Embracing Growth and Healing: My Personal Journey
In this blog post, I hope to share the highs and lows of my healing process, as well as the experiences that inspired me to pursue a career in counselling.
From a fairly typical childhood in North Vancouver, BC I unexpectedly faced several adverse experiences in high school that tested my mental health and resilience. Like many teenagers, I found myself trapped with confusing emotions, struggling with feelings of dread, stagnation, and insecurity. While once very involved in soccer and other sports, I instead turned to drinking and using other substances as a way to cope.
Despite these challenges, I had managed to be accepted to the University of British Columbia the following year. The early years of my undergraduate studies were marked by continued difficulties as I continued to struggle to understand what I was going through. I found myself staying up at all hours of the night, and sleeping throughout most of the day, finding little energy to do much else. I frequently skipped class and began to self-isolate with depression and anxiety in university. Being someone who had always been active in sports and done well academically, it was disheartening to witness my grades plummet and my passion for life fade away.
“We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.”
Like many people, I did not grow up during a time when mental health concerns were acknowledged or discussed. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I began to piece together the puzzle of what I had been living through. It dawned on me that what I was experiencing went beyond normal stress or occasional sadness; what I was experiencing was social anxiety and depression. Finally being able to put a name to my experiences was a turning point in my life. It allowed me to shift from confusion and self-blame to a proactive stance on finding a way to get better.
The path to healing is rarely linear, and my personal journey was no exception. It was a gradual process that demanded patience, self-reflection, and an open mind. Therapy and meditation groups became safe spaces where I could explore the depths of my emotions and uncover the root causes of my struggles. Through various therapeutic modalities, such as EMDR and mindfulness practices, I gradually gained insights and developed different ways of thinking, feeling, and being. After finding a sense of peace I looked for purpose. I decided to pursue my Masters of Social Work (MSW), in hopes it could help equip me with the knowledge and skills to extend the support I had experienced to others.
After moving to Ontario and completing my MSW at the University of Toronto, I felt a profound sense of contentment. I eagerly anticipated working as a counselor, a dream I had been pursuing for years. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold and life came to a standstill, I decided to return home to BC to be closer to my family. It was during this time that I couldn't ignore my love for rock climbing, and Squamish's incredible climbing opportunities called out to me. In the summer of 2020, I made the decision to follow my passion and begin a new chapter in Squamish.
“Healing Is a Journey, Not a Destination”
Since coming to Squamish I have learned to appreciate the deep connectedness nature brings me, and have met a community of like-minded people. It is now my privilege to have the opportunity to provide personalized and dedicated support to individuals on their unique journeys to well-being. I am truly looking forward to making a positive impact in the lives of those I work with.
Healing is a process for all of us, and something that is never fully complete. Setbacks and moments of vulnerability will ultimately always arise, however, I've learned that these moments don't define us; instead they can offer us further opportunities for learning, resilience, and growth. By sharing my story, I hope to help create a supportive community that acknowledges our common struggles. I encourage others to embrace their own path to recovery, seek help when needed (in whatever way that feels good for them), and find solace in their passions and the beauty of the world.
