Redefining Recovery

Redefining Recovery Hi, I’m a licensed therapist living in beautiful Miller Beach with my husband and our sweet pup—20 years and counting!

Recovery • Mental Health • Community
Supporting healing, growth, and connection across Northwest Indiana through education, advocacy, and community support.

* https://linktr.ee/redefiningrecoveryllc
* nicole@redefining-recovery.org I love traveling, family time, long chats with friends, and an endless supply of caffeinated beverages. I’m enjoying this phase of life and all the growth it brings. R

edefining Recovery is more than a name—it’s a journey of healing, hope, and rebuilding. I’m honored to walk alongside others as they reclaim their stories and rediscover their strength.

☀️ California sunshine, iced tea, and family time.One thing I always love about Starbucks is the little notes they write...
06/01/2026

☀️ California sunshine, iced tea, and family time.

One thing I always love about Starbucks is the little notes they write on the cups. Yesterday’s simple message, “Tea Time!” felt like a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

I’ve been spending time in California with my dad, stepmom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. These visits are never long enough, and it’s always hard knowing I won’t see my dad again for a while after I leave. The older I get, the more I treasure these moments together.

I can also tell how much I needed this trip. Just like when I worked for DCS, it takes me a couple of days in Sacramento to fully decompress and let go of the stress I’ve been carrying. Somewhere between the sunshine, family dinners, laughter, and quiet moments, vacation mode finally kicks in.

My heart is full, and I’m already looking forward to our Alaska cruise in August and making more memories together.

For today, I’m just grateful. 💙

Wishing you a wonderful June filled with growth, gratitude, and continued opportunities to help others find hope and hea...
06/01/2026

Wishing you a wonderful June filled with growth, gratitude, and continued opportunities to help others find hope and healing. 💛🌻

A coworker called me yesterday about a mutual case, and when I mentioned I was on vacation, she commented that I sounded...
05/27/2026

A coworker called me yesterday about a mutual case, and when I mentioned I was on vacation, she commented that I sounded relaxed. Friends said the same thing after seeing a few photos I shared.

It was a reminder that compassion fatigue and burnout can slowly become our normal — feeling tense, mentally foggy, irritable, anxious, or even emotionally numb without fully realizing it.

Sometimes rest is not a luxury. It is part of healing, too. 💛

Caffeine + vacation + leave work at work = peace

05/26/2026

Recovery is more than abstinence.
It’s rebuilding relationships, mental health, purpose, connection, and community.
This page exists to share hope, resources, stories, and conversations around healing in Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Travel journey - sharing pictures, history, and personal experiences from my trip to Akron, Ohio. Sister Ignatia (born ...
05/26/2026

Travel journey - sharing pictures, history, and personal experiences from my trip to Akron, Ohio.

Sister Ignatia (born Bridget Della Mary Gavin) was a Catholic nun and registrar at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio. Known as the "Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous," she partnered with Dr. Bob Smith in 1939 to pioneer the medical treatment of alcoholics.

One woman’s compassion helped change the way the world viewed alcoholism and recovery. During her lifetime, Sister Ignatia is believed to have helped more than 15,000 people find sobriety. She started the tradition of giving recovered patients a medallion to carry as a reminder of hope and recovery, and her work was even recognized by President John F. Kennedy.

Sister Ignatia, a nurse in Akron, Ohio, gave patients leaving treatment a Sacred Heart medallion as a symbol of hope, accountability, and commitment to recovery. She asked them to return it before taking a drink — a simple but powerful reminder that they never had to struggle alone.

Amazing to reflect on how one person’s kindness and belief in others can impact so many lives. ❤️

Travel journey - sharing pictures, history, and personal experiences from my trip to Akron, Ohio. Spent time today expl...
05/26/2026

Travel journey - sharing pictures, history, and personal experiences from my trip to Akron, Ohio.

Spent time today exploring some of the historical sites in Akron connected to the early recovery movement. Walking through history was a powerful reminder that recovery is built on connection, service, honesty, and one person reaching out to help another.

There’s something humbling about realizing how many lives have been impacted because people were willing to share hope and create spaces for healing. Grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the history that continues to inspire recovery communities today. ❤️

Photos taken from Robert Smith's Home, Seiberling Gatelodge, and Akron Intergroup. So many pictures from this trip, both personal and archive-related, must remain private to preserve the anonymity of 12-step members.

Sometimes we forget how important safe spaces and supportive people are in shaping our lives.Before I became a social wo...
05/24/2026

Sometimes we forget how important safe spaces and supportive people are in shaping our lives.

Before I became a social worker and therapist, I was a young woman in recovery trying to rebuild my life one day at a time. From 2001–2003, I lived at the Valparaiso Women’s Association while learning independence, finishing school, healing from alcoholism, and discovering who I wanted to become.

Last night, I had the opportunity to return and share my story with the membership. Walking back through those doors reminded me that recovery and growth rarely happen alone. Community, mentorship, encouragement, and simply having people believe in you can change the direction of someone’s life.

I left feeling incredibly grateful for the women and spaces that helped me long before I ever became a therapist helping others. Full circle moments like this remind me why recovery, connection, and giving back matter so much. 💚

Spent the day touring a few historical landmarks in Akron, OH today. Beyond grateful for the time my husband and I spen...
05/24/2026

Spent the day touring a few historical landmarks in Akron, OH today. Beyond grateful for the time my husband and I spent together today.

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Gary, IN

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https://linktr.ee/redefiningrecoveryllc

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