top of page
Writer's pictureCathy Jenkins

From Struggle to Strength: A Client's Journey to Empowerment and Setting Boundaries

Updated: Nov 27

Do you feel like you’re constantly doubting yourself, that you need to change, or put on a mask to be worthy of love or respect? Have you felt trapped in relationships where you pour everything in, and still felt drained and empty? If this sounds familiar, it might be time to regain your power and sense of self worth, and the good news is... It is possible.


reclaiming your power

Let me share the story of a remarkable client of mine. She came to me after ending a long, emotionally damaging relationship, that had completely eroded her self-confidence. She had spent years in this relationship, feeling that nothing she ever did was “enough”, endlessly trying to adjust to her partner to try to make things work. In her heart, she knew she needed to break free, but years of self-doubt and fear kept her locked in place. Although she’d left the relationship after years of conventional therapy, she still felt lost, depressed, and stuck in the belief that she wasn’t “enough". Seeking a way to finally break free from this self destructing cycle, she reached out to me, and since then, she discovered something far greater: a renewed sense of self-worth and power she never knew she had.


Reclaiming her Power: The First Step to Freedom


In our sessions, we uncovered how her need for approval had deep roots. Growing up with a narcissistic mother, she learned early on that love was conditional—something to be “earned” by meeting others’ needs and keeping herself small. Her mother’s constant demands and criticism left her feeling insignificant, teaching her that to be loved, she had to change or sacrifice her own needs.


Through compassionate self-reflection, she saw that these beliefs weren’t her own but patterns she’d picked up in an attempt to feel safe and accepted. By recognizing and letting go of these outdated beliefs, she was finally able to release the chains that had kept her tied to people who didn’t see her worth.


Building Boundaries from a Place of Strength and Self-Love


One of the most empowering aspects of her journey was learning to set boundaries, not out of fear, but from a place of self-love and worthiness. Together, we redefined what healthy boundaries looked like for her as an expression of her inherent worth, knowing she deserved kindness, respect, and reciprocity in her relationships.


Over the short amount of time we worked together, these boundaries became her guiding compass, helping her quickly recognize anyone who didn’t honour or respect her. She developed the confidence to let go of relationships that didn’t align with her values, knowing that by releasing what didn’t serve her, she was creating space for relationships that truly valued and uplifted her.


Transforming Patterns to Attract Healthy Relationships


creating healthy boundaries

In healing, she didn’t just break free from one relationship; she transformed the patterns

that had led her to it. With this newfound clarity, she began to trust her instincts, recognize red flags, and no longer felt drawn to people who drained her energy. As she embraced her worth, her entire approach to relationships shifted. Instead of feeling like she had to bend to others’ expectations, she felt empowered to be her authentic self, knowing that she deserved partners, friends, and connections that matched her values and respected her boundaries.


This was more than just moving on; it was a deep, lasting transformation. She saw that the real work was within her and that by stepping fully into her power, she could cultivate a life filled with genuine, uplifting relationships.


A Path Toward Empowerment and Lasting Change


If you see yourself in this story, and you’re ready to reclaim your worth and break free from patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to do it alone. The path to healing is about more than leaving a relationship; it’s about rediscovering your power, finding your voice, and knowing you deserve a life filled with respect, love, and joy.


Through our work together, I can help you uncover your true worth and show you how to build boundaries that support the strong, resilient person you already are (even if you might not know it just yet). Together, we can help you create a life where you no longer feel the pull of toxic relationships and instead feel empowered to choose only what uplifts and honours you. You have the power within you to make this change, and with the right support, it can become your reality.



3 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page