Why the butterfly?

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The butterfly has always been a symbol of change for me in life.  On my journey, I have experienced my own personal growth and found that I became stronger in the process.  Whether it was my transition from singlehood into marriage, starting a family, changing a job, death of loved ones, loss of pets and even divorce and remarriage, change has always been something that I have embraced and recognize that from change can create growth.  And even still, change continues.  Recently, my husband and I have started working out of our home to allow us the ability to "snowbird" between Fort Myers, FL and Door County, WI.

Before a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it prepares its cocoon (a/k/a chrysalis) as though it were dying.  A biological process occurs through which the caterpillar transforms within the chrysalis.  Inside the protective shell of the chrysalis, amazing changes occur and the caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly.

The butterfly then has to struggle to free itself from the chrysalis.  If someone helps the butterfly emerge from its chrysalis prematurely, it will die.  It is the process of working to escape the chrysalis that provides the strength and development necessary for survival.  Only then is the butterfly ready to emerge from the chrysalis to fly.

The therapeutic engagement mirrors nature's process of the chrysalis.  It serves as support for helping clients navigate through their own transformations.  Helping individuals recognize their potential, embrace what's possible, and emerge from their chrysalis.