Healing from anger issues

Celeste G.

I didn’t really realize that I had anger issues until I got married and had kids. Then I discovered that when my husband and I had arguments, I couldn’t let things go and would feel so wounded by him wanting to retreat from an argument that I would explode. This looked like being verbally abusive, and even throwing things or hitting him. I would feel so ashamed afterwards and apologize profusely. I desperately wanted to change. I eventually went to see a counselor and talked through different ways to communicate with my husband, and because I valued the relationship so deeply I managed to stop exploding with him. Unfortunately, this meant that a lot of anger was then directed at my kids. After years of struggling to manage my anger, I finally realized the need for a deep healing journey, to uncover the unconscious roots that were underneath the explosive rage. In the process I became very good at identifying my feelings underneath the anger, since anger is a secondary emotion. Knowing what those underlying feelings are has been very helpful for me, along with what my triggers are. I have also discovered some healthy ways to vent anger that don’t hurt other people that I could share with you. Today I still experience anger sometimes, everyone does, but it no longer controls my life and I don’t see it as an awful thing that I have to avoid or hold in until I just can’t anymore. Instead, it can be an indication of where I still need some healing, or a healthy emotion that I feel when someone hurts me that I can release or confidently express without doing damage.

Knowing what you want out of dating before the apps ask

Abby K.

For most of my life, I didn’t really know what it meant to date in a healthy, intentional way. I was misdiagnosed with anxiety throughout childhood, when in reality I had OCD and Tourette’s—things that deeply affected how I viewed myself and interacted with others. For a long time, I placed a lot of my self-worth in being chosen or loved back, especially after falling hard for a best friend in college who didn’t feel the same. That experience shook my confidence, and I spent years trying to prove my value through relationships. Starting in 2020, I began dating a lot—over 50 first dates—and with each one, I learned something new about what I really wanted, how to communicate my boundaries, and how to feel whole no matter the outcome. I realized I didn’t need to mold myself to be who someone else wanted; I could be me, fully, and still be loved. Now I support others who are learning to date from a place of curiosity, confidence, and self-respect. Whether you're new to dating, feeling stuck, or trying to rediscover yourself in the process, I’m here to listen and help you find your way.

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.

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.

Surviving the emotional fallout after discovering your partner’s affair

Alex H.

I’ve been married for over a decade, but my partner and I have been together for more than 20 years. Therapy has been a huge help in improving our communication and navigating tough times. I also helped a close friend through a painful moment when they discovered their partner’s emotional affair. It was a shock for them, feeling like they weren’t enough, and they were ready to walk away. I encouraged them to take a step back, process their emotions, and focus on what they needed in the relationship. Through open conversations, they were able to understand that the affair was a symptom of deeper issues, not a reflection of their worth. Eventually, they chose to rebuild their trust and work through it together. They’re in a stronger place now.

Building a life together as a same-sex couple

Alex H.

My partner and I have been together for decades, and over that time we’ve lived through many of the dynamics that long-term same-sex couples face: mismatched expectations, evolving ideas of monogamy, different levels of comfort around openness and vulnerability. Our early years were rocky, marked by uncertainty and growth at different paces. But over time, trust took root. Not everything became easy or perfectly aligned, but we learned how to stay in the work — how to stay curious, and to keep showing up for each other even when we didn’t always agree. We’ve also moved through big life questions that don’t always come with a map — like what commitment should look like when no one handed you a script, or how to make decisions about marriage when it wasn’t always legally available, or emotionally accessible. We’ve had conversations about having kids, and wrestled with what it would take — practically, financially, emotionally — to pursue that path. While we didn’t become parents, the process of facing those questions still shaped how we saw ourselves as a couple, and clarified what we were building together. We didn’t land where we are through certainty — but through conversation, through friction, and through letting the relationship evolve without needing it to resemble anyone else’s. If you’re trying to navigate your own version of partnership, wherever you are in the process, I’d be glad to talk.

Navigating multicultural marriage

Alice Y.

