Helping a child deal with depression and having trouble going to school

Celeste G.

My son was so depressed for a year and a half, that he missed a large part of the school year. At first, I didn’t understand or recognize it as depression, and I was pushing him to go to school very hard, which led to him getting even more frustrated with himself. After talking to a family coach, we were able to diagnose the real issue, and ask my son open ended questions to try and understand the reasons behind his depression. Then when I took the pressure off and worked on helping him feel good about himself, the depression was able to lift and he made all A’s at school the next year, and made several friends he could hang out with after school as well.

Breaking cycles from childhood

Celeste G.

When I first became a mom, I often felt like I was failing my kids. I was constantly frustrated with myself and overwhelmed by the chaos around me. A lot of that frustration came from old wounds I carried from my own childhood — patterns of behavior and emotional pain that I didn't even realize were still affecting me. Over the past several years, I’ve been on a deep healing journey. I have worked through a lot of depression and anxiety, and started to truly unlearn the patterns I grew up with. I also navigated struggles with my own sexual addiction, which impacted my marriage and left my husband feeling used and disconnected. Through all of this, I have learned how to listen to my kids with empathy, support them through their struggles, and parent from a place of understanding rather than reaction. I know how hard it can feel when you're trying to heal yourself and show up differently for your family at the same time. I’d love to walk alongside you as you navigate the hard, beautiful work of healing while parenting.

Turning anxiety into action in your relationships

Adi G.

Growing up in Florida, I battled my own struggles with anxiety and depression, and it shaped the way I approach relationships. I’ve learned that relationships don’t thrive on perfection: they grow through patience, vulnerability, and honest conversations. As someone who's had to navigate my own emotional challenges, I know that communication can often feel like a daunting mountain to climb, but I’ve found it’s really more like a puzzle that can be pieced together. I once met a young man at my university who was struggling so much with depression and suicidal thoughts that he felt like there was no way out. But after just sitting down with him, hearing his story, and really understanding his pain, we were able to build a plan that shifted the way he saw his family. That conversation helped him reframe everything, and for me, it became a reminder of how powerful a single, meaningful conversation can be in shifting someone’s perspective. If you're feeling overwhelmed by conflict or disconnected, let’s talk it through. I’ve got the tools to help you turn those heavy emotions into actionable steps to strengthen your relationships.

Healing after toxic relationships

Adilene F.

I’ve been in relationships that made me feel small—like I was constantly walking on eggshells, second-guessing myself, and losing sight of who I was. One relationship in particular turned abusive, and even though part of me knew it wasn’t right, it was hard to break away. I didn’t have the kind of support I really needed at the time, and for a while, I just kept trying to survive. Therapy wasn’t new to me—I’d gone as a kid, but back then it felt like something I was being forced into. As an adult, though, I chose to go back on my own terms, and that changed everything. I started to understand the cycle I’d been in, learned how to set boundaries, and slowly began to believe that I was worth more than the pain I’d been tolerating. Now I help others who are facing similar struggles, especially around relationships, anxiety, and feeling unsupported.

Cultivating a healthy marriage while living with mental illness

Adley H.

Being married while living with mental illness adds layers most people never see. It’s not just about love—it's about learning how to stay connected through depression, anxiety, trauma, and all the unpredictable shifts that come with them. It’s about trying to explain what’s going on inside when you don’t fully understand it yourself. It's about feeling guilt for how your illness impacts your partner, while also needing space and compassion to survive another day. In my marriage, I’ve had to learn how to communicate in ways that are honest but not harmful. I’ve had to set boundaries not just for myself, but for the relationship. I’ve struggled with moments of disconnection, resentment, and fear—but I’ve also learned how powerful it is to grow together when both people are committed to understanding each other deeply. Mental illness doesn't make you unlovable, and it doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. But it does require intentional work—on yourself, on communication, and on your shared vision of what love looks like when things are hard. If you’re trying to figure out how to stay grounded in your marriage while navigating your own inner battles, I’d love to talk. You’re not alone.

Surviving life with depression

Adley H.

Depression has been a silent shadow in my life. Sometimes heavy, sometimes barely visible, but always there. It’s the weight in my chest, the fog in my mind, the ache in my bones. It’s the exhaustion that sleep won’t fix, and the hollow feeling even when everything should feel okay. It’s more than sadness. It’s numbness. It’s guilt for not being able to “snap out of it.” It’s the quiet wondering if you’re ever going to feel like yourself again, or if you ever did. But here’s what I know now. Depression lies. It tells you you’re lazy, unlovable, or broken. But none of that is true. Through years of unraveling shame, surviving bad days, and holding on by the thinnest threads, I’ve come to know depression intimately. Not as a moral failure, but as a wound in need of care. If you’re tired, if you’re hurting, if you’re barely hanging on, I get it. I’m not here to push you toward false positivity. I’m here to sit with you in the real.

Managing stress and overwhelm when everything feels like too much

Adley H.

