My Journey
Born and raised in the PNW, my fam and besties call me Meesh.
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I'm the owner of Continuing Your Journey and the founder of #girlsquad community. I'm a certified Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner (tapping, check it out). It changed my life completely and I decided in that moment that I was going to share my story to mentor young girls in coping with life transitions and growing in self-love!!
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Little Backstory
Since I was young, I've had a passion to help others and a lot of times people would just share their personal stories with me ...I found my value in relationships and what others thought about me.
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So I had a pretty warped view of my self-worth ...I didn't feel like I measured up to the unrealistic pressures that media and peers put on us.
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Like most of you, my life did not unfold without difficult changes.
From childhood I had to learn how to cope with my parents' divorce, transferring into new schools and both of my parents suffering from addiction
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...all while trying to get through those awkward tween and high school years.
As I got older, I found my first boyfriend that I thought would last forever. But I ended up spending 4 years in a toxic relationship and when it ended ...I had totally lost myself
After that, I feel like I tumbled down that mountain and hit my rock bottom.
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I felt so out of control. I was self-conscious, insecure and had little to no confidence... constantly comparing myself to other girls and wishing that I could look/be like them. I'd cover myself up or if I was having an "ugly" day I just wouldn't go anywhere.
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The Realization
So I went out searching for acceptance in all the wrong places but as cliché as it sounds, honestly all I found was emptiness.
I finally realized that it wasn't anything "wrong" with me. I just didn't understand how to handle these changes that came into my life ...we're never really taught this.
I saw all change as a negative experience. I saw myself as a failure. I saw the world as a cruel place.
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But I was wrong about ALL OF THESE!!
The Transformation
Looking back now, I realize that through each of these crucial transitions during my life, I was blessed with supports to help guide me to the next steps of my journey.
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I connected with some other girls who were going through similar things that I had been through
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I realized that we have a major issue in this world. As women, we are taught to
- Strive for perfection and feel guilty for our imperfections
- Compare ourselves to each other and compete for "the win"
- Obsess over the way we look and NEVER let our guards down
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...that's insane!!
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So I said EFF these unrealistic and unattainable standards and LOVE yourself exactly the way that you were beautifully created!
The Sappy Ending
As I continued my story, I hit a major breaking point in my early 20s when my life took an unexpected turn from the plans that I had created. My faith in God’s plan is what kept me going and I found Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping). I started to dig deep into the emotional blockages from my past.
Now I know that the transition phases had an effect on every aspect of my life - my choices, relationships, attitude, spirit and even sometimes my physical health.
Through the continued practice of EFT, I was able to gain more peace and acceptance of myself as well as others AND fully embrace my life again.
Most of all, I found that there was something I could do to help in coping with the ebb and flow of life.
Looking back with all of the insights that I've gained and growth I've made, I want to share it with ALL girls who are struggling with transitions and truly loving themselves ...so that one day hopefully I can help YOU in continuing your journey.
To book a complimentary breakthrough session, click here: Working Together.
Degrees/Certifications
Psychology Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Willamette University; Salem, OR
Certified EFT Intermediate practitioner through Emotional Freedom Technique University (EFTU)
Certified Matrix Reimprinting practitioner
Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA)
Adult and Child First Aid & CPR certified
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Clinical Training
Trauma Informed Care
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)
Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Respectful Communication: Avoiding Microaggressions
Working with Transgender Clients 101
Military Culture - Enhancing Clinical Competence
Pro-Act
DSM 5
EFT Level 1 training with Alina Frank and Craig Weiner; Seattle, WA
EFT Level 2 training with Judith Frost; Tacoma, WA
Resolving Trauma and PTSD with EFT training from Judith Frost; Tacoma, WA
Tapping out of Trauma from Craig Weiner and Suzanne Fageol
EFT Matrix Reimprinting with Alina Frank and Craig Weiner; Langley, WA
EFT Matrix Reimprinting: Specific Issues with Alina Frank and Craig Weiner; Langley, WA
Work Incentives Network's Understanding SSA Benefits and Employment
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Ethical Training
Ethics & Boundaries for Qualified Mental Health Associates
HIPAA Privacy
LifeWorks NW: Mandatory Abuse Reporting
Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Practice
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