I’ve always been independent, doing things my own way, but when I entered my multicultural marriage, I quickly learned that navigating different cultural backgrounds required me to adapt and grow. Growing up in Florida and living in places like Chicago and Alameda, I’m no stranger to change, but merging two distinct cultures in a relationship has been a unique journey. Every day brings new challenges, from understanding each other’s traditions and customs to finding common ground on how we communicate and approach conflict. There are moments of tension when we don’t see eye to eye, but we’ve learned to embrace our differences and use them as opportunities to learn and grow together. Over time, I’ve become more attuned to the nuances of our relationship, and I now approach each situation with patience, empathy, and a willingness to find creative solutions. What I’ve realized is that, while our cultures may shape us in different ways, our shared values and love for each other are what truly bind us. Through my own experience, I’ve gained valuable insights that I love to share with others in similar relationships—helping them navigate the complexities of cultural differences while building a deeper, more fulfilling connection with their partners.

Dating again in your 30s after burnout and situationships

Alison P.

I spent eight years dating in New York City, and for much of that time, I felt like I was stuck in a loop of one situationship after another, always hoping the next person would be different. I’d find myself exhausted, questioning my self-worth, and wondering if a real connection was even possible. I took breaks when I felt burned out, but kept coming back to dating apps because, well, that’s how people meet now. Eventually, I hit a point where I knew I had to stop and really reflect on the kinds of partners I was choosing, on what I actually wanted, and on the patterns I kept repeating. That shift changed everything. Now, I’m in a healthy relationship with someone who’s been through their own journey too, and it’s the kind of connection I used to think wasn’t out there. I also became a therapist and now run a dating group for women in their 30s, helping them explore what might be holding them back and how to date with more clarity and confidence. It brings me so much joy to support people through the messiness of dating, because I’ve been there and I know it can feel really lonely when you're trying to start over again.

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.

Navigating dating with confidence and clarity

Angela V.

I’ve dated with my heart wide open—and I’ve also dated with walls up so high, no one could reach me. I’ve fallen fast, I’ve healed slow, and I’ve made choices from both clarity and confusion. Over the years, I’ve learned that dating isn’t just about finding the right person—it’s about staying rooted in who you are while navigating connection, chemistry, and sometimes, disappointment. For a long time, I thought I had to shape-shift to be more likable, more agreeable, less ‘too much.’ But the best relationships I’ve experienced came when I stopped performing and started showing up as my whole self—quirks, scars, dreams and all. Dating can be vulnerable, especially when you’ve been hurt. But it can also be joyful, empowering, and deeply clarifying when you date with intention. Whether you’re newly single, exhausted by the apps, or just trying to figure out what healthy love even looks like for you, I’ve been there. Let’s talk about dating without losing your mind—or your magic.

Learning to regain trust in relationships after addiction

Angelo F.

One of the hardest parts of healing from addiction wasn’t just learning to trust myself again—it was learning how to rebuild trust with others. Addiction can create a trail of broken promises, strained relationships, and unspoken pain. I carried deep guilt and fear that I’d never be worthy of trust again. But I’ve learned that trust, like healing, can be rebuilt—one honest moment at a time. As I began living in alignment with my values, showing up for myself, and making consistent choices rooted in love and integrity, something shifted. The people around me started to notice. I stopped trying to prove myself and focused instead on being present, being honest, and being real. Over time, I rebuilt relationships that mattered and created new, healthier ones that felt safe and authentic. Most importantly, I learned how to forgive myself—and that’s what allowed me to open my heart again.

Going through a breakup in college

Annalisa A.

Breaking up with someone in college hits differently. You’re juggling school, figuring out who you are, and trying to hold it all together while your heart feels like it’s falling apart. I’ve been through that (more than once) and I remember feeling like I had no one to really talk to. I didn’t want to burden my friends, and sometimes I even questioned whether what I was feeling was “that big of a deal.” But it was. That pain pushed me toward something more meaningful. I started volunteering for a crisis text line, and over time I’ve supported hundreds of people. Many of them were students just like me, trying to make sense of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. I listened as they cried over situations that felt impossible. I helped them find words for their feelings, breathe through the anxiety, and take small steps toward feeling whole again. Now, as I study behavioral health and counseling, I’m more certain than ever that breakups aren’t just about relationships ending, they’re about rediscovering who you are and what you deserve. I’m here to talk with anyone feeling stuck, confused, or heartbroken, because I know how healing it can be to have someone just listen and get it.

Healing after a breakup that shook your whole world

Artem K.

