When everything changes in an instant, what do you hold onto? For Dianne Vitkus, the answer is resilience, determination, and a new way forward as she works to transform trauma into purpose.
In this episode, Dr. Melissa sits down with Dianne Vitkus—former Division I athlete, surgical PA, and current disability advocate—to explore what it really means to rebuild a life after trauma. After a spinal cord injury left her paralyzed from the chest down, Dianne’s story didn’t end. It transformed.
Together, Dr. Melissa and Dianne dive into the emotional layers of grief, guilt, resilience, and reinvention. From ICU panic attacks to surfing in a wheelchair, Dianne shares how she redefined what strength, identity, and freedom looks like. They also reflect on their real-life therapeutic relationship, revealing raw truths about healing, holding space, and the beauty of being human, even when life doesn’t go to plan.
If you’ve ever had to start over or wondered “who am I now?”—this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends.
In this conversation you'll hear about:
*How trauma reshapes identity and relationships
*The power of adaptive sports and community connection
*Why emotional support matters just as much as physical recovery
*The therapist’s perspective on showing up during crisis
*The mindset it takes to move through darkness and reclaim purpose
For More on Dianne, follow: @vittysvoyage
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional.
🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience.
🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com
📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State.
💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support?
Dr. Melissa’s proprietary framework, The Iceberg Approach™ for Leaders and Executive Teams, helps high-performing professionals uncover what lies beneath the surface to create lasting, integrated change.
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