Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Robilio.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Sunny Florida, where I still reside today and love it. My parents divorced when I was three. I grew up with my amazing mom and stepdad, who quickly became dad, and I was besties with my only biological brother. I had a wonderful childhood filled with love and fun. Having an inconsistent and emotionally unavailable, biological father created trauma as I know it. I used to describe my childhood as heaven and hell because the contrast between life with mom and dad versus biological dad and stepmom was so drastic. With a lot of therapy and self-help, I’ve been able to process, accept, and repair relationships (including with my biological dad, although he recently passed away) and create change in a positive way, in a way that has freed me from all that used to weigh me down.
After completing high school, I went off to Florida State University where I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology. Leaving for college was a big move for me – I was a child with a lot of light but also fear and the thought of leaving my mom’s side was overwhelming. I had a lot of nicknames growing up, one was “Velcro Baby” to my mom. That should explain why leaving for college was so tough, but I did it. Once I settled in at FSU, I fell in love with the experience and grew a lot. I eventually went on to obtain my Master of Social Work degree and then became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida.
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to help people and give back. And, I’ve been doing this for over a decade. Truly feel as if I am living my soul’s purpose and for that, I’m grateful.
My work has included being a Personal Development Author, Public Speaker, Wellness Expert, and the host of The Mindful Living Podcast. I actively participate in ongoing continued education and specific trauma training and have over ten years of experience in the fields of Child Welfare, Trauma, Mental Health, and Substance Use. In addition to serving as the Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare where I have the opportunity to serve individuals struggling with addiction, poor mental health, and trauma. I’m also the founder of Mindful Living, a community that empowers individuals on their journey of healing, recovery, and wellness. I have four published books to date: WellNow, Mindful Makeover, Painted Soul, and Bonafide Spirit. I believe everyone has the answers they seek inside of them and I’m inspired to help individuals change the way they think about addiction, mental health, and trauma. My mission is to guide individuals as they learn to connect to their inner power and identify and overcome the barriers, blocks, and/or beliefs that have kept them from being able to heal, recover, and create a life of optimal wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
In the process of pursuing education and career building, I built the courage to leave an unhealthy, toxic relationship in my early 20s, which put me on the path of self-discovery and healing. It has been nothing short of hard and rewarding. I spent several years intentionally single and living alone. During that time, I landed on a spiritual path, which completely transformed my life. Today, I am happily married to an amazing, supportive man. I’ve learned so much throughout my life, but one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the unfolding and stay true to your authentic self. Whatever is meant for us, will always find us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been bumpy and smooth. There have been ups and downs. I’ve been lost and found more times than I can count. I’ve learned that part of life is the inevitable of facing struggles. The struggles can be our greatest teachers if we’re aware enough to see and learn from them. Some of the struggles I’ve faced along the way have included but aren’t limited to: managing personal mental health while showing up for others; finding my way out and through an unhealthy, toxic relationship, and having to face grief and loss. I’ve had a lot of loved ones pass away over the years and most recently, my biological dad passed away. It has been one of the hardest yet most beautiful experiences of my life. Through my own therapy and self-work, I’ve been able to identify for most of my life, I was stuck in a trauma response of flight, freeze, and fawn, which led to several patterns and habits that blocked me from being able to function at my highest. It has been no joke learning how to set and practices boundaries, and how to love myself through the learned patterns of perfectionism, over-achieving, and people-pleasing. But I am learning and practicing every day. I’ve struggled with finding or creating balance in managing my roles, routines, and responsibilities. I’ve faced ongoing family dynamic trauma and drama, which has been difficult for me, as a sensitive. I used to struggle with learning what’s mine to carry versus what’s not, but this became easier with ongoing self-work. Life can be a lot for a lot of us. I believe in the power of one day at a time, and sometimes, one moment at a time. The practice of Mindfulness can supported me for a decade now and I am grateful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Agape Behavioral Healthcare / Mindful Living?
Agape Behavioral Healthcare has facilities that offer all levels of care for those who are struggling with addiction and mental health. We provide individuals all over the country with the opportunity to achieve the gift of lasting sobriety and stability. Our evidence-driven therapy and counseling methods are based on a belief that each and every individual is worth living a joyous and rewarding life free from the bondage of addiction and mental health struggles.
At Agape, we are committed to helping individuals identify their underlying core issues or trauma that have manifested as addiction and/or mental health and we believe by treating trauma, we heal addiction and mental health. We are known for helping individuals transform from the inside out and return to a state of wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
When you ask the individuals who come through our doors to describe Agape in one word, they often reply “You can’t describe Agape, it’s a place like no other, it’s something you just feel.” I am proud of this because people will often forget what we say and do in life, but people never forget how we make them feel. At Agape, we are committed to creating and holding a safe space so each person can settle in calmly and begin or continue their healing process. Agape feels like home.
I am proud to share that I have published a 30-day workbook and guide called WellNow for our community at Agape. The workbook is a part of our program and it’s an easy, evidenced-based, action-oriented guide that supports the treatment process. It’s filled with breathtaking artwork and has been proven to increase self-awareness, acceptance, accountability, and action – four key parts of the healing and recovery process.
We want the world to know we care and we do all that we do with unconditional love. We believe every person is worthy and deserving to experience a healthy, happy life. Our program is designed to include a wide range of services and treatment approaches to support the mind, body, and spirit of each person. Our care is truly individualized and we empower our guests to be an active participant in their treatment development. Our team is dedicated to making sure all guests feel seen, heard, and loved.
Mindful Living is a community that empowers individuals on their journey of healing, recovery, and wellness. I offer high-powered coaching and counseling; write books and courses; host a podcast; hold retreats and workshops. I believe we heal and evolve in community and that’s what Mindful Living is all about.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have four published books to date – the first two are poetry, so I’m a poet and I’m not sure how many people know it. And, every time I record a podcast using my voice only, I record with my eyes closed. My experience has shown me that when I close my eyes and share, information flows to me quickly and easily.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.agapetc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulliving.now/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/agape_treatmentcenter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ekAtYQ7Uubl_Rj1dTy9EA
Image Credits
Mel Inn
