Mental health therapy
I come from a long line of therapists throughout my life. I had my very first encounter when I was enrolled in divorce counseling at age five. Realistically, I have had about 20 different therapists throughout the entirety of it. As a recovering drug addict with a large amount of past trauma, I was no easy feat. I met Mario when I was 27 years old, and in a total mental, emotional, crisis. I had been addicted to crack cocaine since I was 14, in treatment (MAT) for heroin addiction, and was a black out drunk alcoholic. I was also, in complete despair, after finding out my husband at the time had molested my then, 4 year old daughter. Suicidal, homicidal, and broken to what I thought was beyond repair, Mario was such a bright light in my world of utter darkness. Upon hearing my story, Mario showed a pure empathetic nature I hadn’t experienced in so long. When you are labeled as one of society’s outcasts, you are rarely, If ever, greeted with this kind of compassion. Not only was he able to provide me with the genuine support I so desperately needed, he saw in me what I did not, could not, see in myself. He helped me to realize that I was not a bad person, but a person plagued with addiction, a disease, and a victim of unfortunate circumstance. Mario never chastised me when I slipped, stumbled, or fell flat on my face. But rather, encouraged me to get back up. He was always there without judgment, to help me put the pieces back together. Mario got me through the darkest time in my life, and, has played a vital role in my 3.5 years of continuous sobriety. Since this time, he has witnessed me fight for custody of my daughter, who I lost due to my addiction, and win. He has also seen me recover, have another child, my son, and completely reconstruct my life. Without Mario, I truly believe I would not be who I am today. Mario is without a doubt, one of the most genuine, encouraging and kind human beings I have ever met. Anyone who has the pleasure of working with Mario will be blessed with the opportunity of experiencing one of God’s greatest people. Thank you Mario, from the bottom of my heart.
