This is where my story begins—where silence broke, and where I realized how desperately parents need a place to talk without fear of judgment. I remember the night I first saw my daughter’s cuts. I knew right away they weren’t accidental. Looking back, I probably would have noticed the signs sooner if I had known what to look for.
My daughter, Kensi, is smart and talented. She loves singing, art, and swimming in the ocean. She had parents who loved her deeply and a supportive church family. And yet—she was hurting. At the time, I couldn’t understand why. What I’ve since learned is this: self-harm isn’t about wanting to be harmed. It’s about wanting the pain to stop.
Kensi was trying to fit in at a new school in a new town. She didn’t have the words for the feelings she was carrying, so she did what she could to make them quiet. Self-harm is often a coping mechanism—an attempt to feel something different, or sometimes anything at all, when emotions feel overwhelming and impossible to manage.
Why With Love We Heal Exists
This space exists because parents need support too. For too long, I stayed silent. I was afraid of judgment, afraid of saying the wrong thing, afraid of admitting how scared I was. But silence doesn’t protect our kids—connection does. When parents talk openly, learn together, and lead with compassion instead of fear, stigma begins to break. Teens feel safer asking for help. And parents realize they are not alone.
With Love We Heal exists to:
- Break the silence
- Replace shame with understanding
- Help parents respond with confidence and care
- Remind families that healing is possible
With you in this,
Amanda
Another mom who’s been there
Meet Amanda
I’m Amanda, a mom, a listener, and someone who deeply understands how heavy parenting can feel when your child is hurting.
Like many parents who find their way here, I never imagined needing to learn so much about pain, resilience, and how to show up when answers aren’t clear. I created With Love, We Heal as a space for parents who are navigating the complicated, emotional journey of supporting a child who self-harms and who also need care themselves along the way.
A little about me
I’m a mom of three kids, and family has always been at the center of my life. I hold a degree in Marriage and Family Studies, and I’ve spent years focused on understanding relationships, communication, and emotional health — both personally and professionally.
But more than any credential, I show up here as a parent who knows what it’s like to worry deeply, love fiercely, and feel stretched thin in seasons that feel heavier than expected.
Outside of this space, you’ll find me at the beach whenever I can be, lost in a good book, loving all things Disney, or sipping a Dr. Pepper with pebble ice — my small comfort on long days. I’m not perfect, and I don’t have all the answers. I’m simply a parent who believes that compassion, understanding, and community can make hard things feel a little less lonely.
What you’ll find here
At With Love We Heal, I hope that you feel supported, never overwhelmed.
You’ll find:
- Clear, compassionate information about self-harm
- Encouragement for navigating hard conversations with your child
- Resources created with parents in mind
- Gentle reminders that your well-being matters too
This is not a place for shame, pressure, or quick fixes. It’s a place for honesty, learning, and healing — at your own pace.
You don’t have to do this alone
If you’re here because your heart feels heavy, I want you to know this:
You are doing the best you can with what you know right now.
And seeking support is a powerful act of love.
I’m really glad you’re here.