Life doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath, it barrels through like a freight train, throwing deadlines, people, and chaos at you all at once. I’ve been there, drowning in the noise and pressure, feeling like my brain and body were stuck on overload. Stress isn’t some polite visitor; it’s that relentless storm you can’t switch off. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to push through only burns you out faster. Managing overwhelm means slowing down enough to notice what’s really breaking you, giving yourself permission to say “no” or “not right now,” and finding fierce but gentle ways to survive the madness. No BS, no fake cheerleading, just real talk and space for your tired soul. Come, rest, weary traveller.

Overcoming avoidant personality disorder and finding your voice

Adrienne R.

Growing up, I was often overshadowed by my mother’s depression. I learned to suppress my own feelings to avoid conflict, which led to a lot of shyness and struggles with my self-esteem. Therapy became a constant part of my life, but it wasn't until I pursued my Master's in psychology that I realized I had avoidant personality disorder. This revelation was a turning point. For years, I had been pleasing others at the expense of my own needs. But once I understood what was happening, I began to make changes. I’ve learned how to assert myself, trust others, and open up about my feelings. Today, I’m proud of the person I’ve become: someone who is authentic, has deep friendships, and truly enjoys being part of a community. I now embrace life with confidence, knowing that it's okay to be vulnerable and that my voice matters. I hope to share my journey with others who may be struggling with similar challenges.

Setting boundaries with toxic parents

Agnes H.

When I was 23, my mom passed away from cancer and I became the legal guardian of my three younger siblings. My father had already left the country when I was 16 after multiple suicide attempts, and my relationship with him was always complicated by his untreated borderline personality disorder. For years, I struggled with guilt, grief, and the intense pressure of raising my siblings while managing my own emotions. Therapy, journaling, and deep self-reflection helped me realize that protecting my peace sometimes meant making painful decisions. I eventually had to enforce boundaries, including getting a restraining order and later choosing not to respond when my father tried to reconnect with hurtful words. Now, at 41, I can look back and see how much strength it took to prioritize my emotional well-being. Through years of therapy and self-work, I’ve learned how to set and maintain healthy boundaries even when it feels heavy. I would love to support anyone going through the complicated, emotional process of setting limits with a parent who can’t or won’t change.

How to take your life back after rape/sexual assault

Alice H.

During my childhood, I was molested and mistreated sexually. This also happened in my adulthood until I got out of it. This isn’t to make you sympathize, but to show you that recovery is REAL and it is POSSIBLE. With the right attitude towards my recovery, after hating it and hating it and my life for what happened to me, I realized that the only way to be happy after sexual assault and rape was to find a way to recover from it. And here I am, now.

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.

Grieving the loss of a romantic partner

Amy M.

I lost my partner suddenly when I was 31, and nothing could have prepared me for the tidal wave of grief that followed. There were so many layers to it, he struggled with drugs and alcohol, and I carried around a lot of guilt, embarrassment, and confusion in addition to the sadness. At the time, I didn’t really have a support system, and I felt alone in the experience, unsure how to even begin healing. Eventually, I started working with therapists, one of whom became a lifeline for me through the early, messy stages of grief. Over time, I came to understand that grief isn’t linear, and there’s no “right way” to mourn someone you love. What helped me most was time, reflection, and yes, even humor, when I was ready for it. I’ve since been there for others walking through their own losses, offering validation and a listening ear when things don’t feel “normal” or easy to explain. If you’re in the middle of that kind of heartbreak, I’d be honored to hold space with you.

The rest for the weary: mindfulness & compassion from Christian and/or Buddhist traditions

Angel M.

Are you carrying more than you can name—grief, shame, exhaustion, fear—and longing for a space that doesn’t rush to fix you? In this session, we’ll slow down together. I’ll guide you through gentle mindfulness and loving-kindness practices from Buddhist and Christian traditions, offering a spiritually inclusive space to reconnect with your breath, body, and inner dignity. Whether your language is sacred silence, whispered prayer, scripture, or sutra, we’ll find what fits. This is especially for those who feel spiritually displaced, burnt out, or curious about healing with compassion at the center. No meditation experience needed. No pressure to believe anything. Just bring a flicker of openness. I’ll meet you there.

Caring without collapsing from burnout as a caregiver

Angel M.

I’ve been the full-time caregiver, the one people lean on, the one holding it all together—and I know the deep cost it can take on your body, your spirit, and your sense of self. I’ve lived through compassion fatigue, emotional depletion, and the aching silence that comes when no one asks how you’re doing. Through my own healing journey—using mindfulness, spiritual practice, and support—I’ve learned how to create space that honors both your exhaustion and your love. I don’t offer advice. I offer presence, perspective, and a place to lay something down.If you’re always the strong one, the caregiver, the steady presence—this space is for you. I offer grounded, judgment-free support for people experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue. Whether you're parenting, caregiving for a partner or elder, or working in a helping profession, I know what it’s like to give until you disappear. In our session, you’ll have space to name what’s hard and not feel selfish for needing help.

