Becoming the Butterfly: My Journey to Healing and Helping Others

Butterflies have always been meaningful to me.

They represent transformation, resilience, and the ability to grow through even the darkest times. My mom once told me that whenever I saw a butterfly, it was her way of waving at me. And sure enough, butterflies have shown up at every important moment of my life—my wedding, the birth of my daughter, and times when I desperately needed a reminder that I wasn’t alone. So when it came time to name my practice, the butterfly was the obvious choice.

My Own Path to Healing

We often hear about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but what we don’t hear as much about is Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is about taking life’s hardest moments and, somehow, creating something meaningful from the pain. I first learned about it during my time as a hospice social worker, where I saw families, despite their grief, find strength and purpose in ways they never expected.

Then, in May 2022, my life changed forever. My husband died suddenly of a heart attack. The pain was unbearable, and I found myself in a place I never imagined—deep in grief, navigating life as a widow with my children. I had no control over what had happened, but I did have control over how I moved forward. I knew I couldn’t let myself or my kids stay in that darkness forever. So, I sought help. I started my own healing journey, as difficult and reluctant as it sometimes was. I leaned on therapy, my faith, my community, and the Serenity Prayer to guide me through.

I also knew I wasn’t alone in this pain. That’s why I started a young widows’ support group in my community. I needed to find purpose in my loss, to turn my grief into something that could help others.

Why I Created New Beginnings Counseling

Through my own healing, I realized I wanted to do more. I had spent over 20 years as a social worker, but I had always dreamed of opening my own practice. After my husband’s passing, I knew it was time. In 2022, I left a job I loved in community mental health and finally took the leap to create New Beginnings Counseling, INC.

I wanted to build a space that felt safe—a place where people could heal without judgment, where they could feel seen and supported. Healing is not about "getting over it" or pretending everything is fine. It’s about learning how to carry your experiences in a way that doesn’t weigh you down forever. That’s the foundation of New Beginnings.

Helping Others Through Transformation

I always tell my clients that growth looks different for everyone. It’s not linear, and it’s never easy. It’s like the caterpillar in the cocoon—it’s messy, painful, and often feels like nothing is happening. But with time, patience, and the right support, transformation is possible.

That’s why I give every client a blue butterfly—a symbol of growth despite darkness. It represents the idea that even when life feels unbearable, change is still possible. I also share my favorite quote from Beau Taplin: "One day, you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else's survival guide."

An Invitation to Heal

If you’re struggling, I want you to know this: You don’t have to do it alone. Healing is possible, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Whether you're dealing with grief, trauma, anxiety, or something else entirely, you deserve support.

At New Beginnings Counseling, we provide a safe place to grow. No matter where you are in your journey, I am honored to walk alongside you as you find your way forward.

If you're ready to start your own transformation, visit www.newbeginningswtn.com. You are not alone.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Whether you’re navigating grief, trauma, or just feeling stuck, you don’t have to face it alone. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Reach out today to schedule a session or learn more about how we can work together at www.newbeginningswtn.com.

Because healing starts with one small, brave step. 🦋

New Beginnings Counseling proudly serves clients in Watertown, SD and nearby areas with both in-person and virtual support.