Supporting someone through addiction

Angela V.

I’ve witnessed addiction from both the outside and the edges—close enough to feel the heartbreak, the fear, the waiting, and the deep desire for someone you love to come back to themselves. I’ve supported family members who struggled with drug use and eventually found recovery. I’ve walked beside a partner through alcoholism, holding space for both the chaos and the courage it took to get sober. Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using—it ripples out into every relationship, often in painful and complicated ways. Whether you're the one trying to quit or someone who’s watching someone you love disappear into a version of themselves that feels unrecognizable, the journey is full of hard questions. When do you step in? How do you hold boundaries with love? What does it look like to forgive—yourself or someone else? I’ve seen the beauty of recovery, and I’ve seen the setbacks. I know how isolating it can feel, and I also know you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re in the thick of it or healing from what’s already happened, this space is for you.

Forgiveness healing for lasting recovery

Angelo F.

Forgiveness wasn’t easy for me. I carried so much pain—toward people who had hurt me, and maybe more than anyone, toward myself. For a long time, I couldn’t let go of the guilt, the shame, and the anger I had buried deep. I thought that if I forgave, I’d be letting others off the hook… or denying the damage that had been done. But when I began my recovery journey, I realized that forgiveness wasn’t about them. It was about me. It was about setting myself free from the weight of the past so I could heal and move forward. Through forgiveness therapy, self-reflection, and deep inner work, I learned how to release old emotional burdens. I forgave my past self for coping the only way I knew how at the time. I forgave others for not showing up the way I needed. And with that, something beautiful happened: I created space for peace, joy, and self-love to take root. Forgiveness became one of the most transformational parts of my recovery. It helped me break free from the cycle of resentment, shame, and emotional pain.

Relational betrayal

Ashley F.

This is a story I won't fully disclose due to its complexity. However, I will tell you just enough so that you may understand that I understand the feelings of betrayal, desperation, and panic as you watch your most important relationship detonate before your eyes. I loved this man with all my heart, all my being. And I would have done anything to have him feel the same intensity of love in return. Sure, we were engaged... until the day that should have been our wedding. On Valentine's day of 2018, I awoke to the text from my fiance saying that the wedding was called off. This was due to an incident that had happened between us the night before. I won't go into all the details here; this is a very long, complex story. The only other thing I'd like to say about this particular incident is that when I returned to our apartment that evening after he had told me that I needed to make arrangements to find another place to stay, I found him in our bedroom, throwing my clothes into a trash bag as a woman stood watching. That was a punch to my gut. Then, she spoke. (I'm legally blind, so I was able to see that the person standing beside my fiance was a woman, but I couldn't tell who she was.) But then she spoke. And I knew who she was. And it was another punch to the gut. On what should have been our wedding night, I had to load most of my belongings into a car, and shortly after, I had to be separated from my cat because she couldn't go where I was going. I understand. I understand how it feels to be punched in the gut so hard that you feel like you can't ever get back up. I understand feeling like you'd do anything, anything at all to change your circumstances. I know betrayal. I know confusion. I know abandonment. And if you're going through the same thing, I'd like to be there to walk alongside you through it.

Finding stability after mental health crises

Davi B.

Growing up in an abusive home, I struggled for years to find my footing in the world. I married young, endured multiple miscarriages, and battled significant postpartum depression after my children were born. When my youngest needed spinal surgery as a baby, I lived in fear, unable to fully bond with him at first. After my divorce, I navigated co-parenting challenges with resilience and eventually became a foster parent, experiencing both deep connection and heartbreaking loss. In parallel, I fought to find the right mental health support, battling cPTSD, dissociative amnesia, and daily anxiety. After years of mismatched care, I finally found a counselor and a medication plan that helped me build true stability. Now, I use my experience working in mental health crisis response to help others find safety, support, and hope during their own storms. I believe healing is possible — even when it feels far away.

Being a caregiver without losing yourself

Francisca B.

For the past seven years, I’ve been the primary caregiver for my aging and ill parents, which has deeply shaped my resilience. But it hasn’t been easy. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression, especially in my 40s, when I finally overcame the stigma surrounding mental illness and sought help for my thyroid disease. My journey has included working in toxic environments with critical managers, facing racism, nepotism, and microaggressions in my career, all while struggling to balance my mental health. I found solace and strength through a spiritual advisor and prayer, which helped me navigate many of those tough years. I’ve always been taught to keep pushing through, but eventually, I realized the importance of prioritizing self-care. It’s been a hilly battle, but today I’m stronger, and I know I have wisdom and insight to offer others who are facing similar challenges, whether it’s career-related, mental health struggles, or life transitions.

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.

