From 2016-2019, I was in an abusive marriage and I did not understand this until I decided to separate in February 2019. I experienced love bombing, gaslighting, and manipulation until it became physical during my pregnancies with both my children. I gained the courage to walk away with my children because I could no longer endure that treatment. I walked away choosing my self-love and broke a cycle of trauma because I did not want my children to grow up in dysfunction. I became the change that I wanted to see by doing the inner work of facing all my feelings that were suppressed. After being assaulted and harassed repeatedly to stay in the toxic marriage, I stood my ground by using no-contact and established boundaries. In Spring 2020, I began to process my feelings regarding the trauma I went through during my marriage as well as unhealed childhood trauma. My process involved journaling, meditating, and unlearning patterns of behavior by tracing the root of my trauma. I connected with other women going through similar situations and I was able to mentor them by holding space listening to their stories. In August 2020, I then enrolled in a 6-week Listening Training program at an organization called SeekHealing. I learned how to attentively listen by reflecting, asking curious questions, and sharing impact. I have been volunteering weekly at SeekHealing remotely during Connection Practices on Monday evenings. I love listening with my heart and reflecting because it makes the person feel heard. I understand that venting and feeling heard is important in one’s healing journey as it was very important during mine. After each Connection Practice meeting, I feel alive and inspired to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. There is medicine in authentic connection and I am honored when people feel safe to express their emotions to me. In September 2020, I took a stand against domestic violence by starting my own campaign through a fundraiser website called RallyUp. I shared my traumatic story to spread awareness in my community and helped raise funds to help fellow survivors. I am an advocate for social justice and gained the courage to share my campaign on all social media platforms. It means so much to me to give back because survivors need financial assistance and genuine support from their community. By the end of the month, I completed training at IMAlive, which is an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention. I have learned that each individual has their own sets of coping skills and I assist in asking what helps the person in crisis and help them formulate an action plan. I love being compassionate with others and showing empathy. Those qualities specifically are truly needed in the therapeutic process and will assist me as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I intend to remind my clients about using their coping tools, holding space, and empower them. During the process of holding space for others, I became motivated to take self-paced classes online in Psychology because of my curiosity in wanting to know why people behave the way they do. Specifically, what influences human behavior, social and cultural factors? How do traumatic situations like abuse (Childhood or relationships), neglect affect brain chemistry? By learning about these subjects, I can assist my clients in their healing journey. I completed Relationship Psychology: How to Analyze People You Date and I am currently enrolled in Narcissistic Behavior & Relationships, Psychology, and Therapy of Addictions, Abnormal Psychology, and Social Psychology.

I decided to take a stand against domestic violence by creating my own fundraiser on Rally Up. I shared my traumatic story to spread awareness in my community and helped raise funds to help my fellow survivors. I am courageous to share my campaign on all social media platforms and to my friends and family. It means so much to me to give back because survivors need financial assistance, support from those who have also faced trauma and deserve to receive genuine community support.