My experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. As a survivor of sexual violence, I intimately understand how trauma can affect every facet of a person’s life. It impacts not only the mind but also one’s sense of self, relationships, and worldview. This personal journey of navigating the effects of trauma and finding pathways to healing has been both transformative and enlightening. It has inspired my career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and my dedication to creating spaces where others can begin their own healing journeys. My private practice, Cultivating Capacity, is the culmination of my professional and personal experiences. It provides accessible and personalized trauma-informed psychotherapy services uniquely designed for victims, survivors, helpers, and healers of sexual assault, rape, incest, and childhood sexual abuse. Through this practice, I aim to offer a space of safety and understanding, where individuals can process their trauma and move toward empowerment. By focusing on the specific needs of survivors and those who support them, I strive to make mental health care both equitable and meaningful. The work I do at Cultivating Capacity reflects my deeply held belief that healing from trauma is not linear but is always possible. I incorporate evidence-based practices with compassion, tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique circumstances and strengths. My goal is not only to help survivors rebuild their sense of self but also to empower them to reclaim agency in their lives and relationships. This mission is informed by my own understanding of the resilience required to overcome trauma and by my commitment to advocating for those who often feel unseen or unheard. These experiences have also profoundly shaped my relationships. Personally, I have learned to cultivate empathy, active listening, and vulnerability in my interactions with others. I have come to understand that connection and compassion are at the heart of healing, both for myself and for the individuals I serve. Professionally, this understanding forms the foundation of my therapeutic approach, allowing me to build strong, trusting relationships with my clients. The lessons I’ve learned through my own journey help me to meet others where they are, offering support and validation while encouraging growth. My work as a Social Science Program Specialist for the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program has further expanded my understanding of how trauma intersects with larger systems. In this role, I advocate for survivors while navigating institutional structures that can often be barriers to healing. This work has reinforced my commitment to addressing trauma not only at the individual level but also within the broader systems that survivors encounter. Whether working with military or civilian populations, I strive to create a bridge between survivors and the resources they need to recover and thrive. Pursuing a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) is the next step in my journey. The DMFT’s emphasis on systems thinking aligns with my goal of addressing trauma holistically. Survivors of sexual violence often face not only personal challenges but also systemic ones, such as stigma, lack of resources, and institutional barriers. My advanced studies will allow me to deepen my understanding of these systemic influences and develop innovative, trauma-informed approaches to care that address these broader contexts. I aim to integrate mental health services with education, prevention, and advocacy to create sustainable change for survivors and the communities that support them. My experience with mental health has also shaped my understanding of the world. I see it as a complex interplay of individual stories, relational dynamics, and systemic influences. Trauma does not occur in isolation; it exists within cultural, institutional, and social frameworks that can either exacerbate or mitigate its effects. This perspective has fueled my commitment to creating change at both micro and macro levels, ensuring survivors are supported not only in therapy but also within the broader systems they navigate. Through my private practice and my work with the Navy, I have witnessed the profound impact that a safe and supportive environment can have on individuals recovering from trauma. I have seen survivors move from feeling powerless and unseen to reclaiming their voices and rediscovering their inner strength. These transformations are what drive my passion for mental health and reinforce my belief in the power of trauma-informed care. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world by fostering spaces of healing and empowerment for survivors of sexual violence. Whether through Cultivating Capacity, my work with the SAPR program, or my future endeavors as a DMFT, I am dedicated to transforming pain into purpose. By addressing trauma at both individual and systemic levels, I hope to create a world where survivors are supported holistically, where systems are responsive to their needs, and where healing is accessible to all. This journey has taught me that mental health care is more than a profession—it is a mission to promote resilience, compassion, and systemic change. I believe that by combining my lived experience, professional expertise, and advanced education, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors and the communities that surround them. Through these efforts, I strive to leave a legacy of hope, empowerment, and healing.