Cheri Sauter, MA, "Life Beyond The Storms" Creator

My 14 year old daughter and I lost everything we own apart from a few bags of clothes in Hurricane Helene. After living on Pinellas beaches for 20 years, to have all of our possessions suddenly destroyed created a loss that I never could've prepared for.

In the days after dragging my waterlogged furniture and bags and bags of belongings that were now rubbish to the street, I was overwhelmed with loss, confusion, depression, anxiety, and fear. After working in mental health for over 10 years and walking many clients through these exact emotions, I found myself incapable of doing the same for myself. The first 2 days, I slept nearly all day, simply unable to deal with the devastation I witnessed as well as lived firsthand. I was also lost, overwhelmed, paralyzed, and full of fear and anxiety as to what that what I was supposed to do next. 

I am truly one of the lucky ones in that my daughter and I were welcomed into her best friend since diapers' home. Their family took us in and she felt safe and comfortable which gave me some peace. The mom of this family said things to me in those days like: Have you eaten? I think you should eat something. Let's go for a walk. Left to my own devices, without these gentle nudgings, I'm not sure how I would've begun the process of mental and emotional recovery from this tragic storm.

Still though, a month later now, I cry most nights, and with each passing day of not knowing if I will receive any assistance to rebuild, I feel more fearful. What no one tells you about experiencing this kind of sudden trauma is that you can't think properly, your thoughts are jumbled at best, even when exhausted, you can't sleep, you feel lost and confused.

As time went on, I asked myself what I wished was there to help me begin the process of recovery in the days and upcoming months after the storm. Many therapists are offering free sessions which is a wonderful and useful resource. But there is still a gap between one session every other week with a therapist and figuring out how to live life on a daily basis in the face of this kind of emotional and mental turmoil. 

And so the "Life Beyond The Storms" course was born.

This course is the culmination of my personal experience as single parent who lost everything in Helene, over 10 years working in the mental health field helping clients deal with this type of loss due to various factors, almost 30 certifications in all areas of mental health, a Master's Degree in Education, and a true desire to help people move beyond the pain of Helene and Milton 

You are not alone. Your trauma is real and valid. Healing is possible. There is life beyond loss. You can find yourself amidst the chaos. These storms do not define you or your future.

Join me today on a journey to peace and freedom. I am committed to serving as your personal guide, walking with you on a path to living beyond the storms.

You are a magical and whole being who has gifts that only uniquely you can give to the world. Never forget how important you are to the collective consciousness of our universe. We all need each other now more than ever. We can do this. Together!