Christopher Aldana
@christopheraldana.bsky.social
Mental health, rehabilitation, and proportional justice advocate. Lived experience, real accountability and honest conversations that challenge stigma. Creator of The Four Pillars Model. (Virginia, USA) www.christopheraldana.com
Pinned
A Lamp at My Feet, Not a Spotlight
For the last several years in therapy, my therapist and I have kept returning to one theme: rhythm. We usually call it cadence, but we have also named it pace and consistency. I used to treat healing ...
www.christopheraldana.com
New Pillar Post: A Lamp at My Feet, Not a Spotlight. Therapy taught me cadence over hustle. When I chase the distant spotlight, anxiety grows and I miss today. Small, faithful steps and the Four Pillars keep me steady. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/lamp
New Pillar Post: A Lamp at My Feet, Not a Spotlight. Therapy taught me cadence over hustle. When I chase the distant spotlight, anxiety grows and I miss today. Small, faithful steps and the Four Pillars keep me steady. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/lamp
A Lamp at My Feet, Not a Spotlight
For the last several years in therapy, my therapist and I have kept returning to one theme: rhythm. We usually call it cadence, but we have also named it pace and consistency. I used to treat healing ...
www.christopheraldana.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:28 PM
New Pillar Post: A Lamp at My Feet, Not a Spotlight. Therapy taught me cadence over hustle. When I chase the distant spotlight, anxiety grows and I miss today. Small, faithful steps and the Four Pillars keep me steady. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/lamp
Cruising into 2026 on THE S.H.I.P. by choosing Steadiness, Health, Integration, and Partnership. Step aboard and revisit this Pillar Post as we cross the ocean of growth and grace into the New Year. 🌊⛵️
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ship
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ship
Setting Sail into Steadiness, Health, Integration, and Partnership
I created The S.H.I.P. acronym as a guide for growth and grounding. This is how it shaped my story.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Cruising into 2026 on THE S.H.I.P. by choosing Steadiness, Health, Integration, and Partnership. Step aboard and revisit this Pillar Post as we cross the ocean of growth and grace into the New Year. 🌊⛵️
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ship
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ship
From C-MHC 301: stigma grows when we treat addiction like a moral verdict. I’m learning to separate guilt (what I did) from shame (who I am), then translate remorse into repair with support. New Pillar Post below.
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
Reflections from C-MHC 301: Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders
Models as Lenses, Not Labels: A Mental Health Coach Training Perspective on Recovery
www.christopheraldana.com
December 30, 2025 at 8:11 PM
From C-MHC 301: stigma grows when we treat addiction like a moral verdict. I’m learning to separate guilt (what I did) from shame (who I am), then translate remorse into repair with support. New Pillar Post below.
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
Let the record reflect: we are in winter, and the case for a reset still stands. Proceed with clean intentions, enforce healthy boundaries, and file gratitude daily. Motion granted for peace, sustained for joy, duly served. No objections to kindness. ❄️⚖️
December 28, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Let the record reflect: we are in winter, and the case for a reset still stands. Proceed with clean intentions, enforce healthy boundaries, and file gratitude daily. Motion granted for peace, sustained for joy, duly served. No objections to kindness. ❄️⚖️
Christmas joy, with a grounded heart. Happy Holidays to everyone doing the healing work in real time. Santa can bring the cheer, but we bring the love. Feliz Nochebuena, my friends. Take a deep breath, and walk into the New Year with hope. 🎄
December 24, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Christmas joy, with a grounded heart. Happy Holidays to everyone doing the healing work in real time. Santa can bring the cheer, but we bring the love. Feliz Nochebuena, my friends. Take a deep breath, and walk into the New Year with hope. 🎄
I am still teaching, just not in a classroom. Through lived experience, I lead hard conversations on mental health, justice, accountability, and redemption, offering structure and hope where stigma once silenced growth. Published Dec. 12, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/teac...
