The problem I found with typical counseling was connecting- I thought, how can I connect with someone who’s never been in my shoes?! You can’t learn to relate to addiction, trauma, depression, surviving dangerous situations, sitting in prison, hitting rock bottom, etc. from reading it in a book. I couldn’t trust them to even begin to open up to them much less actually utilize the therapy. I needed treatment, therapy, help. I actually WANTED it for the first time but it wasn’t clicking- yet! Not long into my programming I was introduced to a woman who literally changed my life & for whom I will always be grateful…her name was Marsha and she was a certified peer specialist. Fancy terminology for a recovering addict who’s made it & now dedicates her life to helping other addicts get clean. I could finally relate to someone there!!! She could empathize with almost everything I’ve gone through. She inspired me, gave me hope, set me straight when I was ready to give it all up & listened when I needed her to! I not only succeeded but followed in her footsteps. Fast forward 8.5yrs and here I am today! I’m here for you. To share my story of recovery & fighting my demons, to listen, to help you get through life- whatever you may need. I can tell you that I have been through almost everything & anything you can throw at me, and if I haven’t directly, I can most likely still relate! So if you want to talk to a peer/friend, in full confidence, who will never judge you & has demons I fight just the same- I’m here for u. You don’t have to be alone in this fight. And please if you are struggling reach out for help, to someone- anyone, even if it’s not me. This is your life & your life matters…never forget that!