My Journey
Born and raised in the PNW, my fam and besties call me Meesh.
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!!
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.
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.
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
...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.
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.
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.
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.
I connected with some other girls who were going through similar things that I had been through
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
...that's insane!!
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
Ethical Training
Ethics & Boundaries for Qualified Mental Health Associates
HIPAA Privacy
LifeWorks NW: Mandatory Abuse Reporting
Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Practice