My Story
Getting to this point in life has definitely been a journey. I confronted mental health before I realized my experiences could be named. I discovered the importance of vulnerability and resilience in the process of transformation. I have an intimate understanding of the complexity of trauma and how it weaves into every piece of my lived experience. I watched as my world was decimated and I was left broken in a million pieces. I have profound gratitude for my privilege, which allowed me to survive and heal. I continue to be humbled by opportunities that allow me to evolve and thrive.
I grew up a military brat being dragged to a new home every few years. With these moves, I felt forced to create a new identity in an effort to fit the environment I inhabited. The result was first-hand experience seeing how much our environment influence how we make meaning of the world around us. Here, I learned invaluable context is in understanding one’s environment. Context matters.
As an adult, relationships defined my moments of devastation and triumph. I entered adulthood protecting myself from vulnerability and intimacy. My childhood of constant losses left me a novice at nurturing relationships and terrified of feeling unlovable. Paired with unhealthy models of handling conflict, I found myself in a marriage that almost cost me my life.
This horrific chapter acted as the catalyst for the fire that ignited deep within my being. I was no longer interested in pursuing a life of survival. I knew the fragility of living. I wanted to thrive. To reach where I’m at today, I needed help. I was amazed to find love, compassion, and guidance in unexpected places. I also sat on the other side of the couch and dove into old wounds that had never been healed.
More than once I considered quitting, but I stuck it out and did the work. All of this allowed me to develop a profound humility for the courage it takes to pursue healing. It is much easier to bury your pain, to spend a life running instead of confronting.
I WANTED TO THRIVE
So What Does Thriving Look Like?
- Forgiving myself for the ways I didn't always human so well.
- Surrounding myself with laughter.
- Accepting that there are shitty days too.
- Learning how to identify, listen to, and trust my needs.
- Building greater intimacy within relationships I cherish.
- Creating a life that allows me to fully embody myself while simultaneously challenging me to grow.
Dr. Jasmonae “Elle” Joyriel earned her B.A. in Psychology at Spelman College in 2008. She took a break from academia to focus on other ventures before returning to graduate school in 2015. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University followed by her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from University of Denver.
Dr. Joyriel is currently the owner of the Austin based psychology practice, Eros Rising. Dr. Joyriel has received numerous invitations to speak locally and internationally about mental wellness; trauma and healing; burnout and entrepreneurship; and of course, relationships, sex, and eroticism.
