Get to know Rebecca.
Rebecca’s Story
Out of pain comes passion.
I wish it didn’t. But it always does.
This was never how my story was supposed to go, I suppose. I mean, it was, but it wasn’t. I was the eldest of four, extremely driven, hardworking, smart, resourceful, and kind. I loved people. In fact, I loved listening in on my parents’ conversations about life and people so much that my dad called me “radar.” I also loved romance and all things “happily ever after.” I truly believed that there would be that one man, who against all the obstacles, would love me no matter what and we would somehow ride off into the sunset and live life magically ever after.
I suppose there’s a reason why all fairy tales and love stories end with the beginning of the love story, that first kiss, that first realization that they are meant to be. End scene. Somehow they always forget to tell the end of the story, or at least the rest of the story. And that’s where my naiveté about love and all that it really could be ended and reality literally and figuratively smacked me in the face.
Six months into my new marriage, I was sitting in an empty apartment after my then husband had been arrested for domestic violence. I sat stoic and stunned with no thought other than surviving that moment, having no idea how many times in the future I would face the same dilemma and trying desperately to figure out how I could make “us” better. What could I do? What could I change? What should I have done? What didn’t I do?
And 12 years later, I realized there was nothing I could do, change, should have done, shouldn’t have done. It was always going to end in a slow death.
But the death of my then-marriage, was the rebirth of me.
I dug deep into therapy and my own healing. Two years after filing for divorce and now as a single mom responsible for my two kids, I went back to graduate school and earned my Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy. Two years after graduating and thousands of hours of clinical practice and training, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and began my own private practice, Mealer Family Therapy, MFT for short. (I thought Google searches would eventually appreciate that.)
Well, fast forward decades and I’m currently sitting in the quiet of my home office, where I have the privilege as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This is where my past pain fuels my passion working with others who, too, want better, want more, want peace, what freedom, want to discover themselves, and live life more from their own authenticity. There is not a day I take the “work” I do with others for granted.
In the midst of grad school, I also met the love of my life, a man who loves me like no one has and who has become that ultimate father-figure to my two children, who are now young adults. Before I met him, I had to heal my heart on my own, so that when he came into my life, I was fully ready to embrace all he had to give and receive. It is a beautiful life. And I am both humbled and honored to live in peace and truth with those I love and whom love me.
And so Toxic Relationship Rescue is born out of the knowledge that while I know everyone’s story is different and nuanced, I also know universally we all want to be safe and loved for who we are as we are. It is my hope that you would find a safe home here and feel connected and understood as you are encouraged to want best for you, whatever that means in your own world.
I am so glad you are here.
In my spare time,
I’m pretty simple. I love spending time at home and love home projects. I enjoy eating sushi and Mexican food with my family, watching reality television (which makes total sense), sitting in the sunshine in my backyard or by the beach, sipping vanilla flavored coffee, and quiet visits with friends and family. I love roses and my dog, clean counters and crossed-out to-do lists. I also love and appreciate occasional escapes out-of-town to whatever location allows me to soak in sun and needs nothing from me except to relax. I love my people and am grateful for their love.