Deep down inside, each of us knows what our truths are.
It is forgivable to lose them...
it is unforgivable not to reclaim them...
Mountain Air: Relapsing And Finding The Way Back One Breath At A Time is a brutally honest personal narrative detailing a painful descent into relapse and a powerful journey back to recovering.
Without condemnation but with passion and purpose, Mountain Air ...
Embraces individuals who have abandoned their authentic ways of being for a life of personal neglect, indulgence, or self-destruction. Speaks to individuals who have betrayed their healing tenets - the addict who has lost his sobriety, the abused who has returned to her abuser, or the codependent who continues to rescue the uncontrollable. Reaches out to individuals who have maintained a life of stability and wellness, but who are eroding over time - and losing their sense of self and of spirit.
Mountain Air is for any individual who has experienced relapse and who is fighting to find his way back... By inviting readers to take a journey with the author as she shares time-tested lessons in the recovering process. By providing thoughtful and accountable exercises with each chapter that guide the reader in the reclaiming and sustaining of their truths.
Praise for Kenley's Mountain Air
"...a personal memoir out of which she extracts principles that can be generalized to all who are in recovery, inspiring them to take courage. This poetic and nature-infused account should become a standard for all therapists and all in the process of recovery."
--David Van Nuys, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Host of Shrink Rap Radio
"With Holli's inspiring personal journey from relapse to recovery and her challenging questions in each chapter, the reader can examine self-defeating behaviors and beliefs that block the natural ability to walk through change, pain, and difficult times."
--Melissa Yarbray, M.A., Marriage and Family Therapist,Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Auteur
Many years ago, as a teenager and young adult, I struggled with an undiagnosed syndrome. At times, the symptoms ranged from deep depression to uncontrollable anger to thoughts of suicide. Although it was confusing to me, there were other times when I felt healthy, energized, and normal. Because I kept my struggle a secret and because I didn't know where to turn for help, the "shame" of not being able to control my emotions contributed to deep feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. As I grew into a young woman, I made unhealthy choices in relationships and in life decisions all in a desperate attempt to ease the pain of worthlessness.

As I entered into my early thirties continually masking the craziness inside me, an extraordinary exchange occurred. For the first time in my life, I shared my secret struggle with a dear friend. Although I was embarrassed and frightened as I disclosed my story, my friend not only listened to and comforted me, but she guided me to a doctor who she thought could help me. Within a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (once known as PMS!) and was given a comprehensive treatment plan that included everything from medication to life-style changes to counseling. From that day forward, I committed myself to my recovering program, determined I would not waste another moment suffering, nor would I keep it silent!

After experiencing several years of wellness, I was determined to help other women, and their families, suffering from PMDD (or PMS)! In the 80's and 90's, PMS was not only a topic of bad jokes, but it was still largely dismissed as a legitimate medical disorder. I set out and did the following:
I started leading psycho-educational support groups for women with PMDD and continued doing so for three years. I authored a book entitled The PMS Puzzle and spoke to groups educating as many people as I could about the truths of PMS. In the mid-90's, I went to graduate school to obtain a Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling so that I could gain more knowledge on how to further my skills in helping others. Before moving into private practice, I worked as a therapist in a large faith-based counseling center for almost a decade. I honed my skills around the areas of abuse, trauma, grief/loss, addiction, codependency, domestic violence, and all kinds of betrayal.

I have been a frequent speaker and workshop leader at professional organizations, including a three time presenter at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist's Annual Conferences (2010 -2012).

In our lives, there are so many variables that are out of our control. However, how well we choose to live our lives even amidst adversities is within our reach. It is up to each of us to embrace our recovering and to rejoice in the journey.

Books I have written include: Breaking Through Betrayal: And Recovering The Peace Within (2010), Betrayal-Proof Your Relationship: What Couples Need to Know and Do (2011), and Cyber Bullying No More: parenting a high tech generation (2012).

Learn more at www.HolliKenley.com

Résumé
Deep down inside, each of us knows what our truths are. It is forgivable to lose them... it is unforgivable not to reclaim them... Mountain Air: Relapsing And Finding The Way Back One Breath At A Time is a brutally honest personal narrative detailing a painful descent into relapse and a powerful journey back to recovering. Without condemnation but with passion and purpose, Mountain Air ... Embraces individuals who have abandoned their authentic ways of being for a life of personal neglect, indulgence, or self-destruction. Speaks to individuals who have betrayed their healing tenets - the addict who has lost his sobriety, the abused who has returned to her abuser, or the codependent who continues to rescue the uncontrollable. Reaches out to individuals who have maintained a life of stability and wellness, but who are eroding over time - and losing their sense of self and of spirit. Mountain Air is for any individual who has experienced relapse and who is fighting to find his way back... By inviting readers to take a journey with the author as she shares time-tested lessons in the recovering process. By providing thoughtful and accountable exercises with each chapter that guide the reader in the reclaiming and sustaining of their truths. Praise for Kenley's Mountain Air "...a personal memoir out of which she extracts principles that can be generalized to all who are in recovery, inspiring them to take courage. This poetic and nature-infused account should become a standard for all therapists and all in the process of recovery." --David Van Nuys, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Host of Shrink Rap Radio "With Holli's inspiring personal journey from relapse to recovery and her challenging questions in each chapter, the reader can examine self-defeating behaviors and beliefs that block the natural ability to walk through change, pain, and difficult times." --Melissa Yarbray, M.A.