, ride-or-die bonds. But let’s be real—they can also be intense, confusing, and sometimes heartbreaking. There’s a deep emotional language we speak with other women—one that’s shaped by closeness, comparison, loyalty, competition, and care. And when that bond cracks, it cuts deep. I’ve had female friendships that felt like home—and some that left me questioning my worth. I’ve been the friend who gave too much. I’ve been the one who pulled away. I’ve felt jealous, left out, deeply connected, and deeply hurt. No one taught me how to navigate all of that. We’re often told to “support each other,” but not how to deal with the unspoken expectations, silent treatments, or moments where it feels like love and envy are tangled together. Over time, I’ve learned how to unpack those dynamics—how to name what I feel, communicate better, forgive where I can, and honor when it’s time to walk away. Female friendships are layered and sacred. They deserve care and conversation, not just assumptions and silence. If you’ve ever felt confused by your friendships with women—too close, not close enough, triggered, adored, betrayed, or bonded in ways you can’t explain—you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.

Establishing and upholding your boundaries

Daneeta S.

I have both personal and professional experience with establishing boundaries. Personally, I have learned the difference between boundaries, desires and demands, and the benefits of establishing and upholding my personal boundaries. As a life coach I have been granted the opportunity to help others to recognize the same. I find boundaries to be important to well-being, and gaining a true understanding of what boundaries are, as well as what they are not, as crucial to the process. You are your own person, therefore your boundaries should be your own, for you, and contribute to your personal growth and wellness. I would love to help you in cultivating your own beneficial boundaries.

Rebuilding relationships after conflict

Darius C.

A few years ago, I had a close friend I’d known for four years, and a misunderstanding between us led to silence for three months. It hurt. But I also believed our friendship still had value. So, I took the first step and reached out. We talked through what happened, shared our perspectives, and slowly started to rebuild. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. That experience taught me that relationships can be transitional and still be worth repairing—if both people are willing to show up with honesty and accountability. I also center my work around supporting the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities because I know how layered and nuanced our experiences can be. If you're going through a tough time in a relationship—romantic, platonic, or family-related—let’s talk it out.

Finding your first steps in recovery

Jenna C.

I never imagined myself getting sober. Honestly, I had already planned out my death—I didn’t think there was any hope left. After twelve years of nonstop partying, I found myself at 29, sick and tired of being sick and tired. I wasn’t trying to get sober, not really—but something shifted. I picked up the phone and asked for help. That one small moment cracked the door open, and it saved my life. Since then, recovery has become the foundation of everything I do. It hasn’t always been easy—my journey has been shaped by trauma, mental health struggles, chronic illness, and growing up in a family deeply impacted by addiction. I understand that recovery isn’t a straight line or a one-size-fits-all process. Now, I help others find their own way through it. Whether it's meeting someone where they are, supporting someone in a violent relationship to take their first steps toward safety, or walking alongside someone questioning whether they’re ready—I've been there. I offer honest, compassionate support to anyone wondering if it’s time for a change. Sometimes, all it takes is one small sliver of hope. I’d love to help you find yours.

Relationships, friendship struggles, and feeling truly seen

Josie B.

Hi, I’m a recent college grad who’s passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported. Over the years, I’ve navigated my own journey through mental health struggles, identity confusion, relationship challenges, and trauma. I know how isolating it can feel when you open up to someone and aren’t met with the support you need. That’s why I’m committed to being a genuine, judgment-free person you can talk to. Whether you need a sounding board, help working through relationship or communication issues, or just a place to be yourself without fear of invalidation, I’m here. Helping others isn't just something I do — it’s a big part of who I am, and I would be honored to support you.

Friendship: who's still standing after the freakshow

Kari K.

Divorce, recovery, business, grief - I've been through a lot of friend filters. I'll share what I learned about showing up, letting go, and building community that doesn't require costumes. Real friends don't flinch when the mascara runs.