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.

Building resilience by reshaping how you approach relationships

Mara Y.

After 23 years of infidelity, narcissism, and betrayal in my marriage, I realized I needed to completely change how I approached relationships, not just with others, but with myself. My past had shaped the way I viewed and engaged in love and connection, often leading me into toxic cycles. It became clear that I had to shift my mindset and approach to relationships, starting with myself. This journey involved challenging old patterns and learning healthier ways to connect, communicate, and set boundaries. Therapy, yoga, and meditation were all vital in helping me reconnect with who I truly am, allowing me to approach relationships from a place of respect and self-love. I’ve learned that building resilience means embracing change and creating space for healthier dynamics, both within myself and with others. Now, I want to help others who feel stuck in unhealthy patterns find the strength to create the fulfilling, respectful relationships they deserve.

Navigating family dynamics and grief after loss

Micah L.

In 2023, my brother’s partner tragically passed away, leaving behind two young children. This loss has been incredibly challenging, but it has also given me insight into grief, family dynamics, and resilience. While managing my own grief, I also helped support my niece and nephew, who were only 3 and 4 years old at the time. It was heartbreaking to witness their pain and confusion, but it also showed me the importance of providing a steady and supportive presence during such a difficult time. In the midst of this, I also made the tough decision to go low-contact with my parents due to long-standing unresolved issues. Navigating both the grief of losing my brother’s partner and the tension in my family has shaped how I approach relationships and conflict. I've learned the importance of boundaries, self-compassion, and resilience. I now have a deeper understanding of how grief and family dynamics can impact not only those who are grieving but also the relationships that remain. Through this experience, I hope to be a source of support for others who are facing similar challenges.

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.

Increasing resilience through movement and bodywork

Nancy K.

I've faced some very tough times over the past 20 years, but through it all, I've learned a lot about mental health. My most important discovery has been that exercise is an extremely effective tool for emotional well-being. Moving my body keeps me regulated and helps me bounce back when things get hard. I'm a fitness enthusiast and certified yoga and spin instructor, and my time at the gym, on the hiking trails, and in the yoga studio heals the trauma stored in my body. I truly hope to help you discover the rewards and restorative power of movement.

Overcoming pain medication addiction and reclaiming your life as a single parent

Nina L.

I grew up in a home where religion was strong and drugs were never around, so I never thought addiction would be part of my story. But after a car accident in 2019, I was prescribed pain medication and found myself caught in a cycle I couldn’t seem to break. As a newly single mom to three kids, I knew I needed to find a way out. A trusted friend suggested medicinal marijuana, and with that, plus support, CBD, and physical therapy, I was able to finally get off all substances. It wasn’t easy — I had to figure out so much on my own, diving into books, podcasts, and eventually going back to school for psychology to better understand healing and growth. Through all the challenges, I found a new version of myself: stronger, happier, and more resilient than ever. I would love to walk with you if you're trying to break free, rebuild your life, and find your own strength again.

Being ready to come home to yourself when you feel you don’t belong

Regina L.

I didn’t grow up in safety—I grew up surviving systems that were never designed to hold me. I was a foster youth, raised without a reliable mirror, without the language for my pain, without the certainty that I belonged anywhere. And yet—somewhere deep within—I always believed I was meant to become somebody. Not somebody famous, not somebody praised, but somebody whole. That belief carried me through institutions, loss, abandonment, and the kind of betrayal that teaches you to disappear yourself just to stay close to love. I went on to become an author, speaker, Executive Coach, and Senior Teacher at the Hoffman Institute—where I later created one of the first BIPOC-centered emotional healing modalities in that organization’s 50+ year history. But before any of those titles, I was just a girl trying to find her way back to her own name. What I bring to others now isn’t just training. It’s hard-won insight. I know what it’s like to feel emotionally homeless. Let's just start here.

Healing after emotional manipulation and love bombing

Stacy R S.

I’ve always been someone who could read people well, so I never imagined I’d fall into the grip of a love-bombing relationship. But about six months ago, I did. What began as a whirlwind of affection quickly turned into emotional manipulation. He filled up my time, isolated me with subtle lies, and made me question my instincts. Even when I started noticing red flags like gaslighting, control, emotional withdrawal, I doubted myself. It was only after talking things out with friends and family that I began to see things clearly. Their support gave me the space to breathe, reflect, and realize that I deserved better. Walking away from that situation was hard, but it helped me build emotional resilience and recognize the power of community. I now understand how easily these patterns can sneak in, even when you think you're too aware for that to happen. If you’re feeling confused, stuck, or unsure after a manipulative relationship, I’ve been there. Let’s talk it out together, there is clarity on the other side.