
Healing Through Relationships
We met in the fall of 2014 during an abnormal psychology class. A lecture on eating disorders sparked a shared concern: our voices were among the few that challenged the oversimplification of such complex experiences. That moment marked the beginning of a deep connection.
By January 2015, we crossed paths again in a nutrition course and discovered a mutual dream: to support individuals struggling with eating disorders. Over coffee at Starbucks, our vision began to take shape even as we were both still navigating out own healing journeys. At that time, we were each facing significant personal struggles. What we didn’t realize then was that our connection would become a powerful force in our healing, both personally and professionally.
The foundation of our story
In more recent years, Darby sought new ways to heal from trauma when traditional methods fell short. A 16-week trauma program turned into two years of deep personal work, leading her to EMDR and somatic-based therapies that emphasized compassion and connection. Through this journey, it became clear that Michaela, too, had relational wounds that hadn’t yet been named. This insight shifted our entire therapeutic lens. We dove into advanced training in EMDR, and Natural Lifemanship, comitting ourselves to trauma-informed, relationally focused care. Today, our work is rooted in lived experience, ongoing learning, and a shared passion for helping others heal through safe connection.
Our Growth
“It’s the taco truck and the tea garden…homegirl laughter on a couch is where you can always come home.”