A Resident’s Testimony

Looking back, I remember feeling suffocated by pressure. It felt like everyone, from my family to other people around me, expected me to be perfect in everything I did. Rebelling felt like the only way out. I clung to extreme ideologies and dove headfirst into dangerous situations, not caring about the consequences.

Deep down, I just craved a sense of belonging, a purpose. But instead, I found myself adrift in a sea of unhealthy relationships and fleeting experiences. My idealism fueled a lot of self-destructive choices, which all stemmed from a misguided attempt to carve out some kind of independent life.

Entering rehab was scary. At first, I resisted everything. But slowly, with the counselors and therapists, I began to understand my truth. I began a journey of self-discovery, confronting the traumas and wounds that shaped my negative self-image and unhealthy coping mechanisms. It was a revelation – I realized I wasn’t being driven by my true self, but by issues I wasn’t aware of, and that shattered my illusion of control over my life.

Nazareth became more than just a program; it became a family. I was given love and tough love, the kind that pushed me to confront my reality and understand the root of my issues. Their guidance, along with the principles of the “Nazareth way of life,” empowered me to break free from negativity and build healthy connections with others.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned in therapy was that true identity comes from within, not from external validation. Tito Bob always emphasized the importance of letting go of old belief systems to embrace new ones. It was incredibly painful, questioning everything I thought defined me. But through this letting go, I began to discover who I truly was and what truly mattered in life.

Reintegration after rehab wasn’t a walk in the park. I naively expected home to be a safe haven, but true safety comes from within, something I had to learn the hard way. Familiar situations triggered old feelings, and I battled depression and OCD. There were times when I desperately wanted to go back to Nazareth. It felt like a perfect world, where problems were solved by a supportive community.

The first few years after leaving rehab were a real struggle. There were times I felt lost, questioning my progress. I was incredibly hard on myself, feeling like I shouldn’t be having such a hard time after therapy. The self-blame was crippling. But through it all, I had an incredible support system – the constant guidance from the Nazareth family, the unwavering loyalty of true friends, and the unwavering love of my family. They were my anchors, grounding me when I felt like I was adrift.

Today, I’m about to graduate college, fueled by a desire to become a psychologist. I want to “pay forward” the transformative power of psychology, to help others find the strength and self-acceptance that I found on my own journey. Also with newfound motivation, I have a vision and goals that, despite the uncertainty about the future, I know will guide me to keep becoming the better version of myself – for me, my family, and the Nazareth community.