“Every Human Can Benefit from Therapy” Lori’s Journey to Healing at River’s Bend
A Story of Strength, Family, and the Lifelong Impact of Compassionate Mental Health Care
When Lori first walked through the doors of River’s Bend, she wasn’t there for herself. She was a mother, fighting for her 12-year-old son, searching for answers after years of misdiagnoses, behavioral challenges, and growing substance use issues. What she found instead was a place that would not only help her son, it would help her rediscover herself.
Now in her sixties, a proud grandmother and a retired dog groomer, Lori is still an active client at River’s Bend. And she’s never been more confident in saying: “I think I’ll be in therapy forever… and every human could benefit from it.”
Reaching Out: “We Just Couldn’t Handle It on Our Own Anymore”
Lori’s journey with River’s Bend began nearly two decades ago. At the time, her family was in crisis.
“We had been through so many doctors,” she shared. “My son was misdiagnosed with ADD, and we couldn’t seem to get any clear answers. He was getting into trouble, starting to experiment with substances, and we were out of options. That’s when we found River’s Bend, and Stephanie.”
Stephanie Howey, a licensed therapist and Co-owner at River’s Bend, has become more than a clinician in Lori’s life. She’s become what Lori calls her “guardian angel.”
“Stephanie started working with my son when he was 12. He’s now 31. Since then, she’s worked with my daughter, my late husband, and now me. She’s part of our family.”
The Power of Being Heard: What Makes Therapy at River’s Bend Different
Lori’s transformation began when she realized therapy at River’s Bend wasn’t just about diagnosis or treatment; it was about being seen.
“She never tells you what to do,” Lori says about Stephanie. “Instead, she helps you get there on your own. She asks: ‘How does that make you feel? What do you think is the right next step?’ And before you know it, you’re figuring things out yourself. That’s powerful.”
Having experienced other therapists before, Lori knew what it felt like to be dismissed.
“I once told a different therapist I wanted to save my marriage. Her answer was just, ‘Absolutely not.’ She didn’t even know me. But I know Stephanie would’ve said, ‘That depends. What are you feeling? What are your priorities?’ It’s a different level of care.”
Grief, Growth, and the Importance of Boundaries
Five years ago, Lori lost her husband. It was a devastating moment, but one that deepened her relationship with her therapist and with herself.
“Stephanie walked me through my grief. She helped me set boundaries, especially with my son, and reminded me that protecting my peace wasn’t selfish. It was necessary.”
This past spring, Lori experienced a turning point. “I had to draw a hard line with someone I love deeply. It was painful. But afterward, I felt stronger. Stephanie was so excited for me, cheering me on. She said, ‘Yes! You’re getting it!’ That moment was a breakthrough. I finally realized it was time to start living for me.”
Therapy Isn’t Linear, It Is Lifesaving
Like many people, Lori once believed that healing would follow a straight line. But over time, she learned that therapy is a winding path filled with “lightbulb moments.”
“I can be crawling out of my skin with anxiety,” she shares, “and just one session with Stephanie, one conversation, brings me back. Every time I leave, there’s a shift. A deeper understanding. A new tool in my belt.”
What sets River’s Bend apart, Lori explains, is the level of dedication she’s experienced over the years.
“There’ve been times I’ve texted Stephanie at 1:00 AM. And she responds. Maybe not immediately, but she always shows up. She’ll squeeze me in, call me after hours, or move things around to make space. You don’t find that kind of support just anywhere.”
Therapy as a Lifeline and a Legacy
For Lori, therapy at River’s Bend isn’t just something she does for herself. It’s become part of her family’s story.
“When my daughter struggled after college, I told her, ‘Go see Stephanie. Just once.’ She was skeptical, but she went. That was 15 years ago, and she’s still going.”
Lori’s voice trembles with emotion as she reflects on what River’s Bend has given her family: “I can’t put into words what Stephanie means to me. I’d cry trying. She’s changed our lives. Truly.”
“Every Human Could Benefit from Therapy”: Lori’s Message to Others
When asked what she’d say to someone hesitant to reach out for help, Lori doesn’t hesitate.
“There’s still a stigma about therapy, but it’s getting better. People need to understand, it’s not just for when you’re in crisis. Sometimes, you just need someone outside your family or friend group. Someone who isn’t biased. Someone who can help you see the hard things clearly.”
She adds, “Therapists are professionals for a reason. They help with grief, addiction, anxiety, anything you’re carrying. And therapy doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It means you’re strong enough to ask for help.”
Why River’s Bend? A Community of Care That Goes Beyond the Session
Lori’s story reflects what many clients say about River’s Bend: that it’s not just a clinic. It’s a place where you feel safe, validated, and genuinely cared for.
As Lori puts it, “They’ve stepped up for me again and again. Over the years, everyone at River’s Bend has been wonderful. I’m indebted to them for life.”
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a family crisis, healing from substance use, or grieving a loss, River’s Bend offers integrated, evidence-based care in a setting that feels more like family than a clinic.
Ending the Stigma, One Story at a Time
Lori’s story is a testament to the power of therapy, especially when it’s delivered with empathy and skill. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t just possible, it’s personal.
If you’ve been unsure about reaching out for mental health or substance use support, let Lori’s words be your encouragement:
“Just go once. That’s all. You don’t even have to talk if you don’t want to. But that one time… it might just change your life.”
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
River’s Bend is a nationally accredited, private outpatient mental health and substance use clinic with locations in Troy and West Bloomfield. Virtual sessions available.