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.

Managing lifelong anxiety without self-medicating or prescription meds

Angelo F.

Since I can remember I’ve been very sensitive, energetic and full of excitement for life, especially as a child, where I can recall this transforming into crippling anxiety and panic, causing me to suffer endless panic attacks to the point that it was my reality and had no idea until age eighteen that I had panic attacks and general anxiety disorder, with agoraphobia stemming from ADHD, which I put together on my own in 2022. After many years of drinking after work to relax my nerves, then slowly weening myself off it completely in my mid-thirties, I became open to the idea of being on the spectrum of neurodivergence, which my therapist later told me she felt I was on, with my ADHD plus more traits she noticed. Having been validated and gaining more perspective on these findings, I was able to forgive myself and others for being so hard on me, or for being hard on myself all those years while feeling different. I now know that I am not defined by ADHD and I can now use this knowledge to serve me as I’ve hacked how my brain works and can achieve flow state easily now. It’s taken me many years of self-improvement, self-love, vulnerability and openness to become more whole and complete, feeling more comfortable in my own skin, which I’ve very proud of! I was able to overcome my addiction to drinking and smoking week years prior to putting it all together, so I can really be proud of myself for sticking with sobriety even while still learning why I was self-medicating and anxious all my life. Gaining that needed perspective and confidence has been the game changer and has helped me to attain years of lasting deep inner-peace and a knowing that everything will be ok no matter what! I’m happy to say I’ve harnessed and transmuted that excitement and passion for life I had a child back after a spiritual awakening in 2014, that’s been ongoing, with many challenges, but mostly wonderful new opportunities to grow and explore, which I’m more open too now, as I see life as fun game to experience and shape the way that I feel is working and I’ve learned to focus on goals, dreams and projects in alignment with who I am now!

Healing from trauma and reclaiming your strength

Anjelika marin A.

I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD—labels that helped me make sense of the chaos I had been carrying since childhood. Growing up, I endured both physical and emotional abuse, along with the pain of abandonment by those who were supposed to protect me. That kind of trauma leaves a mark—it shaped how I saw myself, how I trusted others, and how I moved through the world. There were years when just getting through the day felt like a battle specifically when I struggled with inferitily and overcoming grief from a miscarriage. I carried the quiet pain alone which left me left me feeling isolated, like the world kept moving while I stood still with a heart full of hope and loss. I know what it’s like to dream of becoming a parent, to imagine a future that never fully arrives, and to wrestle with both the physical and emotional weight of that journey. Along the way, I found myself supporting others—friends, family, and peers—who were navigating similar paths. I leaned on my own healing, my studies in child development, and my belief in the power of shared experience. I began to realize that just being there, truly listening, and offering evidence-based guidance could make a real difference. Now, as a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist and psychology student, I offer that same support to anyone going through these challenges. You deserve a space to process your emotions, ask hard questions, and know that you're not alone.

Boundaries, balance, and belonging

Anjelika marin A.

Some days you're handling responsibilities like a pro, and other days you're crying into a burrito wondering if everyone else got the secret handbook for adulthood. (Spoiler: they didn’t.) Whether you're navigating school, work, hormones that forgot how to chill, or trying to set boundaries without sounding like a villain, I’ve been there. I’ve felt the weight of imposter syndrome whispering, “You’re not enough,” even while doing the absolute most. I’ve worked jobs where boundaries were more like suggestions and gone through life transitions that made me question everything including my ability to keep a houseplant alive. Through all of that, I learned something important: healing isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about having a safe space to be real. This a no-judgment, come-as-you-are kind of space where you can talk about the hard stuff, the awkward stuff, the “is it just me?” stuff and realize it’s definitely not just you. Let’s talk for real and probably laugh a little.

Let's discuss healthy ways of overcoming depression, bipolar 2 disorder, dual diagnoses in sobriety.

Brad F.

I'm Brad F, a peer support advocate with over 38 years of lived experience navigating a dual diagnosis bipolar 2 rapid cycling, depressive disorder. As a kid I didn't realize this but I had always been self medicating the bipolar 2 disorder with whatever I could get my hands on. A new toy, distraction, alcohol, drugs, Sudafed, NyQuil. My objective: stop the emotional pain. Drinking began at age 10 and it worked! I immediately felt better. Two DUIs before age 21, inpatient hospitalizations, the judge sent me to AA. 2 years sitting there, something stuck. I've been sober 35 years to date. 7/7/1990 sober bday. In sobriety I have experienced a tremendous amount of pain. I've found dual diagnosis requires additional tools beyond the AA 12 steps. What I've learned through experience: When pain exceeds one's tools for coping, suicidal ideation may arise. Healing does become possible by reducing pain or building coping resources. If this resonates and you'd like to talk, please reach out.