hey there!
I'm Raina
My mission now is to illuminate the path for others, guiding them to stand firmly in their truth, trust their instincts, and advocate for themselves without fear. Together, we are rewriting the narrative of self-sacrifice, fostering a culture of self-trust and empowerment. It's a journey that transcends personal triumph; it's about becoming beacons of light, dispelling shadows and transforming our world into a sanctuary of self-compassion and unwavering authenticity.
But more importantly,
I'm someone who has been where you are.
My childhood unfolded amidst the unconventional backdrop of a hippie commune nestled in Washington state's rural heartland. My parents faced the daunting task of raising a child who was exceptionally sensitive, in a world that often misunderstood her extraordinary nature. By my mid-teens, societal expectations and the needs of those around me began to weigh heavily on my young shoulders.
Unbeknownst to me, I was gradually morphing into the person everyone else desired me to be, suppressing my authentic self to accommodate others' expectations.
The burden of fulfilling everyone else's needs became an unbearable load, triggering a relentless cycle of depression and anxiety that would shadow me for years to come. At the tender age of 20, I found myself standing on the precipice of despair, culminating in a suicide attempt that marked a harrowing chapter in my life. Only two years later, I experienced my first significant mental breakdown, illustrating the deep-seated turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
To the outside world, I appeared to be a young woman in complete control, someone who seemingly had it all together. But in truth, I had become a master of mirroring what others expected of me, skillfully concealing my inner chaos beneath a veneer of composure. This façade of control left me feeling adrift, overwhelmed, and profoundly disconnected from my true self. Hidden behind the mask of perceived perfection, I grappled with a profound sense of loss, struggling to find the person I once knew within.
Amidst this turmoil, I oscillated between profound self-loathing and an unyielding belief that I could save the world if only I could gather my own fragmented pieces together long enough. I delved into extensive reading, sought guidance from healers, seers, therapists, and psychologists, yet none could offer the answers I desperately sought. The burden of presenting a facade of well-being while feeling like I was crumbling inside became an exhausting ordeal. The pain, sadness, and sorrow within me threatened to suffocate, compelling me to conceal my inner turmoil from the world.
Concealing my struggles behind carefully constructed masks
began to take its toll
Sheer exhaustion of upholding these facades gave way to overwhelming anxiety and fear. It was at this precipice that a pivotal moment of self-discovery unfolded through deep meditation, revealing the profound realization that the internal conflict consuming me stemmed from a disconnection from my true self. This transformative experience allowed me to confront and embrace my inner demons, recognizing them as wounded parts of myself yearning for love, acceptance, and understanding in their own way.
In a moment of profound vulnerability, I extended compassion and solace to these wounded aspects of myself, pledging to nurture and care for them in every way possible. Through this process of introspection and self-embrace, I witnessed a profound transformation taking shape within me. No longer willing to subject myself to environments or relationships that exacerbated my distress, I began prioritizing my own well-being and reclaiming my inner strength. Over time, I cultivated a reservoir of inner power, learning to replenish myself first and extend from my overflow, rather than depleting myself by giving beyond my capacity.
Through this work and working with my clients,
I found Internal Family Systems.
This journey of self-embrace and inner healing led me to the groundbreaking modality of Internal Family Systems (IFS), unveiling a structured approach aligned with my own intuitive work I had been undertaking for years. As I embarked on an official IFS journey, I developed profound compassion and understanding for each facet of my being, including the most vulnerable and tumultuous parts. This deepened sense of self-awareness and acceptance has not only facilitated my personal growth but has also empowered me to guide others on their paths toward self-discovery and healing.
Today, through my coaching business, I am privileged to accompany numerous individuals as they navigate their own journeys of inner healing and self-reintegration. I have realized that my very success and resilience are intrinsically linked to the cooperation and support of my inner parts, even the most challenging among them. Embracing my complete self has allowed me to embody qualities such as compassion, kindness, self-awareness, and authenticity, attributes often reflected back to me by those who know me best.
Embracing my complete self has allowed me to embody qualities such as compassion, kindness, self-awareness, and authenticity, attributes often reflected back to me by those who know me best.
Now when people look at me and tell me I'm the least judgmental but most compassionate, caring, kind, grounded, self-aware, considerate, true to myself person they know, I believe them because I know all of those things to be true about myself as well.
I know who I am without a doubt and I'm no longer afraid others will know who I am too. I shine my light brightly from the highest mountain top guiding the way for others to do the same.
To stand tall and proud of who they are in the most grounded and secure way where they trust themselves and feel safe to speak up for themselves.
For we are the givers of the world and we will no longer give in self-sacrifice.