Journey to Recovery, Self-Healing, Growth, and Giving Back

Hello! My name is Dorothy. I am a 90's child and I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a child, I felt like I had a lot of questions about why things were the way they were, seeking a deeper understanding for human reactions and responses. I totally identify with that notion of feeling like an alien from another planet, yet at the time, didn't know there existed such a thing. In high school, it became clear to me that my purpose in life was to become a social worker — to inspire and support individuals through hard times the way my high school social worker had helped me. 

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My journey of recovery has guided me to the path of clinical social work & therapy. I have seen the power of transformation, hitting rock bottom, and having those light bulb moments of clarity. I believe that being in recovery gives me a unique perspective on the helping profession, resilience in healing, and the gift of giving back. I was not always an open person. I believe that becoming transparent and vulnerabie broke down the walls that caged my inner critic, perfectionist, and demons. It was by speaking out that I was able to address, acknowledge, challenge and eventually overcome the power of what truly existed and consumed my existence. 

I am here to hold space for others. I am forever grateful for those who held space for me. It is my duty to pass on the torch as my story is not over, and if I can help you write/edit/spellcheck/[select more appropriate term] yours, it is a gift. That is what I was put on this earth to do -- connect with and support human beings.

I have worked with a wide range of mental health professionals throughout my journey to healing. The lessons I learned have remained with me, transcended, and enhanced my work with others. I am continuously learning from self-awareness, gaining insight and seeking understanding of challenges in a world that demands adaptation. As a clinical social worker, I seek to guide individuals to finding their meaningful life, self-acceptance and self-autonomy by developing healthy coping behaviors and valuing their self-worth. 

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My rewarding experiences have led to ongoing planning and pre-developmental stages towards Her Story Is Just Beginning, L.L.C. to offer support to anyone seeking help or guidance to their authentic self. The idea to incorporate alternative forms of therapeutic healing into a future private practice Therapy, Healing, & Wellness Center is based on what I feel was missing from many traditional treatment settings along my journey to recovery. It has been my dream to offer traditional and alternative methods for those experiencing diverse and complex mental and emotional health challenges.

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I believe in the power of sharing life experiences, mutual aid, and the unity and growth that comes from supporting others of diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds. I am passionate about Client-Centered Therapy, a Strengths-Based Perspective, Mindfulness, a Nonjudgmental Approach, and Cultural Competence. Difficult experiences have the potential to teach us valuable lessons and become opportunities for learning, increasing hope, growth, positive change, and renewal. I look forward to shedding light upon my passion for healing, therapeutic skills, and genuine rapport building with clients in a world filled with connection and resilience. 

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