“I had always been strong, and able to bounce back. This time, it was too much. I was overwhelmed. I felt paralyzed in my thoughts, even my movement made me feel like a zombie. And I felt so distant from everything and everybody … so ashamed. ‘How could this be happening to me?’ I had nothing to lose, so with the support of my daughter, I started therapy at Thrive.
Listening cautiously, and holding on to each word to analyze, I pushed myself to come and began to connect with my therapist Ryne. Her voice was calm and restful. Ryne listened and began to ask simple questions that dug deeper into me than I expected. She started with what was going on right now, with open-ended questions from my past situation, revealing things I had suppressed without knowing for years.
I continued to be consistent and coming. It wasn’t always easy, but definitely necessary…It was so hard to see and hear myself talk about my life. The good, the bad, the ups, the down. Talking about myself out loud. Unbearable at times.
I had to learn to forgive myself, and sometimes daily I forgive myself. I’m learning to be vulnerable in a positive way…I pray that anyone that needs therapy, will seek it. I pray that they will have the support they need to do it, and the strength and courage to participate in it. That is my story” (Name and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.)
Thrive Counseling Center
Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services to Oak Park and surrounding communities for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. We envision a world where mental health is valued, proactively nurtured, and in reach of everyone.
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychiatry and medication management
- 24/7 Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Suicide awareness and prevention training
- Thrive Talks community education programs
Open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc.org or call 708-383-7500.