Still Teaching, Just Not in a Classroom
I have always been an educator at heart. What changed was the classroom. I now teach in the spaces where mental health, justice, rehabilitation, and redemption collide, because these conversations sha...
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 4:54 AM
I am still teaching, just not in a classroom. Through lived experience, I lead hard conversations on mental health, justice, accountability, and redemption, offering structure and hope where stigma once silenced growth. Published Dec. 12, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/teac...
Surviving a suicide attempt and later losing my cousin shaped my commitment to prevention. HF3R training strengthened how I recognize risk, respond with compassion, and refer people to help with clarity and hope. Published Dec. 10, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/hf3r
Reflections from Hope-focused 3 “R” (HF3R) Suicide Prevention Training
Surviving a suicide attempt, losing my cousin, and certification in HF3R taught me many valuable lessons.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Surviving a suicide attempt and later losing my cousin shaped my commitment to prevention. HF3R training strengthened how I recognize risk, respond with compassion, and refer people to help with clarity and hope. Published Dec. 10, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/hf3r
Accountability transformed my healing by teaching me that understanding mental health is not an excuse but a responsibility. With treatment, structure, family, faith, and the justice system, rehabilitation became real. Published Dec. 6, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/acco...
The Role of Accountability in Healing and Rehabilitation
The Four Pillars Model integrates psychiatry, therapy, family, and faith community to sustain accountability, enabling genuine healing and meaningful rehabilitation.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Accountability transformed my healing by teaching me that understanding mental health is not an excuse but a responsibility. With treatment, structure, family, faith, and the justice system, rehabilitation became real. Published Dec. 6, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/acco...
A childhood paper turkey lesson on gratitude became the foundation of my Four Pillars Model, shaping how brain science, therapy, family, and faith now anchor my healing and recovery. Published Dec. 25, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/pape...
Paper Turkeys and The Four Pillars That Followed
From a first grade paper turkey to the Four Pillars Model, this Thanksgiving reflection shows gratitude deepens healing.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 4:53 AM
A childhood paper turkey lesson on gratitude became the foundation of my Four Pillars Model, shaping how brain science, therapy, family, and faith now anchor my healing and recovery. Published Dec. 25, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/pape...
Coaching is not therapy. C-MHC 201 taught me to move people forward with presence, wise questions, reflective listening, and small action steps, plus clear boundaries and referrals. Guilt vs shame matters. Published Nov. 23, 2025: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
Reflections from C-MHC 201: Mental Health Coaching Skills
A reflection on how coaching differs from licensed professionals through my own lived experience.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Coaching is not therapy. C-MHC 201 taught me to move people forward with presence, wise questions, reflective listening, and small action steps, plus clear boundaries and referrals. Guilt vs shame matters. Published Nov. 23, 2025: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
Set sail with The S.H.I.P.: Steady, Healthy, Integrated, Partnership. A daily compass for bipolar stability, therapy work, and walking with God, built for storms and grace. Published Nov. 20, 2025: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ship
Setting Sail into Steadiness, Health, Integration, and Partnership
I created The S.H.I.P. acronym as a guide for growth and grounding. This is how it shaped my story.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Set sail with The S.H.I.P.: Steady, Healthy, Integrated, Partnership. A daily compass for bipolar stability, therapy work, and walking with God, built for storms and grace. Published Nov. 20, 2025: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ship
Shame lies. Accountability tells the truth and builds a future. I own my past without surrendering my identity. Healing took root through 5 Ps and The Four Pillars Model. Published Nov. 17, 2025: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/shame
When Shame Falls Silent and Growth Takes Root
Overcoming shame through the Four Pillars, walking in partnership with God to rebuild life and renew confidence.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Shame lies. Accountability tells the truth and builds a future. I own my past without surrendering my identity. Healing took root through 5 Ps and The Four Pillars Model. Published Nov. 17, 2025: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/shame
SAD peaks in the Shenandoah fast. Harrisonburg ranks No. 2 for seasonal depression. I’ve lived it. My cousin’s suicide stays with me. Published Nov. 12, 2025. If you feel low, do not wait for crisis. Read, share, and reach out: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/sada...