Adjusting to motherhood and early parenting struggles

Katerina K.

Becoming a mom completely changed my world—in ways that were both beautiful and incredibly overwhelming. I remember those early days of parenting feeling like a mix of deep love and constant uncertainty. Even with my background as a certified School Psychologist, I quickly realized that nothing fully prepares you for the emotional, physical, and mental shift that comes with becoming a parent. There were sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, and the quiet question: “Am I doing this right?” I leaned into the support of friends and parenting groups, and little by little, I began to find my rhythm. I learned to trust myself more, to ask for help when I needed it, and to give myself grace during the hard moments.

Navigating mental health challenges stemming from family trauma

Kelsey B.

I grew up in a family where support and safety weren’t always guaranteed, and for a while, I was placed in foster care. Life has been a mix of unfortunate and fortunate events, and the people who helped me the most were the counselors and social workers who offered kindness when my own family couldn’t. I was diagnosed with severe mental health conditions, which forced me to step back from work and focus on getting the help I needed. Therapy gave me the tools to slowly rebuild, and eventually I moved to California and was able to support my family from a stronger, healthier place. I even had the chance to help my sister as she faced her own struggles with alcohol. What brings me the most happiness now is using my own story to help others — without judgment — especially during the times when life feels too heavy to carry alone.

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.

Quitting alcohol and stimulants after relying on it to function

Liam G.

As a teenager, I got caught up in abusing meth and Ritalin to cope with my anxiety and the chaos around me. I didn’t realize how dangerous it was until I went through the painful withdrawal process. I had to lean on a close friend and her mother to help me detox, and it was one of the hardest but most pivotal moments of my life. After that, I stayed sober from stimulants, but it wasn’t easy. I found myself constantly battling urges and struggling to feel “normal” without the boost stimulants gave me. But through that struggle, I began to realize that the real work wasn’t just about staying away from drugs—it was about learning to live without them. It took years of self-reflection, therapy, and support from others to find healthier ways to cope, but now, nine years sober from stimulant use, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve learned how to thrive in recovery, and I know that anyone else can do it too.

Redesigning your life to be more in alignment with your values

Meredith S.

I spent many years feeling lost, but through deep personal work, a range of healing modalities, and my continued education in a Master of Social Work program, I’ve gained valuable tools to support others on their journey. I bring both lived experience and professional training to help individuals better understand themselves, identify their needs, set healthy boundaries, and build lives that feel authentic and fulfilling. I've navigated a variety of physical and mental health diagnoses, the grief of letting go of relationships that no longer served me, and the ongoing process of rebuilding with intention and self-awareness. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in the belief that healing is possible—and that no one has to do it alone.

Friendship, shifting dynamics, and making meaningful connections as an adult

Micah L.

Friendship has always been a complicated subject for me. I used to judge myself for not having a big group of high school friends, college friends, work friends—the kind of neat social circles I saw other people posting about. I’ve never really had a solid “friend group.” Instead, I’ve had a few meaningful one-on-one connections here and there. Deep, but scattered. Quality over quantity. In college, my best friend and roommate had a psychotic break and had to move back in with her family. That changed everything. I eventually became close with someone else, but just as we built a rhythm, she moved across the country, and our dynamic shifted. For a while, I felt like I was cursed when it came to friendships. Especially with how often people say it’s so hard to make friends as an adult, I really believed I was just stuck. But eventually, I got intentional. I started putting myself out there through online platforms, Bumble BFF, and even tried an app called Timeleft, where you meet strangers for dinner. I stayed open and slowly started meeting people I clicked with. Now, I have a handful of people I regularly meet up with for dinner, go on trips with, keep up with online, and have phone calls with. Connecting with friends really keeps me going. If you’ve ever felt lonely, left out, or confused by changing friendship dynamics, I get it. Especially if, like me, you value friendship even more than family. I’d love to help validate those feelings and offer practical tips for building the kind of connections that feel meaningful to you.