EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Horton, a dear friend and fellow therapist.

In the middle of finishing grad school and planning a wedding, Michelle went in for a routine blood test, which showed an abnormally high platelet count. After this finding, a whirlwind of tests and doctors determined that she had essential thrombocytosis and endometriosis. She was 23.

After that, Michelle had to learn how to stand in the uncertainty that her new diagnoses brought with them. Could she have a regular life? Could she have children? Ten years later, Michelle is working as a licensed therapist and is a mother to her 19-month-old son.

There have been definite struggles over the last decade, she shares, but she’s learned a thing or two along the way (some of which she shares with us in this episode). She has an inner light that her health challenges haven’t diminished and, if anything, have only made stronger. During our chat, Michelle walked me through some of the tools she’s used over the last decade to support herself and overcome the uncertainty — tools I think all of us can use.

Michelle and I connected most over the idea of “not knowing,” over the questions and challenges we both face. Despite our different conditions, our experiences have linked us together in a way that I’m excited to share with all of you. I also hope you’ll be as inspired by Michelle as I am.

“I think there was a point that I really shifted from thinking that my body was working against me or had betrayed me in some way to realizing that my body was working with me to overcome this health challenge.”
— MICHELLE HORTON, EPISODE 55

Highlights

During our discussion, Michelle shared both the trials and victories that have come with dealing with thrombocytosis and her struggles with fertility. Some of my favorite points in our discussion included:

Michelle’s ability to see through the unknown and appreciate what is still to come
The importance of advocating for yourself and your needs
How to choose your dream team of medical professionals
Navigating the different paths to achieve attainable goals despite living with our chronic illnesses
The power that lies in finding humor in the small moments

LINKS

MICHELLE HORTON

www.michellehortontherapy.com

Instagram: @michellehortontherapy

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

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