RETURNING TO MY ROOTS IN GREECE: A THERAPIST'S JOURNEY OF HEALING, HERITAGE, AND CONNECTION

This summer, I lived out a long-held dream: traveling to Greece, the land of my parents, grandparents, and ancestors, alongside my family.

For years, an image of Greece sat quietly on my vision board. I didn’t know when or how it would happen, but I trusted that it would one day come to pass. When the opportunity finally arrived, it became more than a vacation. It was a journey of remembering, reconnecting, and carrying forward wisdom that now deepens my work as a therapist.

Walking the Paths of My Family and Ancestors

Spending time in Greece meant more than sightseeing. It was about walking the same stone streets that generations before me had walked. It was about the connection to my parents, grandparents, and beyond. It included so many special moments with my family, soaking in the rhythm of village life, and rediscovering what it means to belong to something bigger than myself.

Stepping into centuries-old churches was also part of that journey. There were so many moments of quiet reverence that connected me not only to my faith but also to the faith of those who came before me. I felt the weight of history, devotion, and continuity.

In those moments, I was reminded of truths I see often in the therapy room:

• We carry our stories within us. Our history, memories, and family narratives shape how we see ourselves today.

• We are influenced by the systems we come from. Family, culture, religion, and community all leave an imprint - and revisiting them with fresh eyes can spark healing.

• Connection is at the heart of growth. Whether with self, loved ones, or place, healing often happens when we soften into connection.

  
  

The Intersection of Heritage and Healing

In therapy, I often help clients explore their own stories and how their family history, culture, and relationships influence who they are today. My journey to Greece was a living example of this. Reconnecting with my heritage reminded me of the importance of slowing down, of honoring where we come from, and of finding strength in belonging.

Carrying Greece Home

Returning home, I felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Greece was not just a place on my vision board, as it became a touchstone for how I live, parent, and support clients.

Travel has the power to shift us in ways that last long after the suitcase is unpacked. For me, this trip to Greece will remain a reminder of the healing potential found in heritage, family, faith, and connection.

Reflecting on Your Own Roots

Just as my time in Greece reconnected me with my heritage, you might pause to reflect on your own story:

• What family stories or traditions have shaped who you are today?

• How does your cultural background influence the way you view relationships or handle challenges?

• When you think about “home,” what people, places, or memories come to mind?

• How might reconnecting with your roots bring insight or healing in your present life?

• What role has faith or spirituality played in your journey, and how might it connect you more deeply to your roots?

  
  

Exploring questions like these can be powerful. In therapy, we don’t just look at what’s happening right now; we honor the systems, histories, and connections that have shaped you.

If you feel ready to explore your own story in a supportive place, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

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