Ascent Healing

A little of my history and background

I have thought a lot about what I should share and what would be appropriate for people to know about me which would help clients feel safe and that I’m a “real” person like them without disclosing too much. I worry about being judged but I guess that goes with the territory and is going to happen whether I want it to or not. So here it goes….

I have come a long way in my own healing from a history of severe childhood abuse. I will not name any perpetrators to hopefully avoid any public backlash but suffice it to say, I was sexually abused by MANY different people and was also abused ritualistically. My healing journey has taken over 20 years of therapy and I have learned many things along the way and know I am a very healthy and capable person. There was a time when I was not. I have learned that I am strong, a survivor and thriver.

Due to the extreme abuse, I have gone through my own periods of severe anxiety and depression. I do not pretend to understand exactly what my clients go through because everyone’s journey is different and their own, but I have been there myself and fought with suicidal feelings and have come out a very strong individual on the other side. It took a while to understand and believe that my experiences made me a better therapist but now I have 10 years of experience counseling individuals and I can definitely say it has made me a more compassionate, understanding and strong therapist.

In the midst of my healing journey, I was unfortunate to have been abused by a very unethical therapist. This further complicated my healing journey and lengthened my recovery considerably. It took a long time to realize this particular therapist was unethical and to get away from them. This person was reported and disciplined by the department of professional licensing and also had criminal charges. I mention this experience because it has taught me how vital it is to be an ethical and healthy therapist for my clients. I am very passionate at following ethical standards and having healthy boundaries.

I am a very spiritual individual but I do not force my beliefs onto others and I’m sure my clients would agree that I’m very liberal and accepting of everyone’s beliefs. The above picture is of me with my daughter who is currently on an LDS mission. Many people are surprised to find out that I am old enough to have a child on a mission but I assure you I am. My hair is currently purple and I have several tattoos. So I am indeed unique for my beliefs.

In this post I will also admit that I am in recovery for a behavioral addiction that I have struggled with for many years. I have never done drugs or alcohol and I don’t pretend to know what that is like. I do, however, know how hard it is to resist the pull of a destructive behavior and have gone through my own individual cravings, withdrawals, etc to my particular addiction. My symptoms are not typical for an addiction of this type, however, my addiction came out of the ritual abuse I endured and therefore I have a very atypical recovery. I write about it in the journal entry picture included here.

Well, that about covers it for now. Hopefully this post has a positive affect on people. I don’t mind sharing my experiences as long as it strengthens others and gives others courage to also be vulnerable. Healing is possible, my friends, I know it is real. I’m in the business of healing but I don’t pretend to be a healer. I am a guide. I have walked the healing journey path and yours may not be the same, but I look forward and am honored to help you on your own particular healing journey.