The brain acts as the bridge between our physical and emotional selves, yet we often overlook its care. How can we strengthen it, especially after challenges like trauma, stress, or addiction? 

as someone who lives with mental health challenges, good friends are like a cheat code in the game of life…

I prefer to set goals on my own time and my own terms. And really, I don’t feel like the middle of winter is an ideal time to start something new…

This is a quote printed on a piece of wood with a worn image of a sunset shimmering off the water that is hanging on my office wall. Daily, this simple little square reminds me to slow down and not wish away the days…

Jaz is one of our more elusive providers. Because of his busy schedule, we don’t see him around very much, but he’s always behind the scenes effortlessly doing amazing things…

Teresa is an invaluable member of our organization, and we feel truly fortunate to have her on our team. With a focus on supporting women, Teresa’s nurturing and compassionate spirit make her an exceptional provider and an inspiring person…

Courtney is one of our more experienced providers. In addition to being a cool, interesting human, she is a role model for seeing the whole person and supporting without ego. Lucky for us, she is always willing to share her peer support wisdom with our team. Here is some more about Courtney in her own words:

We live in a place that has only a short window to enjoy warm, summery weather, so summer means more chances for socializing. We also live in a place where culturally, socializing means alcohol. Alcohol seems to make an appearance everywhere from music festivals to baby showers and in all activities from painting to yoga…

Prioritizing ourselves can sometimes feel like the biggest chore out there, with our own versions of overflowing plates and being metaphorically maxed out on our spoon distribution. In the constant grind of trying to make it through the day, it can be hard to remember that self-care is actually the least selfish act you can engage in…

The thing is, the very factors that put those in the LGBTQ+ community at greater risk for all of these things are the same ones that make it harder for them to find a supportive, effective pathway to recovery. From discrimination in healthcare/treatment settings to loss of connection with family, pain and struggle become the norm. Isolation sets in, loneliness takes root, and before long you’ve lost all hope that anything can/will ever be different. 

And if there’s one thing we know about recovery, it’s that hope is key.