Melinda Maule, LCSW-C

Why does it always feel like my fault? Why can't I let go of the past? Why is it so hard to figure out what I'm feeling or how to calm down? Can I even make a difference with so much suffering in the world? These are some of the most difficult questions that plague us; that drive the weight on our chest, the tension our jaw, the churning in our stomach. However, our minds, bodies, and communities also have incredibly resilient ways of adapting. Even when the things that calm us down hurt us too, we can use them to build more effective ways to cope. Better understanding ourselves happens quickly when we can be curious together; and curiosity helps build compassion. Learning about the patterns we've developed, where they come from, and what keeps those patterns going, allows us decide whether they're serving us today and adapt accordingly. A greater sense of internal calm and control makes it possible to step back and consider ourselves in the context of the world around us. This allows us to explore the intersections of privilege, identity, joy, and connection in our lives so that we can live and love according to our values. We can take back ourselves, redefine our stories, and reclaim our lives.