Mending my Soul

We are hurt within community, making healing in community a powerful counterforce. My first experience with this was in Ala-Teen, followed by impactful group counseling as an adult with a certified sex addiction therapist, specifically aimed at supporting partners. Later, Compassion Washington introduced me to Mending the Soul, which truly became a lifeline. Just this past weekend, the Tree of Life Gathering in Fairbanks, Alaska, further reinforced this powerful understanding.

It's within these shared spaces, sitting alongside others who intuitively grasp the unspoken weight of certain experiences, that the suffocating grip of isolation begins to loosen. Hearing stories – and struggles, resilience, and triumphs – serves as a potent reminder that we are not alone in our pain. There's comfort in recognizing the universality of suffering and witnessing firsthand that others have forged pathways toward healing and wholeness. In the gentle encouragement, the unspoken understanding, and shared tears, I found the courage to confront my deepest wounds and nurture a nascent belief in a more integrated future. This isn't merely about intellectual understanding; it's about normalizing healing from trauma and abuse. It is the deeply human experience of feeling seen, unconditionally accepted, and gently held while navigating the intricate and beautiful process of mending my soul.