ABOUT

della flora

business strategist

My name is Ciara. I was just like your child.

I was intelligent, bright, and full of promise, though when I hit the teenage years, my life fell apart. I became a shell of who I had been, and unrecognizable to my parents. At my core, I just felt “wrong” and empty. I was constantly cycling through extreme emotions, and always looking for relief in other people. I felt sensitive, insecure, and had no self-worth or hope things would ever change. So I did anything I could to numb out of the pain — disordered eating, self-harm, and suicide attempts.

I spent most of my teen years in treatment.

After countless therapists and over a dozen medications, I was finally sent to an inpatient hospital, wilderness therapy, and a therapeutic boarding school.

My experiences ranged from healing, confusing, scarring, memorable, and funny to everything in between. During my time in these places, I observed how my peers reacted and engaged with the programs. I noticed how the systems and adults interacted with us. I saw how many approaches were meaningful and supportive, and many caused harm in the name of therapy.

As a young adult, I needed to make sense of what I had experienced — recover from the harm caused, retain what had healed me, and rebuild my life from a place I’d never expected to be.

Now, I am the person I wish I had when I was in your child’s shoes.

In the years after leaving treatment, I went through many ups and downs. But I managed to repair my family relationships, come off all my medications, graduate college with honors, and start a promising career in tech.

But as I began sharing my story, and word of mouth traveled, I had people reaching out with questions, asking for advice, wanting to know if I could speak with them and their teen. After realizing the need for what I offer, I began this work full time. Now, I work privately with families, and share my story and experience in many different settings.

I know what your child is going through.

I understand the chaos and confusion your family is feeling.

And I recognize the strength and faith this takes.

I have spent years working with adolescents and families as a guide throughout their journey. Book a call to discuss how I can support you and your child.

My Background:

  • BA in English and Minor in Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara

  • Wilderness Specialist at Project Avary, a summer camp and community for children of incarcerated parents

  • Worked at Meta, Pandora, and Recharge (a subscription software company)

  • Board member at Mile High Writer’s Workshop

  • Trained in Vanessa Stone’s School for Transformational Facilitation

  • Trained in the Sholder Method (space holding, active listening, somatic inquiry)