The Reality of Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Shenandoah Valley
Discover how Seasonal Affective Disorder affects the Shenandoah Valley and learn practical ways to find hope, help, and healing this season.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:39 AM
SAD peaks in the Shenandoah fast. Harrisonburg ranks No. 2 for seasonal depression. I’ve lived it. My cousin’s suicide stays with me. Published Nov. 12, 2025. If you feel low, do not wait for crisis. Read, share, and reach out: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/sada...
Veterans Day tribute to my Pappy Gene, 82nd Airborne paratrooper and sharpshooter. PTSD is a survival system, not weakness. The Four Pillars bring care and faith together for healing and hope. For every veteran too. Published Nov. 10, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/vete...
Honoring Veterans, Understanding PTSD, and a Special Tribute to My Pappy Gene
A tribute to my grandfather and all who served. Exploring PTSD, mental health, and faith through the Four Pillars Model
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Veterans Day tribute to my Pappy Gene, 82nd Airborne paratrooper and sharpshooter. PTSD is a survival system, not weakness. The Four Pillars bring care and faith together for healing and hope. For every veteran too. Published Nov. 10, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/vete...
C-MHC 101 set my foundation now: Four Pillars Model for Healing and Purpose. From 12 years lived, I pair ethics, boundaries, accountability with the Psychiatry Pillar, Therapy Pillar, Family Pillar, Faith Community Pillar. Published Nov. 9, 2025. Read: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
Reflections from C-MHC 101: Foundations of Mental Health Coaching
As a Certified Professional Mental Health Coach in training, my Four Pillars Model for Healing offers a compassionate framework for restoring balance, hope, and purpose.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:19 AM
C-MHC 101 set my foundation now: Four Pillars Model for Healing and Purpose. From 12 years lived, I pair ethics, boundaries, accountability with the Psychiatry Pillar, Therapy Pillar, Family Pillar, Faith Community Pillar. Published Nov. 9, 2025. Read: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/cmhc...
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night became my recovery map. These songs carried me through hospitalizations, jail, and weekly therapy since 2019. Science, faith, family, and accountability hit hard in every lyric. Published on Nov. 4, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/rock...
Songs of Strength: Healing Inspired by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
When words fall short, music becomes prayer. In this Pillar Post, I share how Rock & Roll Hall of Fame songs opened pathways to healing, renewal, and faith.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night became my recovery map. These songs carried me through hospitalizations, jail, and weekly therapy since 2019. Science, faith, family, and accountability hit hard in every lyric. Published on Nov. 4, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/rock...
VA Right Help, Right Now delivers: 988, mobile crisis units, and places to go. I thanked Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Four Pillars: Psychiatry Pillar, Therapy Pillar, Family Pillar, Faith Community Pillar. Published Oct. 30, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/righ...
Hope in Action: Virginia’s Commitment to Mental Health Care
My conversation with Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears today inspired me to share new thoughts on how Virginia’s Right Help, Right Now initiative is transforming care for families and communities.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:18 AM
VA Right Help, Right Now delivers: 988, mobile crisis units, and places to go. I thanked Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Four Pillars: Psychiatry Pillar, Therapy Pillar, Family Pillar, Faith Community Pillar. Published Oct. 30, 2025. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/righ...
Published Oct. 28, 2025. After returning from Guatemala, I was reminded that exhaustion is not failure but a signal to realign. This Pillar Post reflects on rest, stewardship, and how faith and science work together in healing. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/guat...
The Body Speaks: What Guatemala Reminded Me
From therapy to chiropractic care, exploring how God works through science to restore balance.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Published Oct. 28, 2025. After returning from Guatemala, I was reminded that exhaustion is not failure but a signal to realign. This Pillar Post reflects on rest, stewardship, and how faith and science work together in healing. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/guat...
