If you're reading this, you're likely dealing with a breakup or divorce - arguably one of life's toughest transitions. Maybe you saw it coming months ago, and the end was a long and heart-wrenching process. Or, it might've come like a brick that fell from the sky; one day you thought everything was fine and the next day your life was in pieces. You might be having a hard time putting one foot i...

If you're reading this, you're likely dealing with a breakup or divorce - arguably one of life's toughest transitions. Maybe you saw it coming months ago, and the end was a long and heart-wrenching process. Or, it might've come like a brick that fell from the sky; one day you thought everything was fine and the next day your life was in pieces. You might be having a hard time putting one foot in front of the other, or you might have already worked through the mess of it and feel ready to focus on the future. Wherever you are on this journey, you are not alone.

Although there are the lucky few that have never experienced a heartbreak, for the rest of us it's a universal experience. We all face some or all of the usual post-breakup suspects - namely loss, grief, regret, anger, sadness, confusion, guilt, betrayal, and fear - in one way or another.

Let's not forget, though, that while we can all relate to one another, we all experience a relationship's end in different ways and to varying degrees. There are so many variables involved in a breakup that it's crucial to honor the uniqueness of your situation and take your time working through it. Be kind to yourself. Be patient. And remember (as impossible as it might be to imagine if you're still in the thick of it) that a relationship's end is often one of the best ways to catapult us into self-exploration and growth.

In my articles you will find reflections on how ends of relationships affect us, practical advice for working through your ups and downs, simple tips for self-exploration and growth, and encouragement to take an active role in healing and bouncing back. I will be choosing topics based my own experience, my work with clients, and questions that you post on the message boards here at BounceBack.

I've been through this. I've fallen to the bottom of the ditch and worked my way out of it, and in my practice I help others do the same. I'm glad you're here and I look forward to travelling this road with you, and hope that my words will be a source of support and a guide as you heal, reclaim yourself, rediscover hope, and forge ahead.

Mary Darling Montero is a therapist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA. She has ten years of experience providing counseling and therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her specialties include life transitions, relationships, trauma, depression, and anxiety. She is certified to practice EMDR for trauma resolution.