A Therapist’s Perspective Mental Wellness By Dr. Janie Lacy, Licensed Psychotherapist We all carry pain. Whether from childhood trauma, betrayed trust, lost relationships, or personal failures, these experiences shape us. But what if the very wounds that cause us suffering could become the foundation for our greatest purpose? As a therapist who has witnessed thousands of transformation journeys—and walked my own path through profound loss—I’ve seen firsthand how pain points can evolve into purpose points. ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAIN The journey begins with honest acknowledgment. Many of us have become experts at minimizing our pain, pushing it below the surface where it silently drives our decisions. True transformation requires bringing these wounds into the light. When we name our pain—whether it’s abandonment, rejection, abuse, or loss—we begin to separate our identity from our wounds. I’ve sat with clients who initially came to therapy saying, “I just need to get over this.” But healing doesn’t come from “getting over” our pain—it comes from moving through it with awareness and compassion. Your pain deserves to be witnessed, not buried. FINDING THE CONNECTION Our deepest pain often reveals our deepest calling. I discovered this truth after losing my sister Carmen to relationship violence. That devastating loss could have remained just that—a loss. Instead, it became the catalyst for my work helping others recognize and escape toxic relationships. Ask yourself: What wisdom have you gained from your suffering that others might need? What understanding have you developed that wasn’t available to you before this experience? The insights born from your hardest moments often contain the seeds of your unique contribution. REFRAMING THE NARRATIVE Transforming pain into purpose requires rewriting the story we tell ourselves. Instead of “This happened to me,” we begin asking, “What might this make possible?” This shift doesn’t...... Read more on Full Issue!