Hope Still Sings is my Fall 2025 playlist for healing and renewal, published Oct 24, 2025. Each track reflects my journey with faith, growth, and mental health. If you need strength or clarity, this playlist walks with you. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/fall...
Hope Still Sings: A Fall 2025 Playlist for Healing
My Four Pillars of Psychiatry, Therapy, Family, and Faith inspired the music in my Fall 2025 playlist, a healing toolbox filled with hope.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Hope Still Sings is my Fall 2025 playlist for healing and renewal, published Oct 24, 2025. Each track reflects my journey with faith, growth, and mental health. If you need strength or clarity, this playlist walks with you. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/fall...
This Pillar Post, published Oct 9 2025, reflects on how FFA, faith, and my mountain roots planted the first seeds of leadership in my life. The lessons, mentors, and memories that shaped me then continue to guide my purpose, growth, and healing today. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ffa
Seeds of Leadership: Lessons from FFA and Faith
A heartfelt reflection on how childhood memories, FFA experiences, and faith shaped a journey of leadership, community, and mental resilience through the lens of agriculture.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:17 PM
This Pillar Post, published Oct 9 2025, reflects on how FFA, faith, and my mountain roots planted the first seeds of leadership in my life. The lessons, mentors, and memories that shaped me then continue to guide my purpose, growth, and healing today. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/ffa
This Pillar Post, published Aug 19 2025, reflects my search for meaning through mental health struggles and shame. It is a reflection on how God led me forward through the Four P’s: Power, Perspective, Passion, and Purpose. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/4ps
The Path of the Four P’s: Walking with Christ
Discovering Power, Perspective, Passion, and Purpose
www.christopheraldana.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:14 PM
This Pillar Post, published Aug 19 2025, reflects my search for meaning through mental health struggles and shame. It is a reflection on how God led me forward through the Four P’s: Power, Perspective, Passion, and Purpose. Read here: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/4ps
My healing comes from pillars, not just medicine. A simple gym membership became a lifeline in my mental health journey. Showing up brings clarity and balance, and the sauna, steam room, and cold shower help me reset my mind and body. Published Oct 4, 2025. Read: christopheraldana.com/pillars/gym
More Than a Workout: Building Mental Strength in the Gym
How a simple membership became a vital lifeline in my mental health journey.
christopheraldana.com
December 7, 2025 at 10:58 PM
My healing comes from pillars, not just medicine. A simple gym membership became a lifeline in my mental health journey. Showing up brings clarity and balance, and the sauna, steam room, and cold shower help me reset my mind and body. Published Oct 4, 2025. Read: christopheraldana.com/pillars/gym
My healing comes from pillars, not just pills. Bipolar disorder is chronic and shaped by brain chemistry. Medication helps, and psychiatry, therapy, family, and my faith community give me real stability. This Pillar Post was published Sept. 23, 2025. Read: christopheraldana.com/pillars/notjustpills
Pillars, Not Just Pills: The Healing Journey Is Complex
Pillars, Not Just Pills: The Healing Journey Is Complex
christopheraldana.com
December 7, 2025 at 10:54 PM
My healing comes from pillars, not just pills. Bipolar disorder is chronic and shaped by brain chemistry. Medication helps, and psychiatry, therapy, family, and my faith community give me real stability. This Pillar Post was published Sept. 23, 2025. Read: christopheraldana.com/pillars/notjustpills
This Pillar Post, published Sept. 5, 2025, shares how thirteen medications, tough side effects, and psychiatric treatment shaped my path to stability. Having patience in the process helped me heal and move forward with the Four Pillars. Read the full post: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/pati...
Healing Takes Time: The Psychiatry Pillar and the Power of Patience
Why patience is key to healing and recovery in psychiatry.
www.christopheraldana.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:10 PM
This Pillar Post, published Sept. 5, 2025, shares how thirteen medications, tough side effects, and psychiatric treatment shaped my path to stability. Having patience in the process helped me heal and move forward with the Four Pillars. Read the full post: www.christopheraldana.com/pillars/pati...