Healing from toxic relationships

Addison W.

I'm a trans man in my late 20s who's been shaped by both hardship and healing. During a particularly difficult time in my life, I found myself in an environment that tested my boundaries and challenged my mental health. It took time — and the support of people who cared about me — to recognize what I was experiencing and begin the process of reclaiming my peace. Along the way, I’ve worked through PTSD and anxiety, explored different forms of healing, and learned how to stay grounded in the face of emotional intensity. I've supported others in the LGBTQ+ community, held space for friends facing tough relationship dynamics, and developed a strong sense of when and how to set healthy boundaries. I bring a calm, empathetic presence to every conversation. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or caught in something hard to name — I'm here. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Being out at work — in your own way, and in your own time

Alex H.

I’ve never led a double life or pretended to be someone I’m not — but for many years, I also didn’t speak openly about my sexuality at work. It wasn’t a conscious choice to hide so much as a quiet calibration of comfort: Was this a place where I could be vulnerable? Did I feel safe enough to be fully myself? In the performing arts world, being out was more normalized, almost expected. But in more traditional or corporate settings, I found myself making a series of micro-decisions — a mention of a boyfriend here, a reference to my husband there — slowly allowing more of myself into the room. I’m lucky in many ways: I live in a progressive part of the country with legal protections and a generally inclusive work culture. For me, coming out at work wasn’t about fearing repercussions. It was about growing into my own sense of authenticity and letting go of the long-held instinct to self-edit — an instinct shaped by childhood messages that told me I was “too much” or too expressive. That fear of being “found out” lingered in the background, not as a threat but as a habit — one that’s hard to shake, especially in professional settings where scrutiny and performance go hand in hand. There were no dramatic coming-out moments for me — just a steady unfolding. Supportive colleagues helped. So did jobs where I felt psychologically safe, where I didn’t have to compartmentalize to survive. Still, there were times I felt like an outsider, particularly in male-dominated or heteronormative spaces. The difference wasn’t always spoken, but it was felt — in conversations I couldn’t quite join, or camaraderie I wasn’t sure how to access. These days, being out at work feels less like a decision and more like a given. I don’t feel a line between being “in” or “out” — I just am. For anyone else weighing whether, how, or when to come out at work, I don’t have a script. But I do know most imagined fears are harsher than the reality, and that living more fully into yourself — even in quiet, gradual ways — can offer a huge lift to your sense of well-being. If you’re looking to talk it through, I’d be honored to help you find a path that feels natural, grounded, and fully yours.

Exploring your gender as an older adult

Angel M.

I didn’t know I was nonbinary until my 20s. I knew something felt off for a long time—I just didn’t have the language, support, or permission to really ask the questions. It wasn’t until my 30s that I began to feel truly comfortable in my gender and find peace in the fluid, shifting nature of who I am. That’s why I offer this space—for older adults who are just starting to explore their gender, or who have been quietly questioning for years. You might be in your 40s, 60s, or beyond. You might be coming out later in life, or wondering if you need to come out at all. You might feel completely alone in this process. You’re not. In the years I’ve spent doing this work, I’ve supported people of all ages—including folks twice my age—as they navigated their own gender journeys. Whether you're feeling confused, afraid, relieved, lit up, or all of the above, you’re welcome here. There’s no timeline for self-discovery, no age limit on becoming more yourself. We can talk through the big questi

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.

Living with depression and still showing up for yourself

Joe C.

I have lived with depression for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t something I could just “get over”—it became something I had to learn to live with, manage, and eventually grow from. Over time, I realized that while depression shaped many parts of my life, it didn’t have to define me. I learned to honor my emotions, trust myself, and keep showing up, even when the path was messy and hard. Through my journey, I discovered the deep power of listening and creating space for others to feel safe in their own struggles. Whether parenting five children, supporting a friend through anxiety, or helping someone move past the stigma of seeking counseling, I’ve found that resilience often looks like simply continuing to show up. Today, I'm proud of how far I’ve come and would love to offer a safe, understanding space for anyone navigating depression or emotional pain.

Supporting a transgender child through family acceptance struggles

Julia H.

As a parent of a transgender child, I’ve had to navigate the complexities of family acceptance. My ex-husband has struggled to accept our child’s identity, and I’ve often found myself in the middle of difficult conversations, trying to protect my child while maintaining family dynamics. I’ve watched my child face rejection and misunderstanding, and it’s been one of the toughest things I’ve ever experienced. But through it all, I’ve learned the importance of love, patience, and standing firm in my support. I’ve learned how to advocate for my child, even when it means challenging long-held beliefs within my own family. Along the way, I’ve had to process my own emotions and work through feelings of sadness and frustration, but I’ve also found joy in watching my child grow stronger and more confident in who they are. This journey has reshaped how I see family, love, and acceptance, and I’m passionate about helping others who are going through similar struggles. If you’re facing challenges with family acceptance, I’m here to walk alongside you and offer support.

Co-parenting after coming out and navigating big life changes

Lauren B.

When my daughter was less a year old, her father and I decided to separate while I was simultaneously going through the process of coming out as queer. It involved a lot of conflict, internal deep-diving, and mediation. Within a year, both of us had remarried new partners, and our family dynamic quickly shifted. Co-parenting in that kind of emotional whirlwind came with serious challenges: communication breakdowns, legal struggles, and learning how to put our daughter first while still honoring who we were becoming. On top of that, we learned she had ADHD, like me, which added another layer to how we had to show up for her. I was trying to parent her the way I wished I had been parented: compassionately, with curiosity and support for her differences, but that wasn’t always easy with two households and differing parenting styles. As a former special ed teacher and current interpreter, I leaned on my background in advocacy and education to create stability where I could. Therapy, humor, and community were key for me. Now, I want to be a steady hand for anyone else navigating this emotional maze. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Coming out as transgender later in life

Stefanie C.

I lived the first 68 years of my life in the closet. I had a loving wife, a long and successful career as a CPA, and from the outside, everything looked settled. But deep inside, I knew there was more to who I truly was. It wasn’t until after my wife passed that I felt the opening to finally live as myself. Coming out as a transgender woman in my 70s was both liberating and challenging. The legal process of changing my name and gender marker was my first big hurdle—but I completed it in under seven months, one of the shortest timelines in Illinois at the time. Since then, I’ve used my experience to support other transgender women, especially those navigating later-in-life transitions. I now speak publicly, mentor others, and advocate for culturally competent care because I know how isolating the journey can feel. You’re never too old to live authentically, and I’m here to walk alongside anyone taking those first brave steps.