I fell in love for the first time at 29, after spending 13 years in a relationship that I now realize wasn’t truly love. When that new relationship ended, it hit me harder than I ever could’ve imagined—my body physically reacted with uncontrollable shaking and spasms. It felt like the pain had seeped into every corner of my being. We broke up twice, and each time I found myself caught in a spiral of obsession, insecurity, and self-doubt. But eventually, something shifted. I realized I had to choose myself if I ever wanted to feel whole again. I went inward, examining my patterns, my wounds, and the ways I was abandoning myself in relationships. Through deep inner work, I reclaimed my power, found purpose, and transformed heartbreak into one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. Now, as a licensed coach, I help others move through these dark moments toward clarity, resilience, and genuine emotional freedom.

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.

The downside of partying, drugs and alcohol use

Baker R.

I’ve been through a turbulent relationship and a public breakup that was widely discussed among my social circles. While it was a difficult experience, it taught me so much about myself and relationships. After the breakup, friends and family started turning to me for guidance through their own relationship struggles, and I realized I had a lot to offer in terms of support and advice. In addition to my relationship challenges, I grew up in a party circle that introduced me to alcohol and drugs at a young age. What began as occasional fun in high school quickly became an overwhelming part of my life in college, where the drinking and partying only intensified. I began to feel a deep sense of guilt and self-loathing, especially after a series of mistakes that made me realize how much my substance use was spiraling out of control. Determined to change, I quit cold turkey, with a great deal of support from my friends and family. The journey was tough but ultimately rewarding.

Navigating life after divorce and building a new beginning

Belia K.

After a difficult divorce and being in an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship, I found myself at a crossroads. I didn’t have the language to understand what I was going through until I volunteered at a domestic violence shelter during our separation. That experience gave me a new perspective on how toxic relationships can shape our lives. As a single mom, I had to quickly learn how to balance being both the nurturer and the provider for my children. Raising three daughters on my own wasn’t easy, but over time, I realized that I had built a strong community of friends and mentors who helped me navigate the hardest parts of life. I learned that it truly takes a village, and being open to support from others was vital for my growth. Now, my daughters are all college-educated professionals, and I’m so proud of them. I’m happy to share my journey of perseverance and healing with others—whether it’s about creating new boundaries, learning how to trust again, or rediscovering yourself after tough times.

Making peace with divorce (and actually thriving after it)

Carina B.

When I got divorced a couple of years ago, I had no idea how lonely the process would feel—even with great friends and family around me. The problem? None of them had been through it. The advice I got didn’t quite land, and honestly, it made me feel even more alone. But divorce, as hard as it was, turned out to be a huge turning point in my life. I grew, I healed, and I’ve come to deeply love the person I am today. Now, friends refer other friends to me whenever they’re navigating a breakup or divorce. I’ve become a sounding board, a cheerleader, and someone who can hold space for how complicated this season can be. If you're overwhelmed, unsure, or just need a little lightness in your day, I’d love to talk. This might feel like the end—but there’s so much possibility on the other side.

Finding yourself again after breakup from an abusive relationship dynamic

Cheyenne H.

I struggled with trusting myself again after being forced to end abusive relationships for my own self preservation. I know what it’s like to feel lost and weary in life after something so emotionally chaotic. After time I started to see the wreckage from my romantic life bleed into my everyday life and I was forced to make a change for the better! The healing path wasn’t easy but well worth it! I now have a beautiful and thriving relationship with my life again but it all started with connecting to myself and discovering my confidence intentionally. Living without fear is worth every step taken to reclaim your power! It would be my honor to support you through your journey!

Parenting with love and strength after hardship

Christina I.

I became a mom at 17, and when I got pregnant, my partner of six years left me. I was heartbroken and overwhelmed, and I went through depression, emotional abuse, and the weight of parenting alone. A couple of years later, I entered another relationship and had my daughter, but that too ended after six years when I realized I couldn’t carry someone else’s emotional struggles along with my own. Through all of this, I was trying to heal without support—I even reached out for therapy, but I couldn’t find someone to talk to. So I leaned on the people around me, and I made a decision to give my kids what I never had: space to talk, love without pressure, and the kind of parenting that builds trust. I was raised by a single immigrant mother who worked hard to provide, but our relationship was distant. That made me want something different for my own kids. I talk to them openly, give them guidance, but ultimately let them make their own decisions. It’s not always easy, and I’ve had to forgive a lot of the pain from my own past. But today, my son is heading into the Marines and my daughter is thriving in middle school. I know what it’s like to feel alone as a parent and to question whether you’re doing any of it right. I’d love to support anyone who’s trying to parent with love while still figuring out how to heal themselves.