COnnor @ The MEnd

Through my own experience, I have a deep understanding that true healing takes time, commitment, and self-love, especially for our more deeply rooted wounds. This was especially clear when my mom suddenly passed. Tending to this immense grief has been hard, and I am eternally grateful for the support I have surrounding me and the support I give myself. I aim to be a shimmering light in your corner as you traverse whatever is currently alive in your life, as many have been for me. Personally, I'm thankful that true healing can't be solved or fixed with the snap of our fingers. Most people can relate to the fact that some of our deepest hardships turned into our most beautiful lessons. The journey is where the growth happens, and that journey cannot be rushed. It must be tended to with care and grace.

I am currently enrolled at Western Carolina University seeking to obtain my Master of Social Work to become a licensed therapist. So, I am a clinical intern at the Mend Collective! I’ve always had a drive to create lasting change; I’ve worked in grassroots politics, led workshops for community facilitation and conversation around complex subjects, and worked at a residential mental health facility on a farm. Through my healing journey, the modalities that have been instrumental are Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and intentional grief work through the teachings of Joanna Macy, Sobonfu Somé, and Malidoma Somé. My experience informs my approach, coupled with certification in Somatics from Embody Lab, and many workshops in grief tending. My approach invites you to be messy, to show up as you truly are, create a safe environment for your parts to be seen, and to help you feel secure going back into the body. 

More personally,  I grew up in New Hampshire and have lived in Asheville for 3 years. You might catch me on the basketball courts around town; it’s consistently been one of my biggest outlets to decompress. I’ve always been a nature enthusiast. There’s nothing I love more than stumbling upon creatures in the forest. I have a cat of my own, Figaro, who I think is the cutest little guy out there. Even if he sometimes is a big brat. I play piano and Djembe, and I love to sing! I’ll listen to most music, but my favorites are Jazz, the Blues, and Indie-Folk. Along the lines of music, a new hobby of mine has been watching musicals. I just saw my first Broadway show this past year, Hades Town!