The Stories We Carry
This is a space created to hold the lived experiences of healing, shared by current and past clients with care and intention. These stories are offered anonymously with our client’s permission, honoring privacy while allowing the truth of each journey to be witnessed.
Healing is not linear, tidy, or the same for everyone. Within these reflections are moments of struggle, insight, resilience, and growth — reminders that change often happens quietly, over time, and in deeply personal ways.
You are invited to read at your own pace. Take what resonates, pause when needed, and trust yourself to leave what doesn’t. These stories are not meant to instruct or compare, but to remind you that you are not alone.
My DBT Story
When I first met Shelli my foundation had completely collapsed after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. I was forced to rebuild my house and I needed support.
I had been diagnosed with BPD in my early 20s and had been doing the DBT skills or so I thought. I learned quickly that there is one official DBT manual written by Marsha M. Linehan and the other 'skills' that I had learned along the way were just offcutes of CBT.
When I took the skills group of DBT with the official handbook, did the written exercises, and put what I learned into practice; I felt the shift from collapse and total annihilation of my home to building a more sturdy foundation on solid ground.
The sections I got the most use out of was trauma resolution, assertiveness skills, and emotional regulation. I have a feeling non-judgemental stance and dialectics towards myself and others will be a lifelong practice while I am in this body.
While a lot of therapists might say BPD is the worst diagnosis a person can get, I have to say, learing the true skills and getting the right therapist, really transformed my outlook on life. I still use my DBT skills daily at work, in my relationships and on myself.
I really enjoy being creative as well and I fnd solace in meditation, reiki, dance and music.
Now in my 40s I feel like I am finally building my castle instead of just going around in circles. I steer myself by making better choices and strong boundaries are a must. My yes means yes and my no means no. I am really proud of myself and celebrate my wins more.